Thank you, Jane Austen. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Thank you, Jane Austen.

She's responsible for more than just Mr. Darcy.

108
Thank you, Jane Austen.
Ann Harden

I am sure that I am not alone in admitting that the novels of Jane Austen can be hard to get through at times. The descriptions can just go on and on and on. Sometimes, they’re not even about anything that holds much significance to plot; however, I still am in awe of the novels of hers that I have read, and most importantly, the countless works that she has inspired in more recent years.

So, why did I enjoy reading a few of her books so much? Again, I think I would be in the majority for saying that the characters are probably my favorite. Well, there’s Emma who is probably my favorite character of all not only because of her transformation through out but also because of her whip-smart language: “Indeed I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been marry than wise.” And of course there’s Jane as well as her sisters (I also thought that Mary Bennett and Mr. Collins were particularly funny). And where would these two novels, “Emma”and “Pride and Prejudice”, be without Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley?

Because of the genius of Jane Austen, her characters, her wit, her fabulous (though at times slow) stories, we would have never had these inspired works:

“Clueless”

Probably one of the best and most hilarious adaptations of all of Austen’s novels, Amy Heckerling’s version of “Emma” stays true to the source material, which can be hard for adaptations sometimes. Alicia Silverstone’s Emma is still annoyingly loveable and offers up some great one-liners along with the rest of the cast.

“Dear Mr. Knightley” by Katherine Reay

Wow, I just really love this book; if you saw my article last week, then you know why. Although this novel does not follow the plot of “Emma” there are some common derivatives with Austen’s famous work. Probably the biggest similarity is that Reay’s Mr. Knightley does in fact work to push and prod Emma/Sam to become her best self. Read this novel because you’ll love it.

“The Lizzie Bennet Diaries”

I discovered this YouTube series during an ice storm (yay, Alabama!) ; it was the perfect occasion to become obsessed. This is a very modern twist on Pride and Prejudice, but it stays incredibly true novel, which makes it incredibly amazing. How great? This was the first YouTube series to win a Primetime Emmy. Here’s the description from its website: “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries reimagines Austen’s classic around a fictional vlog filmed in the bedroom of a 24 year-old grad student, living at home and burdened with a mountain of student debt.” The videos are pretty short but incredibly addictive. Go watch now.

“Bridget Jones’s Diary”

A classic and probably my favorite movie in the “non-serious category,” this reinterpretation of “Pride and Prejudice” is romantic-comedy genius. It’s funny and charming and Colin Firth is back as Mr. Darcy.

“Austenland”

Though not as popular as “Clueless” or “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” this charming movie follows Austen-fanatic Jane Hayes as she embarks on a trip to Austenland to finally live out her Jane Austen fantasies. Along the way there’s romance and funny scenes from Jennifer Coolidge.

The BBC’s Adaption of “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma”

How can you go wrong with a classic…interpretation of a novel? Both series by BBC are fantastic and available for free if you have Amazon Prime!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

948
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

568
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199660
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20557
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments