Brenda's Response to Northanger Abbey

1.     Northanger Abbey was first book Austen sold, but one of the last to be published. After reading four of her other novels, could you tell this was an earlier piece of work from Austen. Why or why not?

I felt as if I could tell that this novel was one of Jane Austen’s earlier pieces even before I new that is was.  It was an enjoyable read for me, but I just didn’t feel like the characters were as well thought out or as well developed as in the other novels we have read.  To me this almost seemed like a rough draft or a really extensive outline.  I think our main character, Catherine, was fairly well developed, but things like the love story didn’t seem quite complete to me.  It seemed forced and rushed and just not complete.  I enjoyed this novel, but I could definitely tell it was an early less mature work of Jane Austens.

2. Imagination played a large role in Catherine's character, did you find this enjoyable to read or frustrating?

Well, I have to be honest, in the very beginning I found Catherine’s imagination very hard to understand.  For example it took me a while to understand that she was flashing in and out of a novel she loved.  Thank goodness for spark notes at times like this.   But once I got the rhythm of the writing and the story line established, I really enjoyed the different style of writing that this novel was presenting to us.   I loved that this main character had such an active imagination.  I loved that she liked to read and that she found the stories to be so realistic in her head.  I found Catherine a very interesting character, and a very different character in comparison to the other Jane Austen characters we have read.    

3. Do you believe Northanger Abbey is a love story or coming of age story? Explain.

I would definitely say a coming of age story.  I felt as if we the readers took a journey in the maturing of Catherine.  Her early ideals and thoughts seemed very immature but as the story progressed the silly girlhood notions were shaken from her a bit and reality set in and by the end she was a much more mature young lady and not so much a little girl with her head in the clouds.   As for the "Love Story".....once again Jane Austen has disappointed me.  It still confuses me how she can write in such rich detail everything about these characters, but when it comes to the climax of the love story she just blurts it out and moves on.   This one especially lacked any kind of touching moment, any kind of feeling of real love, any kind of romance.   In fact I almost missed the fact that they do get together in the end, it was that vague and non impressive.  I think in the second to the last chapter there was only one line that referred to a proposal.  ONE LINE!!!!!!!  I really didn't feel anything in the way of a real love story in this book.  I felt as if she just threw that in there at the end because she thought she had to or something.  The "Love Story" seemed very under-developed to me. 


4.  How does Catherine Morland compare to Austen's other heroines that we have read? 

Catherine seems younger, more immature, less developed.  All the other female heroines we have read so far seemed to know themselves more then Catherine does.  They seemed to have bigger experiences then Catherine did. They seemed more self-confident.  More mature.  Catherine was different, yet interesting, but overall I felt as if she was much less developed as a character then say Elizabeth or Jane Bennett.

5. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 

Oh goodness…….Ummm……I always seem to be able to relate to at least one of the characters in the stories we have read so far, but this time it was a little more difficult. I guess on some levels I can relate to Catherine.  I have a vivid imagination and I think she does too.  But other then that I don’t really think I personally related to the characters of this book as much as I have with others.    

6. Would you recommend this novel to a friend?

Oh Yes, I definitely would.  It was a wonderful read, it kept my interest it had twists and turns, and I would recommend this to anyone.  Jane Austen is a brilliant writer.   

Brenda's closing thoughts........

Ahhhhh.....another Jane Austen novel under our belt.  It's hard to believe we are now starting our last Jane Austen Novel...Persuasion.  I'm starting to feel sad that our year with Jane Austen is almost at an end. It's such a pleasure reading such a gifted writers work.

Thank You again Rachel for your up keep of our blog.  I'm looking very forward to reading what you and everyone else have to say about Northanger Abbey.   I'm sorry if my answers seem short this time, I guess I didn't have much to say.....short book, short answers I guess ha ha ha.

Onto Persuasion.............I LOVE BOOK CLUB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachel's Response to Northanger Abbey

1. Northanger Abbey was first book Austen sold, but one of the last to be published. After reading four of her other novels, could you tell this was an earlier piece of work from Austen. Why or why not? 
After reading four of her other novels, I could tell this was written differently. It is hard to describe, but the whole vibe of the novel felt younger, innocent, and more naïve compared to her other novels. The material/story was light, not heavy or complicated, had more of an adventurous spirit and an overall easier read for me. I think the young simplistic wild imagination that was constantly throughout the novel made it feel as though it had a younger vibe. Another reason why it might have felt younger was because Catherine, the main heroine, was written younger. She was very daft, naïve, and oblivious to what was happening around her. So maybe the younger feel of the novel came from the innocence’s of Catherine’s character.

2. Imagination played a large role in Catherine's character, did you find this enjoyable to read or frustrating?
As the reader you are constantly jumping in and out of Catherine’s imagination. Whether she is imaging people high jacking her carriage, or trying to uncover hidden secrets of Northanger Abbey (e.g. trying to find secret manuscripts or trying to discover what really happened to Mrs.  Tinley). I wouldn’t say it was frustrating to read, as a matter of fact, I quiet enjoyed this novel and one of the main reasons why was because of Catherine’s imagination. Putting Austen novels aside, I can’t think of another book that I have read that was similar to this story line. It was unique and definitely kept my interest. It was a bit confusing in the beginning trying to figure out what was actually happening verses what was in her imagination. But once you figure it out it makes it very enjoyable to read.

3. Do you believe Northanger Abbey is a love story or coming of age story? Explain.
I would say this is definitely not a love story, but a coming of age story. It was kind of awkward how Austen threw in the engagement between Henry and Catherine all of a sudden in the end. I had to re-read the engagement part a few times because I didn’t even realized he proposed until I read spark notes. I also found it weird that he realized he loved her only because he knew that she loved him. Shouldn't one fall in love with a person because you can’t imagine your life without them and that you care greatly for them, and not solely based on the fact you found out that they love you? I thought that part was a little weird and wasn’t romantic at all. I do feel as if this was a coming of age story for Catherine. We followed her growing up through her imagination. She starts off the novel full of reading books, and to a certain extent, becoming too engrossed in them and actually believing it is happening to her all the way to the end of the novel when she takes her imagination to another level by accusing General Tinley of murdering his wife, which forces her to realize she has taken things too far and as a result tones down her imagination.

