That One Time I Had to Chase my Taco
4 years ago
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Here or Not, We'll See
I'm going out of town on the greatest of vacations--especially since I need it so much right now. But I will try to post something here or there. Be reading P&P for the next Book Club. Like that will be a chore for some of you! :-)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
S&S Movie Book Club Answers
Well, I'm a day early, but here are my answers for the Book Club! (I figured I'd post now before I forget--I've been so busy with work!) I hope many of you will comment and discuss. Better yet--answer them for yourself and send them along!
1. Did watching more than one version increase your understanding of the story?
Actually, no more than what the ’96 version helped clarify for me.
2. The character of Margaret is cut out of two of the four movie versions. What significance does she have to the story? Is she necessary? Which other characters were cut from the movie versions?
Well, I don’t think she’s absolutely necessary. But I do think it’s a shame she is excluded. I think she can be important in showing Marianne’s role as an older sister—the example she is (or should be) setting, and her moments of responsibility. Gives her another good quality instead of her only having silly ones.
I was very disappointed that the ’96 version cut the character of Anne Steele. She’s so hilariously annoying. And helps show even more how girls like the Steeles are nothing in comparison to girls like the Dashwoods (even for all of Marianne’s silliness). I think the actress who played her in the ’07 version was delightful.
3. In the 1996 Ang Lee/Emma Thompson movie version, Willoughby first meets Marianne while he is on horseback. In the book, he meets her while on foot. What motive would Ang Lee (director) and Emma Thompson (screenwriter) possibly have for changing it to horseback? Did you like or dislike that he added the scene where the grieving Marianne walks in the rain to look at Combe Magna? What about the Atlas scene with Edward, Elinor and Margaret?
I think the horseback element was supposed to be the knight riding his white charger—which would coincide quite well with Marianne’s fantasies of romance.
Though it annoyed me she still wasn’t over him, I liked the Marianne scene at Combe Magna. Quoting that part of Shakespeare was a great way in showing how truly shaken Marianne’s fixations and ideas on what romance and love were. She really was betrayed, and betrayal is such a difficult thing to overcome.
The atlas scene? Perfect addition. I loved it! Any addition that helped show how Edward and Elinor were much more meant for each other, and also showed their friendship and feelings growing for each other was an improvement upon the book. Plus, it’s just too humorous to not include!
4. In the book, Willoughby is described as being the most handsome/sexy man. Did the movie versions you saw stay true to that description? Why or why not?
Blech, blech, and NO! Looks-wise right off I didn’t think any attractive. And I never was one for the obvious and/or popular man. I like the men who are more subtle in their good looks and great personalities.
5. Is Mrs. Jennings more or less likable on screen compared to in the book?
I don’t remember her as much from the book. Yet the movies made her unforgettable. She’s still annoying, but she’s a likable annoying and I didn’t mind laughing while watching her. I do think I prefer the Mrs. Jennings in the ’96 version though.
6. The “Willoughby confession scene” was cut from the Ang Lee version of the movie. How significant for you is that scene to the overall plot?
This was immensely significant for me—because it’s my favorite scene from the book! Though Willoughby is trying to justify himself (and I was rightly angered with Sophia Grey), he still through this scene shows the immoral coward that he is.
7. Who do you think the unnamed informant is who ruins Willoughby's fun? Do any of the movie versions attempt to answer that question?
My answer to this is different from what I answered for the book, probably because I had the question clairified for me as well as a suggestion from Brittany. She suggested Col. Brandon. Which got me to think and had me give this response: “That is a twist. Yet it makes sense—who else would tell? But what if he was doing it to see if Willoughby would admit his wrong, and come back to Eliza? A last chance effort for Eliza, though he probably guessed it wasn't going to happen. Hmmm....” I don’t think the movie versions have answered that question—or even hinted at it!
8. Do any of the movie versions give us any red flags that lead us to believe Willoughby might be a villain? As a viewer, would you want to see red flags or would you rather be drawn in by him, vicariously through Marianne?
Well, the ’07 version certainly sent up a red flag. I’m not sure about the red flags though, because I went into the movie knowing he was a cad. I have never been able to bring myself to have any kind of sympathy or feeling for him. (I did have one friend who voted Willoughby all the way, even knowing how promiscuous, untruthful, and unfaithful he was. How---????? Ug.) I think the ’96 version does a good job in trying to draw the viewer in. But they also try to keep you sympathetic to his outcome. Unh-uh!
