I watched Pride and Prejudice (1995) for the first time ever last summer and almost instantly formed my opinion-- I disliked Pride and Prejudice and couldn't understand everyone's unmovable attachment to the story, and mostly, to Mr. Darcy. However, after seeing part of the one from 1980, the lovely and light hearted '49 versoin, and the gorgeous albeit faulty film starring Kiera Knightly, it became clear to me that I did like Pride and Prejudice itself after all, but rather, my previous disdain for it had only been an unrealized apathy for Mr. Darcy-- and Mr. Darcy alone.
"You don't understand Darcy."
I'm told this all the time, and it's absolutely false-- false, that is, after finally having some friends explain Darcy to me in a way that it actually made sense. So while I do understand Darcy in a positive light, and am ever willing to understand him more, my personal belief remains: Mr. Darcy is overrated. Sure, it was noble and heroic of him to set two sinners straight... to be a man and stand up for what's right... for possessing his sweet love toward his sister. Like most Austen men, he was honorable and good. But oh so un-thrilling. Loving a woman in not an act of heroism. And that's all Austen is about. Love. No harrowing experiences, no tragedy, no reality. Just love, and fluff, and who likes who and who dislike who and who hosts more English Country Dance balls and who doesn't. It frustrates me to no end.
of heart, passion, and soul.
I'm really proud of the acting skills of Matthew McFayden and Colin Firth-- they portrayed Darcy sublimely. No heart, no passion, no soul. Because that's precisely who Darcy is... totally opposite of the love sick, melodramatic hero of a what a fictional classic is and should be. Typically, I am unimpressed by Austen men, and bemoan the fact that the bad guys have all the good qualities-- think of Willoughy with that gorgeous vivacious, colorful spirit of his- while Edward Ferrars is timid and bumbling. Mr. Darcy, for one, as almost zero personality; I mean, Gilbert Blythe is more interesting than he. I'm picturing Matthew McFayden at the end of the 2005 film, blubbering through his final proposal, asking Lizzy to end his agony, reaffirming his love for her. Romantic words, yet with a sad lack of the drama and fervor of a properly desperate, beseeching proposal of a truly ultimate hero.
it's a Regency thing.
I realize that the Regency theme is going to frame the entire world of Austen in a completely different aspect than the French Revolution would A Tale of Two Cities. For example, in Pride and Prejudice there are no guillotines for Darcy to sacrifice his life on. This is probably why something like North and South so heartily appeals to me-- it was honest, rough, real, and the romance was there, making it a thrilling story. Think for a minute. There are so many other stories that exceed Pride and Prejudice a thousand fold as far as romance and heroic men go-- try Mr. Thornton, Sir Percy Blankeny, or Sydney Carton. When it comes to fiction, I like reality. There can love, their can be fluff and frills and dances, but there has to be... there must be... reality somewhere among the pretty, petty chaos of old fashioned romance. I need excitement, depth, and grit to have a truly gripping and enthralling tale, and have come to the conclusion that the whole Regency fantasy simply does not grab my fancy. I like heroic heroes that are going to do really obviously amazing things, not spend their days gallivanting to dances and sipping tea. I like men that are going to get out there and get dirty and die for their women and make a difference in this world. Pride and Prejudice and anything Jane Austen for that matter is an unrealistic, cotton-candied version of romance, void of the dashing, sword-wielding, fairytale heroes we all grew up with. I like Pride and Prejudice, don't get wrong. But personally, as a girl, it doesn't grab my affections or my infatuation.
Austen-only.
There are hordes of committed Darcy fans and devout Austin-ites. The strongly-influncing winds of Jane Austen that have swept everyone troubles me. The reverence for Darcy is extreme and far fetched to the point of people believing he is the one and only ideal hero and gentlemen in the world of fiction as well as in real life. I think it's a massive downpour of peer pressure among homeschoolers in particular. What has caused it in realms outside of homeschooling, I have no clue, but I observed that the obsession is just as severe.
marry Mr. Darcy?
Girls all want their own Mr. Darcy. But the questions stills stares me bold in the face, and it's a question I'll be grappling until eternity. Why Mr. Darcy? When and where did this trend begin? Why are we taking fictional "heroes" like Austen men, Mr. Darcy, namely, this seriously?
marry Mr. Darcy?
Girls all want their own Mr. Darcy. But the questions stills stares me bold in the face, and it's a question I'll be grappling until eternity. Why Mr. Darcy? When and where did this trend begin? Why are we taking fictional "heroes" like Austen men, Mr. Darcy, namely, this seriously?
My rant for the day. =) This post is not targeted at anyone personally, but please be courteous in your comments.
-anna
42 comments:
Okay. Here is my thoughts on this post.
1) When it comes to the obsessive fandom, I agree. In fact, I am not a Darcy-ite. I am a Brandon-ite, if I am any sort of fangirl in the world of Austen. I much prefer Col. Brandon to Darcy, which has always caused some raised eyebrows in the world of my homeschool Austin fan friends.
2) Darcy is indeed an honourable man, and in a world where honour is hard to come by and men are more focused on themselves than on the welfare of the women in their lives, Darcy is a good model for which to strive. However, he is not the end-all in the realm of gentlemen.
3) For men, fictional heroes are so appealing for us is because they are written TO BE appealing. It's why we're drawn to men made of ink and paper. They are written to draw us in. I see nothing wrong in this, please understand. As a writer, I want my characters to draw affection and love, as much as they have from me.
Does this make sense?
Other than Col. Brandon and a bit of Bingley, I am FAR MORE drawn to a stronger, more swashbuckling man...men like Wesley from the Princess Bride, one of the Kings of Narnia (Tirian, Caspian, Edmund, and even Eustace), or Flynn Rider from Tangled.
Oh, and one more note on this very long comment. I am a married woman, yes. That does not mean I cannot admire and enjoy the qualities of these fictional men. I am not IN LOVE with them. I admire them. My husband understands this, and loves me for it...just in case that point decides to rear its head at me.
*faints from sheer joy*
Finally! I thought I was the Lone Ranger on this subject! For years I have been told that I misunderstood Austen. I even had a blog completely explode out from under me due to a post I did on this.
Thank you so much for standing up and being willing to talk about reality. I'm cheering for you. : )
-anna
this year, i had to read pride and prejudice. i was very bored and mr.darcy was my least favorite charactor.
our mother then decided to make us watch the movie (2005), in convincing us that it would put the story in a way that i would enjoy.
well, the story ended up being ok, but i still didn't like darcy. he stayed his normal previously described self.
in short, i am in agreement.
-austin
I'm not really a Darcy fan either. I like Darcy, I don't have anything against him, he's just not the hero that I fall for. I actually prefer Edward Ferrars and Henry Tilney.... :-P
A thought though on reality. What do you mean by reality? Daring escapes, epic battles, undercover rescues in disguise, are wonderful and I love that type of story, but that's not reality... Actually, Jane Austen's world of meeting people at social gatherings (or church or whatever), going to visit friends, putting up with difficult family members, struggling to survive amidst poverty and change, falling in love gradually over time as one gets to know another as opposed to through a heroic adventure with someone.... that is the reality most of us live in (excepting the difference of eras and cultures). Which is, I think, what makes some people enjoy Jane so much and identify with her characters... they and their situations are very real. (I could write a whole post on the almost scary similarities between my family and the Dashwoods' ;-P actually I did, but it needs updated ;-) )
Also, I don't think they're all about love, I think the movies have made it seem more like they are... but they're so much more than that. Wit, satire, families, people, society, righteous conduct versus bad conduct, lots of morals and lessons.... That's what I tend to get out of the books more than just the love story. :-)
Again, that's not to say I don't enjoy adventurous stories like the ones you mentioned. :-) In fact, lately, I've been much more in the mood for an action movie like Captain America or Prince of Persia or something, as opposed to the quieter Jane Austen stories. (Oh, and Disney movies... ;-) ) It's kind of a mood thing for me, I guess. ;-P It comes and goes. :-)
I am one of the Mr. Darcy fans,(I am also and ardent North & South fan, more than I am a P&P) and Austen fans. I can very well see your point on this. I think it also has to do with personality. There are some kinds of books that don't make me fall all over them either, but make others. It is just a personality thing. I agree there is some pear pressure involved too. I am happy that you have come out and said what you think! Mr. Darcy I think does get a little over rated. I still think he is great, but not as great as everyone thinks he is.