4. How does Catherine Morland compare to Austen's other heroines that we have read?
She is young, oblivious, daft, innocent, and has a wild imagination. Most of Austen’s heroines are strong female characters that are often preoccupied with trying to improve their social status and marry a rich handsome man. Catherine was very different in the sense that she was more interested in reading, adventures, and exploring rather than focusing on finding a husband or worrying about fortune or her future.

5. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how
Yes and no. I was not able to relate to these characters in the way I have been able to relate to Austen characters in the past four novels we have read. While I was reading Catherine’s character it brought me back to childhood and reminded me of the innocence that comes with childhood and letting my imagination run wild. While other Austen characters inspire me, or remind me of where I’m at during this time in my life, I was able to relate to Catherine in a way of the past, and remembering how I was when I was younger, going through life full of imagination.  

6. Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
Yes, I definitely would. It was a quick read and was a very interesting gothic/imaginative/coming of age story. No, it wasn’t as romantic as Pride and Prejudice; no, it wasn’t laugh out loud as Emma was; and no, Henry Tinley is in no way close to becoming my literary boyfriend, Mr. Darcy has secured that status. But with all that said, this novel was full of adventure, wild youthful imagination, and gothic satire. It also doesn’t fit the typical Austen mold of girl trying to marry up. Great, interesting, and unique read!  


When I was reading the introduction to this novel, I found it interesting that this was the first novel Austen sold but it was never published. Instead Austen bought it back from the publishers and it was released posthumously.  I wonder why the publishers never published the novel, was in too controversial? Did they not think it would be the right fit for their readers? Or did they just forget they bought it? I guess we will never know, but it still makes me wonder why they never published this novel after they bought it.
Anyways, switching gears a bit, my mom and I watch the masterpiece theater movie of Northanger Abbey and I must say I thought the movie was really well done. I highly recommend this movie version of Northanger Abbey. It followed the novel pretty well, the acting was good, and the costumes/scenery was so beautiful.
OhMyGosh can you believe it? Only one more Austen novel to go! I am feeling bitter sweet about our next novel. I’m very excited to read Persuasion, I’ve been looking forward to this novel ever since we started our Austen series for the book club, but at the same time I’m sad to be wrapping up Austen.  But I am thoroughly enjoying this book club! I’m so glad you all are a part of it!!! I cannot wait to read everyone’s responses to Northanger Abbey and see what everyone thought about it.
Till next time,
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Discussion Questions for Northanger Abbey

1. Northanger Abbey was first book Austen sold, but one of the last to be published. After reading four of her other novels, could you tell this was an earlier piece of work from Austen. Why or why not?

2. Imagination played a large role in Catherine's character, did you find this enjoyable to read or frustrating?

3. Do you believe Northanger Abbey is a love story or coming of age story? Explain.


4.  How does Catherine Morland compare to Austen's other heroines that we have read? 

5. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 

6. Would you recommend this novel to a friend?

Brenda's Response to Emma

1. Jane Austen called Emma "A heroin whom nobody but myself will like much" Did you find Emma a likable character or not? 

I found Emma to be a very likable character. I found her funny and found myself actually laughing out loud at many parts of this book.   Maybe Jane Austen thought this character Emma would be annoying to people, and frustrating for us to read because she seems to get herself into such pickles, and the narrator of the novel tends to clue us into what is going on where as Emma has no clue sometimes thus increasing our frustration.  But I personally really found Emma amusing and like her very much.

2. What were your impressions of Mr. Knightley? 

I thought he was staunch, manly, no nonsense, logical, intelligent, serious, wealthy, cautious in matter of the heart, a lot like Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.  I liked him a lot, but not as much as Mr. Darcy.  No one is as wonderful as Mr. Darcy...Ahhhh......The thing that struck me the most was his unconditional friendship and love for Emma.  He always seemed like the one and only "real" person in her life, the one that would always be a voice of reality for Emma.  He seemed to be the only character in this novel who finds fault with Emma.  Yet he also always seemed to have Love in his heart for her too. 

3. Do you believe Emma is a truly good friend to Harriet? and Do you think Harriet benefits from her friendship with Emma?

I do feel that Emma did on some level care about Harriet.  I do think that Emma was able to bring things and people into Harriet's life that Harriet on her own would have never experienced or met.  But was she truly a good friend....Hummmmm....I don't know.  I'm leaning towards NO.  Emma put on certain aires, and had a certain level of arrogance that made it seem as if she thought she was better then Harriet in every way.  Emma seemed to believe that it was only because of her that Harriet could have a happy life.  But, in the end Harriet stayed true to herself and you get the feeling that overall she really didn't need Emma after all.   Harriet ended up where she would have been had she never even met Emma.  So although Emma did provide Harriet with a friendship I don't know that the friendship was that healthy of one for Harriet.  But this friendship certainly did demonstrate the class differences and how people of that era didn't mingle outside of their class much and how awkward it was if they did. 

4. Two characters, Mrs. Elton and Frank Churchill, come into Highbury from the outside and threaten the little community with change. Mr. Knightley likes neither of them. How do you feel about them? 

Ummm...Mrs Elton:  She was not a character I liked very much at all.  And I completely side with Mr. Knightley in not liking her.  Frank Churchill:  I don't know, was he supposed to be the "bad guy" of this novel?   To me he just seemed rude, obnoxious, manipulative, not my favorite character, but a definite contrasting character to Mr. Knightly and an interesting dilemma for Emma.  

5. What did you think of the different Love Stories in this novel? 

Once again I felt like the build up didn't quite match the "big moment"  I wanted more details.  We seem to have the usual stories though, Mr Knightley and Emma....the opposites that finally get together in the end.  Mr. Martin and Harriet, the second most interesting romance, but the more boring feel good less romantic one, but yet one based on true love.  Then there is the match of the social class but no real love connection Mr. and Mrs. Elton.  So the love story kind of fits the usual formula of writing for Jane Austen.  But I did enjoy these various stories, there was always a lot going on and the misinterpretations within the relationships and the setting up of the relationships through her writing, were at times really funny to read. 

 

6. The theme of Emma seems to be misinterpretations. Emma is filled with characters misunderstanding each other. To what extent do we as the reader share in the misunderstandings? And how does it guide our interpretation of the characters? 

I believe that we as the reader share in the misinterpretations because of how it is written.  We as the reader are clued in so often as to what is going on before our main character Emma figures out what's going on.  For example, we are (from Emma's point of view) lead to believe she is some sort of love guru, a self proclaimed matchmaker whom in her mind never fails....but from the narrators point of view Emma is really clueless in love matters.....for example her determination that Harriet be matched to Mr. Elton yet having no real clue as to where Harriet's heart really was or Mr. Elton's for that matter.  There is also the example of Emma's own personal love situations...Emma and Frank, Emma and Mr. Knightley, Emma and Mr Elton (oh my gosh, I laughed so hard when Mr. Elton proposed to her and her response was so funny she seemed so irritated so clueless!!!! ha ha ha I still giggle).   The mixing of the social classes seemed to play a major role in the misinterpretations of this novel too.  Which again I found funny.   (did that make sense???)   

7. How does Humor play a role in this novel? 

I think this is Jane Austen's most Humorous, most Comical novel yet.  I laughed so hard in some places, like out loud laughing.   And I don't do that very often when reading a book.  So I think Humor played a HUGE role in this novel and it gave us a different look at the creative genius that is Jane Austen.  The cluelessness of the character Emma was brilliant humor.   

8. What is the role of class in this novel? How does it change throughout the novel? And is the class system in this novel rigid or flexible?

To me, in the end, it seems like it is a pretty rigid class system.  But throughout the story there are moments of flexible class mingling.   There is the feeling that the classes mingle, going in and out of each others lives throughout, but in the end everyone is just comfortable with their own class and sticks with their own class.  It was the mingling of the classes which made for some very funny scenarios in this story. But as usual Jane did point out to us that there is definitely a rigid class system.  I think the most upsetting scenario for me in relation to the class system of this book was in the end when we were left to feel as though Harriet and Emma would no longer be friends because of Harriet's final decision to marry within her class, which was a lower class then Emma was in.   I just feel sad that based solely on class these two felt as if they could no loner mingle or be friends.   It seemed very snobby to me.   But based on all the Austen novels we have read so far, class always plays a very big important role in her stories, so it much have been a very important thing in her time period.   

9. Did you like the ending of this story? Why or why not? 

I guess I did.  I thought this time Jane Austen tied up the loose ends a little better then in previous novels.  And it seemed like in the end everyone ended up with the one they were supposed to be with.  But as I stated in the question above, I was a little bothered by the way things ended up for Harriet and Emma.   I had hoped that maybe Emma would have grown as a person more by the end and realized that her friendship with Harriet was something special and that she would feel like she could continue it even with their class and marital differences.  I just found that part sad.  

10. How does Emma Compare to the other Jane Austen novels we've read?

Emma is the funniest one so far.   I felt Emma touched me in a different way then the other Austen novels have so far.  I felt like Emma did some things that were awkward and embarrassing and I think we all feel those times in life, so she was a relatable character.   I liked how the main love story between Emma and Mr. Knightley build up slowly throughout this novel.  I like the way they ended up with each other.  I felt like this love story was comparable to my all time favorite Pride and Prejudice (but not quite as wonderful, not quite as romantic, just comparable, P&P is still my favorite). 

11. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 

Hmmm....I would say I was most able to relate to Harriet I guess.  She was quieter and just trying hard to please others.  But in the end she stuck to what was really in her heart. 

12. Did you enjoy Emma? Would you recommend this novel to a friend? 

Yes, and Yes.....Jane Austen's novels seem to be so full of honest straightforward understanding of human nature.  I love that about Jane's writing I think that is why 200 years later these stories are still so popular for readers and I am thoroughly enjoying reading all her novels.  

Brenda’s closing thoughts…

Yay!!!….we have finished another Jane Austen Novel.  What a real sense of accomplishment this one was, just based on it’s size.  I’m looking forward to completing the final two.  I love being in the book club.  I am so happy we started this club. Thank You again Rachel for all your hard work in keeping us focused, posting our schedules, and posting the discussion questions....You are wonderful!!!!!  I’m sorry it took me so long this time to get to the questions, but I do enjoy the feeling of completion once I have answered them, and now I can't wait to see how you all answered these tough questions.  It’s fun to see our similarities and differences in how we interpreted the different novels.  I’m off to read what everyone else has posted now that I’m posted.  And I am looking forward to Northanger Abbey.    Till we meet here again……Happy Reading Ladies!!!!!!!!

 

Rachel's Response to Emma

1. Jane Austen called Emma "A heroin whom nobody but myself will like much" Did you find Emma a likable character or not? 