Personally I wouldn’t want to be drawn in at all like Marianne, for I would hope to have the sense like Elinor to see the better merits of gentlemen such as Edward or Col. Brandon.
9. Discuss the title. What does Sense mean? What does Sensibility mean? Who in the story embodies those qualities? (Think about Elinor, Marianne, Col. Brandon, Edward, Mrs. Dashwood, Fanny Dashwood, Willoughby, etc.) What are the advantages and disadvantages of both qualities? In the movie versions you saw were there visual symbols of the meaning of the title? Which versions are better at depicting this?
I quote from my answers for the book: “Elinor is sense. She is practical and does everything that she thinks is right, proper, and best. Marianne is sensibility, who does everything that she feels is best—usually for her. I would like to think I have both. There are times my sense of propriety wins out in many things. But other times my overly sentimental self takes over.” To which I add that others with sense (even if misplaced, misguided, or poorly/selfishly executed) are Edward, Fanny, Mrs. Jennings, Lucy Steele. Sensibility would have Mrs. Dashwood, Anne Steele, Charlotte Palmer. Col. Brandon has a decent mix of both.
I think it is helpful to have an even balance of both. Sense, of course, to know the practical things in life and do what is appropriate, beneficial, and needed. But there needs to be some sensibility—some feeling and emotion. Life without passion would be very dull indeed.
I had never thought about visual symbols in the movies, but having to think about it, at least one thing comes to mind. In the ’07 version, Margaret uses a lot of shells for decoration. They are simple and yet made beautiful and add to the charm of the cottage. I believe this is the Sensibility side. Margaret is a great show of how Elinor and Marianne have both had an effect on her and how hopefully she will grow up to be a good balance of both.
10. Which movie version is your favorite? After watching more than one version, did that opinion change?
My favorite was the ’07 version. Special, personally historic ties to ’96. But ’07 just added so much more depth and beauty. Not as much humor as the ’96, and (of course) longer which allowed for more depth. I’ll always love ’96, but I’m so glad ’07 is there now.
11. In your opinion, which movie version is most like the book? Which individual actors best fit their character in age, appearance and disposition? Are there any other additional actors whom you would like to see play those parts?
I think ’07 was most like the book—including more characters than any other version (including the Middletons’ children). I believe this version had much better actors suited for the characters in every respect. It’s more how I would have envisioned them. In the ’96 version they all look a whole lot older than they should be (except for Margaret). With my affinity for Ioan, though I think he would make an excellent Henry Tilney, he’d probably do well as Edward Ferrars, too.
1. Did watching more than one version increase your understanding of the story?
Actually, no more than what the ’96 version helped clarify for me.
2. The character of Margaret is cut out of two of the four movie versions. What significance does she have to the story? Is she necessary? Which other characters were cut from the movie versions?
Well, I don’t think she’s absolutely necessary. But I do think it’s a shame she is excluded. I think she can be important in showing Marianne’s role as an older sister—the example she is (or should be) setting, and her moments of responsibility. Gives her another good quality instead of her only having silly ones.
I was very disappointed that the ’96 version cut the character of Anne Steele. She’s so hilariously annoying. And helps show even more how girls like the Steeles are nothing in comparison to girls like the Dashwoods (even for all of Marianne’s silliness). I think the actress who played her in the ’07 version was delightful.
3. In the 1996 Ang Lee/Emma Thompson movie version, Willoughby first meets Marianne while he is on horseback. In the book, he meets her while on foot. What motive would Ang Lee (director) and Emma Thompson (screenwriter) possibly have for changing it to horseback? Did you like or dislike that he added the scene where the grieving Marianne walks in the rain to look at Combe Magna? What about the Atlas scene with Edward, Elinor and Margaret?
I think the horseback element was supposed to be the knight riding his white charger—which would coincide quite well with Marianne’s fantasies of romance.
Though it annoyed me she still wasn’t over him, I liked the Marianne scene at Combe Magna. Quoting that part of Shakespeare was a great way in showing how truly shaken Marianne’s fixations and ideas on what romance and love were. She really was betrayed, and betrayal is such a difficult thing to overcome.
The atlas scene? Perfect addition. I loved it! Any addition that helped show how Edward and Elinor were much more meant for each other, and also showed their friendship and feelings growing for each other was an improvement upon the book. Plus, it’s just too humorous to not include!
4. In the book, Willoughby is described as being the most handsome/sexy man. Did the movie versions you saw stay true to that description? Why or why not?
Blech, blech, and NO! Looks-wise right off I didn’t think any attractive. And I never was one for the obvious and/or popular man. I like the men who are more subtle in their good looks and great personalities.