~Elizabeth
PS. I think I would prefer to marry Mr. Thornton. ;)
Haha. Well, I'm glad you are still growing in maturity. Maybe later on you will see Darcy's better qualities. ;)
ha ha brave Anna! I'm afraid to speak my mind on such issues most of the time b/c people go ga-ga-nutty over these fictional characters. But the problem? They're *fictional*. That's why I never really liked romance stories. They're not real, and so many girls build up these expectations of finding a man like and they measure every guy they meet according to that standard... it' just unrealistic and unfair! I mean, let's think about it one minute... a romance story is most likely to have been written by a woman, therefor the hero is a figment of her imagination so DUH he's going to appeal to girls. and yes, these fictional heroes do appeal to the girly girl inside of me (as they are meant to), but I hope they never cloud my reality. My real-life hero is a real man with real flaws and he isn't going to always say the perfectly fluffiest thing (HA HA that would be lame anyway IMO!) and there will be hardships and I won't be disappointed :)
(note, I'm not saying that all girls who watch/read romantic stories have a warped sense of reality or really expect to marry a Mr Darcy... but it certainly lends itself to that and we must be careul. it IS like cotton candy)
I'm not a big fan of Darcy either. And your right hes un-thrilling all he does is love a girl and give up being disinherited by his aunt. The only guy of Austen I really liked was Mr.Knightly preferably the 2007 version.
I'm not a 'huge' fan of him,but out of all of JA men,so to speak hes my favorite character.
My dear, I love the fact that you are against the grain in this wonderful debate on Darcy. True, Darcy isn't a swashbuckling hero...true Darcy doesn't have the passion as the Pimpernel...true he isn't as romantic as other Austen men, but he is rather interesting.
I think the main lesson in P&P is to not judge a book by its cover. Both he and Lizzie judged one another before they had even spoken. Thus the title: Pride and Prejudice...he had too much pride and she was too prejudice. Austen wrote the book to show that such things must be overcome to find one's true love.
Darcy may not be rescuing aristos from France or cutting off magic hair. He is, rather, a reminder to all ladies to wait. Wait upon the right man, the one that God has for you. At least that is what I got from the book.
Imagine if Lizzie had run away with Wickham. Where would her life have been? In misery. She would have been living with a bitter man who could spin lovely stories of his misfortunes. She would have been miserable marrying her first love. A man who seems to have it all: heart, passion, and soul. But is only superficial and a man of no honor or nobility.
Do you see what I am trying to say? He might not be heroic like other Austen men, but Darcy is noble to say the least.
I am not knocking your opinion (Darcy is only #3 on my list of favorite fictional males, Sir Percy being #1), just stating why I admire him. :) I would urge that you read the book since it is astronomically better than ANY of the movie adaptations.
God bless and may your heart fall for more fictional men,
Lindsey
Hello, darlin!!!
Loverly post. Although I don't agree 100% with everything (but then, when do we? :-P), it's a fun post! :-)
I don't argue Darcy as a hero (like Rachel said, his honor is something a lot of guys could learn from now-a-days!) and Colin Firth is one of my favorite actors (not because he's Colin Firth AKA Darcy...just cuz I think he's an awesome, talent actor...his work in The King's Speech was magnificent), but I agree, I prefer the more...heroic heroes.
(And I was going to murder you if you didn't include Sir Percy on the list. Just so you know. Your life hung by a thread there for a bit.)
So. Yes, we may be a bit more unrealistic in our love for dueling, hair-breadth escaping, passionate-for-truth-and-justice loving, life-risking heroes. But what would the world be without 'em? :-)
Yup. Gimme Sir Percy over Mr. Darcy any day. The end. :-D
PS. But you must NOT make fun of the 2005 second proposal. I wuved it muchly. Minus the fact that Darcy was in his PJ's.
I love you AND Mr. Darcy simultaneously. =P =D
I don't know... I think it's more of a personal preference thing. Me, I prefer the nerdy, quiet, boring types to the "swashbuckling, dashing hero".
So Mr. Darcy appeals to me as a good, steady man. One who I could laugh about ironies and idiosyncrasies with, who would be a good dad and would rather sit with me and read a book than go on some daring adventure.
So what appeals to me about him is that he is good. He realizes he is in the wrong, and takes steps to change.
I might say "I want a Mr. Darcy!", but I am not actually basing any kind of relationship decision off of that character.
Ha! What a charming post, Anna=) My sentiments are very near your own - though I am fond of Darcy for Elizabeth's sake. Without her sparkling personality, however, Darcy would be a hopeless business.