Emma isn’t your typical heroin; she is vain, selfish and thinks she is above everyone else. However, I LOVE Emma! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the things she said and some of the situations she got herself into. She was definitely an enjoyable character to read. I always found myself rooting for her even when she was being clueless or snobby. I think Austen had it wrong when she said that, I think Emma is a very likable character in a weird train wreck can’t stop reading about her kind of way. J

2. What were your impressions of Mr. Knightley? 

I always viewed Mr. Knightley as Emma’s guiding light. He never played into her “cleverness” or vanity. He wasn’t afraid to tell her the truth and open up her eyes. Gals (and maybe some guy readers… hey guys!) I have a confession; Mr. Knightly gave Mr. Darcy a run for his money with being my literary boyfriend. Mr. Knightley was so sweet and kindhearted. He thought of others, and was so protective and sympathetic, especially over women. For example, he asked Harriet to dance when he saw she was ashamed and embarrassed when Mr. Elton snubbed her at the dance, he stood up for Miss Bates when Emma mortified/embarrassed her in front of all their friends, and he even stood up for Jane Fairfax when everyone was putting her down due to her social standings and said she deserves their compassion. How can you not love Mr. Knightley?! He is such a caring gentleman and a lovely man. He is just who Emma needs, someone to love her unconditionally and be the person to steer her in the right direction. Even though Mr. Knightley did come somewhat close, Mr. Darcy will forever be my literary boyfriend…*Swoon*…let’s read Pride and Prejudice again... yes?

3. Do you believe Emma is a truly good friend to Harriet? and Do you think Harriet benefits from her friendship with Emma? 


To simply answer this question, no, I do not believe Emma was a truly good friend to Harriet. I also don’t think Harriet benefited one bit from her friendship with Emma. Throughout the novel their friendship seemed to have gone around in a big circle. Emma took Harriet on as a protégé trying to marry her up and improve her social standing taking her away from someone who was well suited for her and who she liked as well. Emma was not taking Harriet’s feeling into consideration, in the end we all know that Harriet ends up with Mr. Martin and Emma is left thinking their friendship will be different with Harriet being in a lower class than her. So see full circle, at the end they end up in the same spot they started. Harriet never seemed to benefit from Emma’s friendship, she did get a glimpse into Emma’s world, but Emma’s world was never that friendly to her. I do think Emma’s intensions where in the right place but they were poorly followed through.  

4. Two characters, Mrs. Elton and Frank Churchill, come into Highbury from the outside and threaten the little community with change. Mr. Knightley likes neither of them. How do you feel about them? 

Frank Churchill: I never saw him as a bad or particularly good character. He was a bit sneaky and misguided Emma and us as the reader into thinking he had feelings for her. But it seemed like him and Emma were better off as friends, they would not have made a good match.
Mrs. Elton: She came in balls to the wall (pardon my vulgar expression haha) you could tell she was use to a certain life style and likes all attention on her. She wasn’t the most likable character. I don’t blame Mr. Knightley for not taking to her.    

5. What did you think of the different Love Stories in this novel? 

O man, there were so many misguided relationships throughout this novel (Emma’s and Mr. Elton; Harriet and Mr. Elton; Harriett and Mr. Knightley; Mr. Martin and Harriet; Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax; Emma and Frank). However, there were relationships that came out of all the misguided ones. These relationships were unique in their own way. Emma and Mr. Knightley were opposites that work and mesh well together. Mr. Martin and Harriet are a perfect fit that just took awhile to find and come together. Mr. Elton and Mrs. Elton are in a loveless marriage (I’m assuming) and just married for money and social standings (there is always one of these matches in Austen novels). Frank and Jane have a relationship that started off in secret but they seem to care about each other and are a good match. I noticed that compared to other Austen novels, you see more well matched up couples and more matches that revolve around love verse moving up in social standings or marrying for money, etc.  It was refreshing to read.

6. The theme of Emma seems to be misinterpretations. Emma is filled with characters misunderstanding each other. To what extent do we as the reader share in the misunderstandings? And how does it guide our interpretation of the characters? 

Misunderstandings are definitely the theme throughout Emma. Austen cleverly wrote some of the misunderstandings which also brought us, the reader, into it them too. The twists Austen wrote throughout the novel made it for an interesting and at times laugh out loud read. Some of the misunderstandings we read about are Frank and Emma seem to be starting a romance but then we find out Frank and Jane are secretly engaged, Mr. Knightley is misguided into disliking Frank because he is in love with Emma and he believes Frank and Emma are in love, and also Emma believes Mr. Elton is falling for Harriet but really he is in love with her and even proposes! O man I must confess I laughed so hard at Emma’s reaction to Mr. Elton’s proposal... haha good stuff Jane Austen… Good stuff.  I think the misunderstandings made this novel very relatable to our everyday lives. We are always confronted with misunderstanding about events or someone’s intensions so it is easy to picture some of the things we read about happening in our lives. Most of the misinterpretations came from characters not fully being able to express how they truly feel due to various situations mostly revolving around approval from their fellow peers/social circle, which is how most misunderstandings come about.

7. How does Humor play a role in this novel? 

O man this book was awesome and by far the funniest Austen novel we have read so far. I think the misunderstanding throughout the novel created for the most humor. The comedy comes from the error in judgment made by the characters, and boy was there a lot of that. One example, of them many throughout the novel, was Emma’s attempts at match making. That created for some awkward and fun situations throughout the novel. But this baby is packed with comedic material. …. seriously readers of this blog if you haven’t read Emma yet go out right now buy it and start reading, you can thank me later.   

8. What is the role of class in this novel? How does it change throughout the novel? And is the class system in this novel rigid or flexible?


The class system seemed to be both rigid and flexible depending on the circumstance. It seemed flexible when Emma was trying to move Harriet up in her social standing and people seemed to be somewhat accepting of her when she would accompany Emma. Then at the end of the novel it seemed very rigid when Emma was reflecting on her and Harriet’s friendship and how they couldn’t be as close due to her being married to Mr. Martin which was a lower social standing than her. When I read this I didn’t understand why Emma would think that, I don’t see how her marrying Mr. Martin would change anything between them. Class and moving up in social standings always seems to play a role in Austen novels. That why it’s fun to read all of an authors work at once because you pick up on themes and characteristics that they use throughout all their novels. I know my mom and I have talked about this, but it’s fun because you get a peek into the authors mind and what must have been important or big events during the time period the author lived in. 