5. Is Mrs. Jennings more or less likable on screen compared to in the book?
I don’t remember her as much from the book. Yet the movies made her unforgettable. She’s still annoying, but she’s a likable annoying and I didn’t mind laughing while watching her. I do think I prefer the Mrs. Jennings in the ’96 version though.
6. The “Willoughby confession scene” was cut from the Ang Lee version of the movie. How significant for you is that scene to the overall plot?
This was immensely significant for me—because it’s my favorite scene from the book! Though Willoughby is trying to justify himself (and I was rightly angered with Sophia Grey), he still through this scene shows the immoral coward that he is.
7. Who do you think the unnamed informant is who ruins Willoughby's fun? Do any of the movie versions attempt to answer that question?
My answer to this is different from what I answered for the book, probably because I had the question clairified for me as well as a suggestion from Brittany. She suggested Col. Brandon. Which got me to think and had me give this response: “That is a twist. Yet it makes sense—who else would tell? But what if he was doing it to see if Willoughby would admit his wrong, and come back to Eliza? A last chance effort for Eliza, though he probably guessed it wasn't going to happen. Hmmm....” I don’t think the movie versions have answered that question—or even hinted at it!
8. Do any of the movie versions give us any red flags that lead us to believe Willoughby might be a villain? As a viewer, would you want to see red flags or would you rather be drawn in by him, vicariously through Marianne?
Well, the ’07 version certainly sent up a red flag. I’m not sure about the red flags though, because I went into the movie knowing he was a cad. I have never been able to bring myself to have any kind of sympathy or feeling for him. (I did have one friend who voted Willoughby all the way, even knowing how promiscuous, untruthful, and unfaithful he was. How---????? Ug.) I think the ’96 version does a good job in trying to draw the viewer in. But they also try to keep you sympathetic to his outcome. Unh-uh!
Personally I wouldn’t want to be drawn in at all like Marianne, for I would hope to have the sense like Elinor to see the better merits of gentlemen such as Edward or Col. Brandon.
9. Discuss the title. What does Sense mean? What does Sensibility mean? Who in the story embodies those qualities? (Think about Elinor, Marianne, Col. Brandon, Edward, Mrs. Dashwood, Fanny Dashwood, Willoughby, etc.) What are the advantages and disadvantages of both qualities? In the movie versions you saw were there visual symbols of the meaning of the title? Which versions are better at depicting this?
I quote from my answers for the book: “Elinor is sense. She is practical and does everything that she thinks is right, proper, and best. Marianne is sensibility, who does everything that she feels is best—usually for her. I would like to think I have both. There are times my sense of propriety wins out in many things. But other times my overly sentimental self takes over.” To which I add that others with sense (even if misplaced, misguided, or poorly/selfishly executed) are Edward, Fanny, Mrs. Jennings, Lucy Steele. Sensibility would have Mrs. Dashwood, Anne Steele, Charlotte Palmer. Col. Brandon has a decent mix of both.
I think it is helpful to have an even balance of both. Sense, of course, to know the practical things in life and do what is appropriate, beneficial, and needed. But there needs to be some sensibility—some feeling and emotion. Life without passion would be very dull indeed.
I had never thought about visual symbols in the movies, but having to think about it, at least one thing comes to mind. In the ’07 version, Margaret uses a lot of shells for decoration. They are simple and yet made beautiful and add to the charm of the cottage. I believe this is the Sensibility side. Margaret is a great show of how Elinor and Marianne have both had an effect on her and how hopefully she will grow up to be a good balance of both.
10. Which movie version is your favorite? After watching more than one version, did that opinion change?
My favorite was the ’07 version. Special, personally historic ties to ’96. But ’07 just added so much more depth and beauty. Not as much humor as the ’96, and (of course) longer which allowed for more depth. I’ll always love ’96, but I’m so glad ’07 is there now.
11. In your opinion, which movie version is most like the book? Which individual actors best fit their character in age, appearance and disposition? Are there any other additional actors whom you would like to see play those parts?
I think ’07 was most like the book—including more characters than any other version (including the Middletons’ children). I believe this version had much better actors suited for the characters in every respect. It’s more how I would have envisioned them. In the ’96 version they all look a whole lot older than they should be (except for Margaret). With my affinity for Ioan, though I think he would make an excellent Henry Tilney, he’d probably do well as Edward Ferrars, too.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I Try
I guess the haiku didn't get me any more participation on the polls. In fact, I think it got me less. Well, we try. And we don't always succeed. But we still enjoy the trying.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Hopeful Haiku
My uncle has written and published several haiku. I thought I would follow familial suit in blog-promoting discussion and participation.