I am a temperate lover of all things Jane Austen... meaning that while I adore her gorgeous witticisms and masterful character sketches, the endless plot of love disdained and love finally won over the prim hedges and vast manors of Regency England doesn't grab my affections, far less my infatuation. Give me Sir Percy, Malcom Grahame, Mr. Thornton, or Roy Rogers any day! =)
But while we're on the subject;
Mr. Knightly - ! Mr. Darcy would have looked like a miserable cabbage-leaf if they had attended a country ball together. Just think of Harriet, her feelings effectually maimed by a capricious and spiteful prig, rescued by an act of completely disinterested and gentlemanly kindness, while Elizabeth, though much better able to bear the same sort of treatment, received such at the very hands of the hero himself!
I always get a laugh when I think of that.
Mr Knightly is far my favorite male character in Austen's works, and my only quarrel with him is *why on earth did he fall for Emma?* =D
Blessings,
~Kellie~
Oh, you're not alone...
I totally agree - Mr. Thornton, Sir Percy and Sydney Carton are far, far superior to Mr. Darcy.
And North and South is my favorite period drama.
As far as Austen heroes go, I prefer Mr. Knightley.
Loved this post:)
I agree, agree, agree! I love Pride and Predujice the story, but Mr. Darcy is NOT the ideal hero every girl, it seems, makes him out to be.
(And Elizabeth? ME TOO. Mr. Thorton is kind of amazing.)
As Melanie said, the ordinary world of Jane Austen has more to do with reality than a tale of adventure. Sure, there were no guillotines for Darcy to sacrifice his life on. He did changed himself – which, for some men, would be a lot harder – and he went against his personality enough to deal with a man he despised, the man who tried to ruin his sister, and a woman that no sensible person could respect. Darcy is a REAL LIFE hero. Do you think that, for the guys of today, there have to be daring escapes, etc, before they can be considered heroes? Mr. Darcy – and all Austen heroes – do something not in any way less than that. They act like heroes in ordinary situations. You might not like a man who ‘sets two sinners straight, is a man who stands up for what’s right, and loves his sister, but that’s what REAL, good men are like. The dashing, sword-wielding fairytale heroes are all right for fairy tales (and I also find them very thrilling) but they’re not real. A man in the situation of most of the Austen heroes cannot die for the woman he loves (and should not, because it would just make her a lot sadder), but he can live for her and, personally, I think that would take more heroism than a death on the guillotine, chosen or not. They cannot change the whole world, but they can change the part of the world they live in. Consider Edmund Bertram. He is not one of my favourite heroes, but his desire to be a minister, leading his flock toward goodness and morality – that is a dream to change at least the part of the world he has contact with and can affect. And have you read Emma? Mr. Knightley is a supreme example of what I’m talking about. He does the best a man could do every situation he’s in.
You say, “And that's all Austen is about. Love. No harrowing experiences, no tragedy, no reality. Just love, and fluff, and who likes who and who dislike who and who hosts more English Country Dance balls and who doesn't. It frustrates me to no end.” I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but you don’t understand Austen. If you really understood, you would realize the tragedy, the reality, in her books. You say that a “love sick, melodramatic hero [is] what a fictional classic is and should be.” So the love of honourable gentleman is described as “Love, and fluff and who likes who and who dislikes who…..” while the lovesick melodramatic heroes have no such description. I think something’s mixed up here.
Sorry for my rant. I know you can’t reason people into liking someone, but I just had to answer this.
And one last question: have you actually READ Jane Austen? Your post talks about the adaptations, but, nice as they are, they’ll never carry the true spirit of Jane Austen.
Thank you for this post Anna! I now understand why I don't really like Austen's work. It's fine for real men to loving but, for me at least, they be men of action too. Hence I didn't like any of the male characters in P&P.
Sarah
p.s. I read the book. Never seen the movies.
I see where you are coming from & I do agree in many ways. I do like Mr. Darcy, though. I do feel he is misunderstood, but he's just not my type. As I think that is what you are saying about yourself. Its not the kinda guy you would be attracted to, maybe? I also see that many girls are wanting a Mr. Darcy & I feel the guys out there are intimidated by the pressure of having to live up to that. We know many in our own lives who are dreaming & not living in reality with this.
I for one like the 95 P&P, I do enjoy it, but its all of it lumped into one, not just Mr. D. I do find him to be quite boring. I love the way he turns around in the end though.
