Emma:
At last, I have finished Emma. There had been a pause of interest in the middle section, but I was re-interested last week and quickly finished the second half. It was watching the 2009 version of Emma with my mother that made me want to read the book.
The movie, I now know, was quite faithful to the book. It was only near the end that any real changes were made, and rather insignificant and understandable when movie length is considered.
The renowned insight into human nature and character that makes Jane Austen’s books so good is very alive in this book. Emma’s growth and change of thought throughout the book are humanizing and relatable, and Mr. Knightley is a constant enjoyment with his insight and confident forthrightness.
Persuasion:
This one I don’t remember as well, it was more than a year ago when I read it. This book I found more appealing than Emma since I think it goes more in-depth on Anne’s thoughts than Emma’s. Anne is judgmental and critically thinking and we get to see much of it.
Persuasion I found captivating and read cover to cover in almost one sitting. Hence, it kind of bothers me that I don’t remember as much of it as I’d like to.
Pride and Prejudice
Through the book, it would seem both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy can be accused of having pride and prejudice. Perhaps Elizabeth has more prejudice and Mr. Darcy pride. When Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth and was rejected, they both exchanged words that were hurtful or revealing that made them realize the folly of their own behavior or thinking. It was beautiful to see how it changed them both for the better, and set them up for a relationship of understanding and connection.