9. Did you like the ending of this story? Why or why not? 

Yes and no. Yes, because I am happy everyone who ended up together seemed to have been meant for each other. Austen did a good job of wrapping up the end of the novel nicely compared to other novels she wrote.
No, because it seemed like Emma was settling by having only option of marrying Mr. Knightley is to come and live with her father and take care of him. Which is fine, but after a buildup romance between them I think I was just hoping for a more romantic ending for those two. It was also disappointing to see Harriet and Emma’s friendship end, or get downgraded, the way it did at the end. I guess Emma still has some more growing up to do.

10. How does Emma Compare to the other Jane Austen novels we've read? 


I think out of all the Austen novels we have read, this one by far made me laugh out loud the most and cringe, but in a good way! When Emma would do something embarrassing I found myself not wanting to put the book down, just like I felt with Pride and Prejudice. I felt like Austen told a more complete story with Emma compared to other novels that felt rushed or incomplete in the end. For example, you read about Mr. Knightley and Emma’s relationship grow throughout the novel verse Sense and Sensibility when all of a sudden Marianne and Colonel Brandon are getting married and they never felt romantic feelings for one another at the end of the novel. Another thing that makes Emma different than her other novels is with this novel I felt like we weren’t reading about the same story, like I felt with all the others. This was about a girl who was already of the higher class and who wasn’t looking for love but ends up finding it along the way. It was refreshing and fun to read an Austen novel that was so funny and different than the others. I would say Emma is definitely one of her better novels.

11. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 

I guess out of all the characters I was able to relate to Harriet the most. Harriet is basically a sweet and caring girl trying to find her place in this big world. She is trying new things and just seeing where and how she fits in. I can relate to that at this point in my life. However, I would like to think I am not as gullible as Harriet is. J  Still no characters in this novel can even come close to my bond with Elizabeth Bennet...hahah.. Have you noticed most of my answers seem to come back to Pride and Prejudice in some way.

12. Did you enjoy Emma? Would you recommend this novel to a friend? 

I really enjoyed Emma; Austen redeemed herself after reading Mansfield Park. Emma is my second favorite Jane Austen novel so far (first is Pride and Prejudice …duh!!).  I would without a doubt recommend Emma to a friend who is looking for a fun romantic comedy read.


I am so glad we read Emma; it was such a fun and different book to read! I know I’ve said it before, but it’s still true, I Love this book club!! After reading the novel, my mom and I watched the movie Emma, the version with Gwyneth Paltrow, I must say it was pretty good and close to the novel except a few parts towards the end. The movie had the most breathtaking scenery and costumes, it was so beautiful.
I started reading our next book club novel Northanger Abbey and so far I’m enjoying it, but I’ll save the rest until next posting session.  I can’t wait to read about what everyone thought of Emma.
Till then, Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Emma Discussion Questions

Hello Everyone!


The Emma discussion questions are finally here!!! Yay! Answer the questions below at your own pace, but keep in mind the Northanger Abbey book reading schedule (Sept. 4th - Oct. 8th)


1. Jane Austen called Emma "A heroin whom nobody but myself will like much" Did you find Emma a likable character or not? 

2. What were your impressions of Mr. Knightley? 


3. Do you believe Emma is a truly good friend to Harriet? and Do you think Harriet benefits from her friendship with Emma?

4. Two characters, Mrs. Elton and Frank Churchill, come into Highbury from the outside and threaten the little community with change. Mr. Knightley likes neither of them. How do you feel about them? 


5. What did you think of the different Love Stories in this novel? 


6. The theme of Emma seems to be misinterpretations. Emma is filled with characters misunderstanding each other. To what extent do we as the reader share in the misunderstandings? And how does it guide our interpretation of the characters? 


7. How does Humor play a role in this novel? 


8. What is the role of class in this novel? How does it change throughout the novel? And is the class system in this novel rigid or flexible?

9. Did you like the ending of this story? Why or why not? 


10. How does Emma Compare to the other Jane Austen novels we've read?

11. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 


12. Did you enjoy Emma? Would you recommend this novel to a friend? 


I can't wait to read everyone's responses! Until next time Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book Club Schedule Update

Hello Ladies!

As you may have noticed both of our Emma deadlines have come and gone. This little thing called life has just gotten in the way, which tends to happen from time to time. I know that we can still stick to our new years resolution of completing all of Jane Austen's novels by the end of the year. We aren't going to give up that easily! No Sir!! So we came up with this updated schedule, which also takes the end of the year holidays into consideration.

So lets all break out our calenders and make sure to updated our book club schedule: 

Emma   August 1st - September 3

Northanger Abbey     September 4 - October 8 

Persuasion    October 9 - November 12 

Even though we got off track a bit, I know we can get through these final three novels and stick to the schedule. So ready, set, GO!! Lets get reading!!! 

Make sure to check back here around the first of September for questions on Emma.

Until then,

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. I am LOVING Emma so far!! How about you gals??