As far as the book P&P, I have tried reading it twice & both times I have put the book down as I find J. A. writing quite boring & not very well formed. Just my opinion. Maybe not true, but her writing does not appeal to me. The book is very difficult to get through. I began reading it this year once again, & back on the shelf it went.
Maybe its just me? haha.... Its just not my "cup of tea".
Maybe its just not the time period I am interested in, perhaps.
I do feel that much hoopla has been stirred about Mr. Darcy & I cant figure it out either. It is huge in the home schooling realm I know.
I personally like Col. B. the best & I feel he does not get the credit he should. That is a man of character, yet, he is not recognized. Mr. B. has a wonderful personality, I adore him too.
Just ranting & making no sense, still, a few thoughts from me.
@ Maria Elizabeth: I'll agree that this was a hastily written post (as the authors sister, I can say that. ;) ) Anna was so eager to get her thoughts out in the open, she didn't take all the time she should in wording her appeal. Just sayin'. I know she isn't thinking of "real life" situations when it comes to swashbuckling heroes; men of fiction is a different matter. All she's trying to say (and I agree!) is that HER personal preference when it comes to heroes are the exciting, dashing, HEROIC type.
I hear what your saying as far as Mr. Darcy being a gentlemen, etc, etc. Its always the same argument over, and over, and over again - however, while I agree, it doesn't answer the question: WHY has the character of Mr. Darcy swept the home schooling community?
I don't think there's anything wrong with looking to fictitious characters as role models/examples, but ladies - this is the REAL world. We have to be so careful not to become caught up in a fantasy land. I hate to break it to you, but Mr. Darcy ISN'T a living, breathing, real-life soul. He's fake. I really think its so dangerous to expect "REAL" men to fall into the-perfect-gentlemen- Mr. Darcy category. Everyone has sin...and no, there probably aren't many "Mr. Darcy's" out there. Makes me wonder why so many home school girls are single...maybe we're looking for perfection?
That aside...the character of Mr. Darcy doesn't appeal to me - one, I tend to shy away from cliques and trends. Mr. Darcy is a HUGE obsession in and out of the home school realm. Its just interesting to me. ;) Plus he is majorly boring. Yeah, he's a gentlemen, yeah, he's honorable...but oh so dry and stuffy. Lemme just admit right here and now that I ADORE Mr. Willoughby. :ducks and runs: HE'S the misunderstood guy in the outfit. :P hehe
So basically, I don't get it. Its funny, speaking of heroes...right now my family and I are watching a PBS documentary about 15 people who chose to live, dress, and work like ranchers/cowboys in 1867 Texas. FASCINATING. The really exciting part? Everything that happened is REAL LIFE - no acting, no "pretend" scenarios. Throughout the show its easy to separate the villains and heroes...One of the heroes? A Christian, home schooled young man... Ladies, there *are* REAL men out there who have honorable character, who are manly leaders. Why do we look to Mr. Darcy as the ultimate man? - not judging anyone or even assuming anything...just pointing out a few things I learned. Believe me, when I step back and look around at the state of most "real-life" men, things seem hopeless...men have lost their chivalry. Yet its so beautiful to think that there IS hope. We need to get our heads out of the clouds. ;)
Wow, this could have been a full-length article, its so long. And my, I hope it doesn't sound directed entirely to Maria Elizabeth, because it most certainly is not! :) I really enjoy debating and getting my thoughts out there...and no, I don't claim to own ANY wisdom whatsoever.
Fun conversation...thanks for posting, Kid!
hehe. I personally prefer Mr. Kinghtley myself, but I've nothing against Darcy, and I DO love the book (mainly because I find it funny- I do find Jane Austen witty)
As far as fiction goes, I do like more swashbuckling heroes, but I find the "swashbuckling hero" more unrealistic than Darcy. I mean, most of us are more likely to meet a Mr. Darcy than a Sir Percy or a Flynn Rider, if you know what I mean (not that I've lost hope...:)
Anyway, I'm starting to ramble. :) Have a nice day!
Hmmm... though I DO enjoy many Jane Austen movies, I would have to agree about most of your points on Mr. Darcy. I grew up on P&P, so I liked Mr. D until more recently. I still think he's a "good guy" as ficticious characters go and is quite honorable, but I prefer characters more like John Thorton from North and South. :) Or, better yet, not hanging my hopes on any literary man (who all seem to be a little too handsome and perfect).
I think there is a huge danger in being a radical fan of fictional characters. Our world is so different from the one of stories and movies. I'm so glad I wasn't "waiting for my Mr. Darcy" (or "my John Thorton") when my beau came into my life... that would have messed things up. That's not the issue you were addressing here, but I seem to be caught up in rambling (like your other commenters!). ;)
God bless!
Rachel
Just had to pipe in again...being this is one of my favorite subjects...
It's been said that Mr. Darcy is more "realistic" than the more swashbuckling heroes because he sits around and doesn't go off on crazy adventures that 99% of guys today would never have the opportunity to do. I have to disagree.
For those of us who love the daring life-risking hero, what is it about them that makes them that way? For me at least, it's not so much the dueling and danger (although those are deliciously lovely extra bits) but the reason *why* they did the dueling and danger - the fact that these are men who were willing to pay the ultimate price for what they believed in and for those they loved, that nothing was too dangerous, too risky, or too dear to them to stand in the way of what they knew was right.
And despite the fact that good godly young men are pretty rare, there *are* men like that out there, totally sold out for God and willing to do whatever necessary to protect and further the cause of Christ.
And that's pretty much equal to Sir Percy Blakeney epic heroic-ness to me. :-)
PS. Mrs. F's right, though...I think it all comes down to different taste. :-) Just please, girls, don't assume that a gal has a closer chance for a Darcy than any other hero just because they wield swords and have hairbreadth escapes and he didn't. :-)
I think that one of the reasons girls like Mr. Darcy is because he IS honourable and good like you said. There is so little of the amoung men these days. So I think that when girls see it they like it more. I must admit , I do like Darcy. I am not one of those 'I LOVE him and want to marry him' type of girls though. BTW. I love North and South too!! :)
-Anna
I'm not an over the top Darcy lover. I personally don't think he's all that heroic either. I like Sydney Carton for sure!!
Well, I'm not obsessed with Austen men, so at least I'm not guilty of that. However, I DO have a favorite... that is not Mr. Darcy (he comes in second place). Nope my favorite is Mr. Knightly.
~Stephanie
Have you actually read any Jane Austen novels? If not, it's very unfair to make statements such as: 'And that's all Austen is about. Love. No harrowing experiences, no tragedy, no reality. Just love, and fluff, and who likes who and who dislike who and who hosts more English Country Dance balls and who doesn't.' Even if you are simply going by the films, that statement is untrue. No harrowing experiences or tragedies? What about the Dashwoods being forced to move out of their much-loved house at the beginning of Sense and Sensibility after the death of Mr Dashwood? What about Fanny Price essentially being blackmailed into a marriage in Mansfield Park? What about Charlotte Lucas' loveless marriage to Mr Collins? What about Lydia? Do you honestly believe that she and Wickham will have a blissful, 'cotton-candied' marriage? These are all tragedies of sorts. Jane Austen is a very clever, witty author who does a good job of portraying the lives of middle and upper middle class women in the early nineteenth century, and the absolute need for them to marry in order to avoid social exclusion and/or poverty. To regard the books as being 'all about love and fluff' is to simply not understand them or the context in which they were written. I would strongly recommend that you try reading the books before making sweeping statements about them and their author.
Totally get your point! Of all the Austen heroes, Mr. Darcy is probably my least favorite. Why, is is BORING. Not quite sure why........
On the subject of Jane Austen style romance, I recently read a post on a young ladies blog that I found infinitely thought provoking. Here it is:
http://thoughtsandthimbles.blogspot.com/2008/06/lessons-in-love-from-jane-austen.html
Enjoy!
In Him,
Olivia
Anonymous @ 1:37pm said...
"Have you actually read any Jane Austen novels? If not, it's very unfair to make statements such as: 'And that's all Austen is about. Love. No harrowing experiences, no tragedy, no reality. Just love, and fluff, and who likes who and who dislike who and who hosts more English Country Dance balls and who doesn't.' Even if you are simply going by the films, that statement is untrue."
Not to mention, Jane Austen was actually writing satire of her time. She was making fun of the dramatic novels most people read and wrote in her day. It wasn't meant to be taken as a realistic description of her time (though I am sure there is some realism in the books).
