On more than one occasion I’ve heard some of my English professors lament, “Someone has read too many Austen novels…” But to this day, I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that people have yet to indulge in the fantastical fantasy that is Mr. Darcy.
For all the Janeites out there (those devoted to the life and work of Jane Austen), I feel you and I respect you: sometimes it’s easier to invest ourselves (and therefore our emotions) into a fictional character as opposed to reality. Although others may argue this isn’t healthy, I know my fellow English majors and avid British novel book lovers can relate. It simply sucks that the present day man can’t woo us with lines like this: “My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Like, come on boys - you could learn a thing or two from the most swoon-worthy Austen men and their quotable, ravishing words.
So, with mid-winter in full-havoc, I'd say the best way to brave the cold and snowy storm is to curl up with a good book. Why not read one with an ideal leading male role? I strongly suggest all of the titles below:
5. Edward Ferrars
I know a lot of people who would argue that Edward was too boring for Elinor in Sense and Sensibility, but for some reason they clicked. In the end, Edward is not the “safe," reasonable option. And so Elinor is finally pushed to take a risk, overcoming her prescribed characteristic of “sense.” Not to mention, Elinor equally made Edward feel good.
Here’s a snippet for those whose opinions need to be swayed about Edward’s integrity (context - he wants to ditch his mother's rules to marrying rich, which he must do in order to receive his inheritance):
“I wish as well as everybody else to be perfectly happy, but like everybody else in my own way. Greatness will not make me so.”
4. Henry Tilney
Tileny is an unusual favorite, the right cup of tea for those avid enough to delve past Pride and Prejudice. Northanger Abbey was Austen’s first novel, a bildungsroman not published until after she passed away. Tilney assists in Catherine’s growing-up-process, but he’s also a bit, well, arrogant for my own tastes. Nonetheless he’s quite intelligent, humorous and, like all Austen men, charming:
“Their hearts are open to each other, as neither heart can be to you; they know exactly what is required and what can be borne; and you may be certain, that one will never tease the other beyond what is known to be pleasant.”
3. Mr. Knightley
Mr. Knightley is presented early on as Emma’s best friend and confidante, their relationship (at least to Emma) appears to be purely platonic, but then it begins to shift. Mr. Knightley is among the most honorable men on this list. Respecting his friendship with Emma, rather than getting in a tussle for her adoration, he simply removes himself from the marriage equation because he cares for her and her happiness above his own. He understands her better than anyone.
“I cannot make speeches, Emma… If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” (Please do, Mr. Knightley, please do).
2. Fitzwilliam Darcy
And then there’s Mr. Darcy, the man who dissed Elizabeth early on (cue the title Pride & Prejudice) but was secretly harboring a crush on her the whole time (remember that old saying: if a boy teases you, they like you?) Although this isn’t the best way to convey your feelings as an adult, Mr. Darcy is reluctant to reveal any passions at all, until the point he can no longer keep them in.
Here is my all-time favorite quote:
"Elizabeth's spirit's soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted Mr. Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her. 'How could you begin?' said she.
'I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.'"
1. Captain Fredrick Wentworth
Wentworth’s words ultimately win over Anne, the protagonist of Persuasion, as well as us readers. Wentworth — a captain at the end of 19th Century — is a new kind of "rich" that distinguishes him from other characters on this list. Instead of inheriting his wealth, Wentworth earns it through his profession (he's sort of a pirate, but that's besides the case). Although it takes more or less forever for him to figure out his adoration for Anne, his letter is pretty much the reason he’s earned the number one slot:
“I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever.”