Haiku 1
New Polls. Have some fun.
"Let's hear some chatter out there!"
(It's baseball season.)
Haiku 2
To quote dear Ioan--
"Is anyone alive out there?"
I was just wond'rin'.
Haiku 3
A call for fun times--
All ye who may love Austen--
A call for friendship.
Haiku 4
We all have loved ones.
And I bet some like Austen.
Spread the word.... Um...please.
Haiku 5
Polls on the left.
And discussions on the right.
Any questions? Good.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Favorite of the Favorite Austen Film Adaptations
I do apologize for the silence. I have been sick and it's been a long, slow recovery. Still sick, but life goes on. As does The Austen Blog! I'll be sure to put up some new polls tonight. Hopefully we have more participation than the last.
We only had 5 votes on this one.
S&S: 1995 – Columbia Pictures (Ang Lee/Emma Thompson) 1 (20%)
P&P: 1995 – A&E/BBC (Yeah, Firth) 3 (60%)
Emma: 1996 – Miramax (Gweneth Paltrow) 1 (20%)
MP: 2007 – BBC 0 (0%)
NA: 2007 – BBC (JJ Field!) 0 (0%)
Persuasion: 2007 – PBS (Rupert Penry-Jones!) 0 (0%)
P&P: 1995 – A&E/BBC (Yeah, Firth) 3 (60%)
Emma: 1996 – Miramax (Gweneth Paltrow) 1 (20%)
MP: 2007 – BBC 0 (0%)
NA: 2007 – BBC (JJ Field!) 0 (0%)
Persuasion: 2007 – PBS (Rupert Penry-Jones!) 0 (0%)
I'm still not surprised by the majority vote.
Don't forget to answer the S&S film adaptations Book Club questions! They're due by next week! Thanks for the patience with my lack of posting. And Welcome to my new follower! I hope you enjoy my little literary obsession outlet.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Sharing The Librarians' World
I am a librarian, and I do love my job. There are so many positive things. And even the negative things provide some great lessons and growth for me. One thing that I do love about being a librarian is The Librarians' World. That's basically the humor, grievances, joys, and such that other fellow librarians know and understand. These things can make me laugh, make me proud, or make me feel justified in some of my own similar thoughts and feelings that I have.
What's sad is I love sharing these things, but most of my friends are not librarians (though I know some would make excellent ones!). So I'm not really sure if they "get" these things as I do.
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm going to stop sharing them! And as I hope readers who come to this blog are lovers of literature themselves, that would hopefully mean they frequent libraries and may still enjoy those Libarians' World tidbits that I like to share. (Hence why you will soon see a blog list showing up with links to library-related blogs--of which I will hear note that some occasionally have some inappropriateness to them. I do not endorse the sites, but it's an easy way for me to keep track of them if I so choose to read from them now and then.)
Today, I'm sharing 2 things that I just read and found my own personal joy from. Perhaps you can, too.
What's sad is I love sharing these things, but most of my friends are not librarians (though I know some would make excellent ones!). So I'm not really sure if they "get" these things as I do.
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm going to stop sharing them! And as I hope readers who come to this blog are lovers of literature themselves, that would hopefully mean they frequent libraries and may still enjoy those Libarians' World tidbits that I like to share. (Hence why you will soon see a blog list showing up with links to library-related blogs--of which I will hear note that some occasionally have some inappropriateness to them. I do not endorse the sites, but it's an easy way for me to keep track of them if I so choose to read from them now and then.)
Today, I'm sharing 2 things that I just read and found my own personal joy from. Perhaps you can, too.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Perfect Poetry
My friend MBC discovered this poem and shared it on her blog. It's beautiful, and I can very much relate to it. I love finding poems like this. I'm an on-again, off-again poetry person--both in writing it and in reading/understanding/connecting it. And this may very well have turned the switch on for the time being. How could it not? The last stanza is absolutely perfect.
The Letter
by Amy Lowell
Little cramped words scrawling all over
the paper
Like draggled fly's legs,
What can you tell of the flaring moon
Through the oak leaves?
Or of my uncertain window and the
bare floor
Spattered with moonlight?
Your silly quirks and twists have nothing
in them
Of blossoming hawthorns,
And this paper is dull, crisp, smooth,
virgin of loveliness
Beneath my hand.