"No harrowing experiences or tragedies? What about the Dashwoods being forced to move out of their much-loved house at the beginning of Sense and Sensibility after the death of Mr Dashwood? What about Fanny Price essentially being blackmailed into a marriage in Mansfield Park? What about Charlotte Lucas' loveless marriage to Mr Collins? What about Lydia? Do you honestly believe that she and Wickham will have a blissful, 'cotton-candied' marriage? These are all tragedies of sorts. Jane Austen is a very clever, witty author who does a good job of portraying the lives of middle and upper middle class women in the early nineteenth century, and the absolute need for them to marry in order to avoid social exclusion and/or poverty. To regard the books as being 'all about love and fluff' is to simply not understand them or the context in which they were written. I would strongly recommend that you try reading the books before making sweeping statements about them and their author."
I would agree here as well. :-) Also, I don't really see what the difference is between admiring the character of Mr. Darcy and admiring the character of Sir Percy Blankeny. They are both just characters and make one think "I'd like to marry a guy with ___ quality or who would do _____ for me."
I just saw the 2005 movie, and completely don't get the whole Darcy thing. The way you described it reminds me of the big twilight craze a few years ago. Only a homeschool-fied version. :P
That said, he's still my favorite from P&P. Just because of the dark-and-mysterious aspect. Beyond that... give me Flynn Rider any day. ^_^
I really enjoy reading your blog. I find it really interesting. especially this one lol
So you think its false when people say that you don't understand Mr. Darcy, just because several friends explained him to you? Making such a sweeping remark without ever having read the book is.... wrong and showing a lot of ignorance. Sure, you may not like Mr. Darcy in the movie adaptions of P&P, but that doesn't give you the right to say you understand him and thus are justified in your dislike. Please, I beg you to read the book before you say such things.
I know you love tragedy and heroic acts, but expecting that in Austen further shows that you just don't understand the spirit of her novels. She wasn't trying to make Mr. Darcy a man who fought against Napoleon in the battle of nations, or a man who, well, you get the point. I'm sure you know more about dramatic situations than I do. :) But the point it, just because you may not like her style, doesn't mean it is any better or worse than your soul-gripping tragedies. She was writing about daily life. Reality. Sure, strikes and Mr thorntons may be dramatic and all, but she wasn't trying to be dramatic. But neither was she just writing about love and fluff. Its a satire, and really, the movies just can't portray her wit and the pure genius of her written work. Read them, and maybe it will be clearer.
And, you even say that Darcy has no personality? Wow. that really is going a bit too far. Its hard to understand characters who don't wear their heart on their sleeve. If you want drama, go read sense and sensibility. There are near death experiences in that. Just because Mr Darcy conceals his feelings and emotions doesn't mean he is any less deep than your Mr. Thornton. It takes a lot to understand him, and the best place to begin is the book.
And I know you need excitement in your books, but really, look at your own life. How often do you have the opportunity to do these so called "real" heroic things? Yes, you may not like reading about daily life, but that is what Jane Austen is about. You may prefer the more spectacular and enticing novels, but that doesn't mean Jane Austen's works are only fluff. There was depth and meaning. Sure the 2005 version is rather chickflick-y for my taste, but the books are so different.
Lastly, have you ever considered there might be a reason for the huge love of pride and prejudice? I know, you probably think its only a precedent of the modern twilight. :) But really, it is SO much more. Please give it a chance, and then, a post like this would be justified!
haha, I hope I'm not being too forward in my opinions.... no offence intended. I enjoyed reading your views, and hope I can express my own. Goe bless :)
There are high prospects of an "enter Mr. Darcy (part 2)!!! So everyone, please check back, devour it, comment on it, etc.
Thanks to all for your feedback on part 1. :)
-Anna
I recently developed my own theory as to why ladies (young & old) in the homeschooling community tend to go particularly crazy about Mr. Darcy. I'll put this out there for your consideration and you can comment on it if you like: I think it's possible that he is seen as the perfect male role model because he keeps his feelings (PARTICULARLY romantic ones) under wraps, almost completely hidden from the people around him...which is exactly what many people in conservative home school social circles have been led to believe is the proper way to conduct a romantic "courtship". He's set up in stark contrast to people like Kitty, Lydia & Mr. Wickham (or even Marianne Dashwood in "Sense & Sensibility") each of whom lets themselves be carried about by their romantic feelings, to their own emotional detriment.