 

Hello

Hello Ladies,  I just thought I'd check in and see how everyone is doing with their reading of Emma.  So far I am really enjoying Emma alot.  I know our deadline is approaching for finishing this one, so I just wanted to encourage everyone to read read read.   Laura, I'm looking forward to reading your responses to Mansfield when you have time.  It looks as if Rachel and I pretty much agree about that one. It will be fun to read what you thought.  Well, hang in there ladies, we are almost through the longest of Jane's novels.   I'm sure we will feel a great amount of happiness when we complete this one. 
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!    Brenda

Brenda's Response to Mansfield Park

1.  What do you think of Fanny Price as the heroine of this novel?   

Fanny was okay I guess.  Of all the characters in this novel I like her the best.   She was in a position of being placed into a relative’s family at a fairly young age, and she learns to survive somehow within this new and very different atmosphere.  I think she did a good job of remaining pure and innocent.  I like how Fanny stayed true to her beliefs, and didn’t waver even when under great pressure by those around her, (like Tom, Mrs. Norris and Sir Thomas).  I also love how she didn’t give into Henry’s manipulations.  I guess in some ways I felt sorry for her but at the same time was rooting for her. I was happy there was at least this one character in this story that seemed to be honestly good, and have morals, and I like that she remains consistent throughout the book especially among this whole cast of character that certainly were not morally sound.  So overall she was okay. 

2.  What kind of role does family play in the development of individual characters?

I think they played a huge role.  It was family circumstances that originally brought Fanny to Mansfield.  It was her new family at Mansfield that made her who she was to become.  You wonder what would have happened to Fanny if she had not been adopted into this new family.   The stark difference between the Mansfield’s and the family she was born into play a huge role in the main theme of this and all Jane Austen’s novels, social mobility.  

3.  How did the Crawford's (Mary and Henry) affect the family dynamics?

They sort of swooped in and took hold of the emotions of the family.  Henry seemed to make a play for every young female in the family and Mary for the men in the family.   They waltzed in and seemed to really stirred things up for a while.   What I don’t get is… Why did they come in the first place?   Did I just miss that part?  I didn't care for either of these characters at all.  

4.  Why do you think Edmund is drawn to Mary?

Because sometimes guys are very, very stupid.  He was probably drawn in initially by her beauty, and seemingly sophisticated ways, but in the end it was the matter of her ugly manipulative selfish personality that made him FINALLY see the light about her. 

5.  Do you think Henry actually fell in love with either Maria or Fanny, or is he more of a player? 

I think Henry is a big scumbag, who only enjoys the thrill of a chase and is definitely a player.   He even says so….saying to Mary “…engaged or married women are safer therefore more fun…”  In his opinion Maria would be safe/easy because he knows no real attachment will form, it would all be fun fun fun for him with no commitment.  What a jerk!  Then Fanny was just a big game to him which he bragged about to Mary before he even started pursuing her, saying something along the lines of capturing Fanny’s affections will be for his “amusement” So NO NO NO….this guy is a scumbag in the worst sense of the word, and he has no understanding of what real true love is, he is just in it for the chase, then once he catches he’s done.  Of all the bad guys in the Jane Austen Novels we have read so far I despise this one the most, he is just pure evil to me.

6.  Should Fanny have given Henry a real chance? Or was she right to refuse his proposal?

She was definitely right to refuse his proposal.  Her relationship radar was right on track with this guy.  She seemed to sense he was up to no good, and she emotionally kept her distance, even jeopardizing her comfy home at Mansfield at one point (I think??), but she was right to refuse his proposal.  That would not have been a good life for her. 

7.  Edmund seems to always turn to Fanny for her input.  Why do you think her opinion is important to him? At what point do you think they fall in love with each other? 

Of all the Mansfield children Edmund seems to be the most sensitive and caring.   He and Fanny formed a close bond right from the start and were each other’s confidants and best friends basically from the moment they met and into their adulthood.  I think her opinion mattered so much to him because she was like him, she was also a sensitive soul, and definitely a kindred spirit to him.  I basically think they fell in love very early on, but I don’t think they realized it till much later when other potential love interest started entering their lives and became obviously all wrong for them.   Fanny and Edmund have a certain comfort level with each other that they share throughout the novel and only with each other.  He never reaches this comfort level with Mary,  and Fanny never feels it for Henry. 

8.  How does Mansfield Park compare to the other two Austen novels we have read? Do you feel like Mansfield Park is more or less complex then Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice?

Hmmmm…..I feel like Mansfield is VERY different then the other two novels we have read.   Sense and Sensibility seemed like a very likable innocent novel with intriguing characters and a likable story line.  Pride and Prejudice to me, was very romantic, one of the best love stories I have ever read, with extremely well written characters and story.    Mansfield to me was a lot less innocent then the previous two.  There was so much immorality and deception and manipulating going on that it made the story very unlikable to me.   I feel Jane Austen entered a much darker, sinful, place with this novel.  To me all Jane Austen’s novels seem very complex, mostly because they deal with so many characters, and so much is always going on.  But this time, Jane Austen seemed to want to tackle new almost forbidden topics, very sexual and immoral topics.  I wonder if in it's time this was considered a very scandalous novel.  

Something else I’d like to mention here, just because I don’t know where else to mention it is that while I was reading this novel it dawned on me how little respect Jane Austen writes her Father Figures with.   The Father in P&P was somewhat wimpy. The father in S&S died early on, but the father figure in that novel John Dashwood (the brother) was a very wimpy character in comparison to his bossy and over powering wife and he often crumbled and gave into her decisions.   Then in this novel the father figure is morally corrupt, running a horrible slave business behind all their backs, rarely home, and very domineering and or wishy washy when he is home.  I’m getting the feeling that Jane Austen didn’t have a very good father figure.  What do you think? 

9.  Which character did you relate most closely to in this novel and why? 

Oh Gee…….I honestly can’t say that there was any character in this novel that I related to.  I didn’t see myself in any of these characters.   In Pride and Prejudice I remember loving Elizabeth, I wanted to be more like her, I was inspired by her.   In Sense and Sensibility, I could relate to the older sister Elinor.  I guess Fanny was my favorite, Edmund was likeable enough, but ehhhhh……I just didn’t feel any real connection to the characters, or the story this time. 