I am tired, Beloved, of chafing my heart
against
The want of you;
Of squeezing it into little inkdrops,
And posting it.
And I scald alone, here, under the fire
Of the great moon.
S&S Movie Questions
All right, Austen Book Club e-members! Here are the questions from Author Bee. We were/are to watch 2 movie adaptations of S&S, one of them being the '96 version. Who can turn down an excuse to watch Austen?!
The meeting will be Thursday, June 18th, so please submit answers by then! The answers do get shared at the actual physical meeting that takes place in Utah. But discussions can still be had here on my little Austen blog. I hope you'll join in!
1. Did watching more than one version increase your understanding of the story?
2. The character of Margaret is cut out of two of the four movie versions. What significance does she have to the story? Is she necessary? Which other characters were cut from the movie versions?
3. In the 1996 Ang Lee/Emma Thompson movie version, Willoughby first meets Marianne while he is on horseback. In the book, he meets her while on foot. What motive would Ang Lee (director) and Emma Thompson (screenwriter) possibly have for changing it to horseback? Did you like or dislike that he added the scene where the grieving Marianne walks in the rain to look at Combe Magna? What about the Atlas scene with Edward, Elinor and Margaret?
4. In the book, Willoughby is described as being the most handsome/sexy man. Did the movie versions you saw stay true to that description? Why or why not?
5. Is Mrs. Jennings more or less likable on screen compared to in the book?
6. The “Willoughby confession scene” was cut from the Ang Lee version of the movie. How significant for you is that scene to the overall plot?
7. Who do you think the unnamed informant is who ruins Willoughby's fun? Do any of the movie versions attempt to answer that question?
8. Do any of the movie versions give us any red flags that lead us to believe Willoughby might be a villain? As a viewer, would you want to see red flags or would you rather be drawn in by him, vicariously through Marianne?
9. Discuss the title. What does Sense mean? What does Sensibility mean? Who in the story embodies those qualities? (Think about Elinor, Marianne, Col. Brandon, Edward, Mrs. Dashwood, Fanny Dashwood, Willoughby, etc.) What are the advantages and disadvantages of both qualities? In the movie versions you saw were there visual symbols of the meaning of the title? Which versions are better at depicting this?
10. Which movie version is your favorite? After watching more than one version, did that opinion change?
11. In your opinion, which movie version is most like the book? Which individual actors best fit their character in age, appearance and disposition? Are there any other additional actors whom you would like to see play those parts?
The meeting will be Thursday, June 18th, so please submit answers by then! The answers do get shared at the actual physical meeting that takes place in Utah. But discussions can still be had here on my little Austen blog. I hope you'll join in!
1. Did watching more than one version increase your understanding of the story?
2. The character of Margaret is cut out of two of the four movie versions. What significance does she have to the story? Is she necessary? Which other characters were cut from the movie versions?
3. In the 1996 Ang Lee/Emma Thompson movie version, Willoughby first meets Marianne while he is on horseback. In the book, he meets her while on foot. What motive would Ang Lee (director) and Emma Thompson (screenwriter) possibly have for changing it to horseback? Did you like or dislike that he added the scene where the grieving Marianne walks in the rain to look at Combe Magna? What about the Atlas scene with Edward, Elinor and Margaret?
4. In the book, Willoughby is described as being the most handsome/sexy man. Did the movie versions you saw stay true to that description? Why or why not?
5. Is Mrs. Jennings more or less likable on screen compared to in the book?
6. The “Willoughby confession scene” was cut from the Ang Lee version of the movie. How significant for you is that scene to the overall plot?
7. Who do you think the unnamed informant is who ruins Willoughby's fun? Do any of the movie versions attempt to answer that question?
8. Do any of the movie versions give us any red flags that lead us to believe Willoughby might be a villain? As a viewer, would you want to see red flags or would you rather be drawn in by him, vicariously through Marianne?
9. Discuss the title. What does Sense mean? What does Sensibility mean? Who in the story embodies those qualities? (Think about Elinor, Marianne, Col. Brandon, Edward, Mrs. Dashwood, Fanny Dashwood, Willoughby, etc.) What are the advantages and disadvantages of both qualities? In the movie versions you saw were there visual symbols of the meaning of the title? Which versions are better at depicting this?
10. Which movie version is your favorite? After watching more than one version, did that opinion change?
11. In your opinion, which movie version is most like the book? Which individual actors best fit their character in age, appearance and disposition? Are there any other additional actors whom you would like to see play those parts?
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