It seems like this would resonate strongly with people who have completely accepted all of the premises put forth (for example, by Josh Harris in "I Kissed Dating Goodbye") about the importance of guarding one's heart, maintaining emotional detachment until (and often well after, even) an official father-approved "courtship" has begun and/or some sort of commitment has been made. Not that I mean to criticize Mr. Harris' book too harshly; I think he has many good things to say about the dangers inherent in a continuing cycle of casual romantic hook-ups & break-ups (which seems to train people into an easy divorce mindset by encouraging young people to break off a relationship when things get hard or stop "working").
To me, a balance must be struck: some level of propriety & personal dignity is important, but you don't want to take it too far by trying to make people feel guilty for starting to develop feelings for someone (and possibly even letting them show a little bit) or wanting to have a little fun interacting with people of the opposite gender. You shouldn't be a flirt, but you probably don't want to be a stone statue either.
Someday soon my thoughts are coming on the whole Austen realism thing. I'm a fence rider, the more I think about it. :-P Can't wait for part two! :-)
I love Jane Austen's novels, but I DO NOT wanted to be grouped in a big bunch with the rest of her fans (don't call me a fan either). I don't like when things are popular in that way-it desecrates things to me. I don't think I am a blind Jane Austen fan. Jane Austen's stories ARE NOT SUPPOSED to be drama's-that was the point of her writing; in fact in Northanger Abbey she mocks the typical gothic dramas of her day. Her stories are not supposed to be considered romances-she did not consider them to be such-she like mocking people. I think people take her stories and characters to seriously. And as far as drama goes, I think that her characters are far more realistic than say the Scarlet Pimpernel. All this to say, perhaps you don't understand that he is not supposed to be amazing-it just everyone (those fans) make him supposed to me. I also do not think he is all that wonderful, and he is definitely not my favorite Jane Austen man(that would have to be either Captain Wentworth or Henry Tilney). If you want a hero don't look to Jane Austen; I think none of her characters are heros or heroines nor are they supposed to be. Now that I think about it most of her characters are not particularly charming in and of themselves as say Anne of Green Gables(I thought what you said about Gilbert was funny-L.M. Montgomery does have a true lover character development problem although her main character are nice) was. I think they were supposed to be normal. Sorry this was so rambling. I hope it was somewhat comprehensible.
Dear anna,
I have never been a follower of the "Mr.Darcy-is-AMAZING" cult, but neither have I given much thought to the matter... and yet- I totally agree!
Let's just be thankful that the "Mr.Darcy-is-AMAZING" cult is not as bad as that for Mr.Cullen of the Twilight saga, a book written by a woman who just doesn't understand real romance!
From,
SunshineChild (Evanna)
It seems strange to hear someone say they haven't seen the miniseries yet, Anna! Out of the four versions I've seen, the 1995 and recent feature film are the best.
Like many others said though, I think Mr. Darcy is truly a gentleman but I also like various other Austen characters, too. =)
Mr. Tilney has always been my favorite Austen hero... He just has so much more personality... But I must say I launched heartily when I read your post... You used "dashing, sword-wielding, fairy tale hero" to describe "realistic"... I found that a bit of a contradiction... But then, I have learned not to care about other people's opinions about classic literature... Their opinions are their opinions and my opinions are my opinions... :)
Your not alone! I really don't like Mr. Darcy AT ALL!!! Just like you said, he was cold and rather unfeeling, I think. I do like Pride and Prejudice, (1995! haha) but I don't like it because of Mr. Darcy. I like it because of Lizzy. She's just awesome in there! lol My older brother is always teasing his wife that "that's the type of guy girls want. The grand and gloomy style..." (he watched North and South, and that's where he got it from...) and she's always telling him NO! lol Thanks for doing this post! I thought my family and my sister-in-law's family were the only ones with our heads on straight! lol jk I'm just not like that about any of the Austen's guys (or any guy right now, real or fictional!). I'll find the guy God has for me when He wants me to find him, and I'm not going to be setting up this idea about what I want. God knows best. :)
Amy
http://anna-sendmeasong.blogspot.com/2011/08/enter-mr-darcy-part-2.html
^ part 2!!!!
As a full-fledged Janeite with not enough computer time, I'm not really going to comment on this (especially considering how many there already are), but I just wanted to say that I love what you said, Maria Elisabeth!! ;-)
44 comments? *faints* Okay, I'm just gonna throw out my carefully worded reply and say that I agree with Maria Elisabeth and Melody. And Alexandra, b/c it's not Colin Firth I admire, it's Darcy himself. I enjoyed reading your take on it though and I totally respect your opinion!
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