10.  Do you think Mansfield Park is something of a morality tale, a story that has a sort of moral lesson in it? 

Mansfield Park seems to be filled with immorality in just about every character.   I think Fanny was meant to be the one shining star in this novel, the one constant, the one and only moral character.   But I think it is a story of incredibly immoral characters and story line.  I guess the moral lesson to be learned from this novel is to remain good like Fanny and to not waver from good.   I think Fanny was meant to be the moral compass among all the immorality around her.   So yes, I guess there is some sort of moral lesson within this story.  

11.  Would you recommend this novel to a friend?

I would recommend that everybody read ALL of Jane Austen’s novels.   There is a real feeling of accomplishment once you finish one.   BUT…… this one was definitely NOT my favorite, I don’t even know for sure that I liked this one.   It didn’t grab me from the beginning, it didn’t hold my interest, I found it hard to pick up and read, easy to put down, I found myself struggling to want to finish it.  Of the three we have read so far this is my least favorite.   So based on that, this would probably be the last on my list of Jane Austen books (so far) I’d recommend to a friend.   I only pray Emma is better.  But all that being said, I am still happy to have finished another Austen novel.   Ha ha ha....

Brenda’s closing thoughts:

Phew another Jane Austen novel complete.  We are half way through her novels now!!!!  I’m enjoying this book club so much!!!!!. 

I feel a little as if I cheated in this novel because I relied on the spark notes so heavily to kind of get me through this one.  It just seemed like I wasn’t sure I was understanding all of it, so I relied on the spark notes to keep focused.  That is probably my own fault, because I would put it down for long periods of time then forget what was going on, and rely on the spark notes to get me back on track.  Oh well, thank goodness for spark notes. They are a great tool to have if you haven't used them yet, they do help me. 

Well, it is off to Emma now.   I am looking forward to the new cast of characters and hopefully a novel that will capture my affections more than this one did.   

I'm looking forward to reading your answers, and hearing your comments. 

Till next time Happy Reading ladies!!!!!!

Rachel's Response to Mansfield Park

1.  What do you think of Fanny Price as the heroine of this novel?

To be completely honest, I wasn’t too impressed with Fanny as the heroine of this novel. I thought she blended into the background. She was very timid, wouldn’t stand up for herself, very passive, and in comparison to the heroine’s we have read about in previous Jane Austen novels she is a very weak heroine. That being said, she was a constant throughout the novel.  Everyone around her was immoral, immature, wishy-washy, greedy, or just down-right rude, where she stayed true to herself and didn’t get sucked into the behavior from others that surrounded her. I know that spark is in Fanny, (page 306, Chapter 35) when Edmund is pushing her a bit to reconsider Henry Crawford’s proposal. After I read that paragraph, I thought to myself, Fanny finally found her voice and showed us some of her spark I was hoping that was deep down inside of her. I loved that she knew Henry’s true character (a yucky person) and stuck to her guns in refusing him even though every single person around her did not support her decision and believed she should reconsider and accept his proposal. I admire her for it; it takes a strong person to stick to their beliefs, especially when everyone around them is telling them otherwise. After she had her ah-ha moment, she seemed to fall back into her passive, timid self until the end of the novel. I was a bit disappointed about that. All in all Fanny is not my favorite heroine of all time, she is no Elizabeth Bennett. However, I can understand where her character comes from seeing how she was treated throughout the novel. 

2.  What kind of role does family play in the development of individual characters?
Family plays a HUGE role in development of the characters throughout this novel. You can especially see how the role of family influences the character of Fanny.  Fanny was sent away at a young age by her mother to live at Mansfield Park with her aunt and uncle in hopes of a better life and being prepared for society. Fanny’s Aunt’s, Uncle, and cousins (minus Edmund) always made sure Fanny knew her place and always made her feel as if she was a burden and beneath them. This is probably why she is reserved and a bit timid.  As I was reading, I wondered how Fanny may have turned out if she would have just stayed with her Mother and Father. Towards the end of the novel I got my answer. You get a deeper look at how much family influences ones development when we were introduced to Fanny’s immediate family. The differences between Fanny’s upbringing at Mansfield and her siblings at Portsmouth are like night and day. Even though almost everyone was horrible to Fanny, at least she was brought up with structure, proper etiquette, and culture. Her siblings on the other hand were brought up in chaos, poor structure, and poor manners. You really see clearly how ones upbringing, and the role of one’s family, can mold an individual’s character through Fanny and her siblings.  

3.  How did the Crawford's (Mary and Henry) affect the family dynamics?
They affected the family dynamics in many, many ways. They shook up the lives of everyone at Mansfield Park. Mary manipulated Edward into falling for her even though they are not a right match for each other and she was pulling him away from Fanny. Henry is just a gross creep slim ball! He purposely chased after Maria even though he knew she was engaged to another man because he felt engaged women were “safe”. After Maria married, he started chasing after Fanny as a “game”. After Fanny rejected his proposal he ran away with Maria breaking apart her marriage to Mr. Rushmore. What kind of boy is this?? A Yucky one that’s for sure! They are both very immoral individuals that rocked and shaped the lives of everyone at Mansfield Park.

4.  Why do you think Edmund is drawn to Mary?
In the beginning Mary Crawford is described as being beautiful and charming. She probably won Edmund over with those qualities, but very early on in the novel he saw her true colors and yet he chooses to ignore the facts of her selfish/arrogant personality. She was definitely not supportive of his career choice to go into the clergy, very obsessive about money, manipulative, and extremely self centered. I was surprised that it took the whole novel for him to break things off with her.  Even though Edmund was questioning their relationship from early on, he kept going back to her, their relationship reminded me of a roller coaster (ups and downs). I’m not sure why he was still drawn to her even though he was frustrated with her. That draw he had towards her still puzzles me.     

5.  Do you think Henry actually fell in love with either Maria or Fanny, or is he more of a player? 
I do not think Henry actually fell in love with either girl, I think he was more attracted/excited for the chase and game of getting them to fall in love with him and want him.  I never got the impression that he was truly head over heels in love with either of them. 

6.  Should Fanny have given Henry a real chance? Or was she right to refuse his proposal?
She was completely 100% right to have refused his proposal. She saw the real slimy Henry, the one that was leading on and chasing after Maria at the play when he knew she was engaged to another. She knew his character was not good and she stuck to her guns when everyone was telling her she should accept his proposal.

7.  Edmund seems to always turn to Fanny for her input.  Why do you think her opinion is important to him? At what point do you think they fall in love with each other? 
I think Edmund sees Fanny as the only constant in his life.  While everyone and thing around him is in chaos, Fanny always seems to the point of reason. He knows he can trust her and that she will always have his best interest at heart. I believe Fanny falls in love with Edmund early on in the novel. I think she saw him as her only confidant/friend at Mansfield Park, which quickly grew into romantic feelings. I was a bit disappointed in their love story. Yes, I felt their love story half-way develop/grow but only from Fanny’s point of view. Austen waits until the last chapter until Edmund realizes he loves Fanny and then all of a sudden they are married. It just seemed a bit too quick for me towards the end. However, I do feel like they actually fell in love, compared to other characters in Austen novels *cough*Marianne&Col.Brandon*cough*, and I do believe that they will have their happily ever after.   

8.  How does Mansfield Park compare to the other two Austen novels we have read? Do you feel like Mansfield Park is more or less complex then Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice?
When I was reading Sense and Sensibility I remember thinking how similar the subject matter/storyline was to Pride and Prejudice, whereas Mansfield Park still has similar themes (social mobility), I fell like Austen stepped into some new territory and created a story that went more in depth.  I do feel like Mansfield Park is more complex than the other two novels we have read. This novel deals with heavier subject matter such has immorality, family dynamics, took place over a longer span of time, and the characters have more depth to them. Even with all these different elements, Mansfield Park is not as memorable as Pride and Prejudice. I’m just sayin’.  

9.  Which character did you relate most closely to in this novel and why? 
Gaahhhhh…. I am really trying to think about which character I related to the most, and to be honest, I didn’t relate to any characters in this novel. This kind of bums me out, because in the previous two novels I have always found out a little bit more about myself or I have learned something and that hasn’t been the case for this novel. In Sense and Sensibility I related to Elinor and in Pride and Prejudice I instantly admired Elizabeth Bennett and wanted to be her. But in Mansfield Park I found the characters to be way too immature, annoying, and immoral or completely dull.

10.  Do you think Mansfield Park is something of a morality tale, a story that has a sort of moral lesson in it? 
Throughout this novel, Austen touched upon several immoral situations. Sir Thomas is in a morally conflicted business of slave trade, which he realizes is immoral and causes him to re-evaluate his life. The subject matter in the play, Lovers Vow, is inappropriate due to the subject matter of the play. The whole character of Henry is immoral! He chases after women, taken or single, as if it is a game. Julia eloping with a man, which was quite scandalous for that time. In the end her family seems to forgive her and everything is right between them all. I do feel Mansfield Park is a morality tale and there are several moral lessons to be learned throughout the novel.

11.  Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
Hmmmm…. This is a tough question to answer. I really do Love, Love, Love Jane Austen. I want to shout from the roof tops read all of her novels! However, I really don’t think I would recommend this novel to a friend. There was nothing wrong with it, but it didn’t keep my interest and I couldn’t relate to the characters. This novel didn’t become a part of me like Pride and Prejudice did and even Sense and Sensibility to a certain extent. SOOOOOOOOOOO… No, I would not recommend this novel to a friend, I would shove a copy of Pride and Prejudice in their face and have them read it immediately!!!! 

Closing Thoughts:
After re-reading my answers, I feel like I came off a little harsh towards this novel. I don’t mean to sound like I completely hated it; some parts of it were very enjoyable. This novel was in the middle of the road for me. It wasn’t the worst book I ever read, but it wasn’t the best book either. I am happy to close the Mansfield Park chapter of our book club and move onto Emma!  I better start reading, Emma is a thick one!!
I can’t wait to read your responses to the questions for Mansfield.
Until next time, Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!

Discussion Questions for Mansfield Park

1.  What do you think of Fanny Price as the heroine of this novel?

2.  What kind of role does family play in the development of individual characters?

3.  How did the Crawford's (Mary and Henry) affect the family dynamics?

4.  Why do you think Edmund is drawn to Mary?

5.  Do you think Henry actually fell in love with either Maria or Fanny, or is he more of a player? 

6.  Should Fanny have given Henry a real chance? Or was she right to refuse his proposal?

7.  Edmund seems to always turn to Fanny for her input.  Why do you think her opinion is important to him? At what point do you think they fall in love with each other? 

8.  How does Mansfield Park compare to the other two Austen novels we have read? Do you feel like Mansfield Park is more or less complex then Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice?

9.  Which character did you relate most closely to in this novel and why? 

10.  Do you think Mansfield Park is something of a morality tale, a story that has a sort of moral lesson in it? 

11.  Would you recommend this novel to a friend?

ATTENTION!!! Change of schedule.....

Since we are taking on the two of the largest Jane Austen novels (Mansfield Park and Emma), we are going to add two extra weeks onto Emma's schedule.  We can use those two weeks to catch up on Mansfield Park, and wrap it up, or if you are already done with Mansfield Park you can put those extra two weeks towards Emma.  We are all doing such a great job sticking to the schedule, this change will just allow us to stretch a bit during these more lengthy novels. Below is the updated reading schedule.

Emma.... May 1st - July 16th

Northanger Abbey.... July 17st - September 10th

Persuasion.... September 11th - November 12th

Don't forget to mark the changes on your calender. Until then Happy reading.