Sooo....

In case you noticed the quick mention two previous posts ago, something happened in my life over the last year.

I found and married a man far better than Henry Tilney himself.

A new direction for my Happily Ever After has come about.

And I am loving every bit of it.

Austen & Montgomery--Sister Authors!

My friend posted this article on my Facebook page. And as an Austen AND Montgomery fanatic, I find it PERFECTION!! How did I never think to liken the two heroes of these fabulous authors before?

Enjoy!!

Darcy List

This came up in my Facebook memories. And I realized it was the perfect post to be on this blog. So I am reposting.

March 24, 2015

Sorry, my preferences and I don't agree with this line up. My order: Firth in Bridget doesn't even make the list because I don't like that movie. 9. Rintoul. 8. Henderson (only seen it once). 7. Olivier. 6. Rhys. 5. MacFadyen (he wasn't given much to work with) 4. Firth. 3. Seale (LDS version). 2. Gordh (he was a very close 1st) 1. Cowan.

It seems I have a thing for seeing my Darcy's in modern settings. :-)
P.S. And for me, JJ as Henry Tilney will always beat out Darcy.

The Definitive Ranking Of Actors Who Have Played Mr Darcy

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

BUZZFEED.COM|BY JENNA GUILLAUME

Comments

Mary Mitchell De Bastos Henry Tilney will always beat out Darcy!

March 25, 2015 at 1:11am · Like

Sara Lyn Busch Hm... I'm not even sure how I would rank them. Tilney all the way! :)

March 25, 2015 at 6:28am · Unlike · 1

The (film) Heroes Poll results

First of all, I would like to note that there were 11 people who voted! Woohoo! A new record! Thank you to all who participated. I hope you enjoyed thinking on the men we love to watch on film, and knowing you had to go watch them again soon!

Here are the results:


Much Loved British Period Drama Heroes (from Film)


Mr. Edward Ferrars – 2008 1 (9%)
Mr. Henry Tilney – 2007 4 (36%)
Mr. Tom LeFroy – 2007 1 (9%)
Captain Frederick Wentworth – 2007 3 (27%)
Mr. William Wilberforce – 2006 2 (18%)
Mr. Norman Warne – 2006 2 (18%)
Mr. Edward Rochester – 2006 5 (45%)
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy – 2005 1 (9%)
Mr. Dick Dewy – 2005 1 (9%)
Mr. John Thornton – 2004 3 (27%)
Mr. Daniel Deronda – 2002 0 (0%)
Mr. Roger Hamley – 1999 4 (36%)
Mr. Horatio Hornblower - 1998-2003 1 (9%)
Mr. John Rokesmith – 1998 1 (9%)
Mr. Angel Clare – 1998 0 (0%)
Mr. George Knightley – 1996 3 (27%)
Mr. Gilbert Markham – 1996 0 (0%)
Colonel Brandon – 1995 1 (9%)
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy – 1995 4 (36%)
Captain Frederick Wentworth – 1995 1 (9%)
Mr. Will Ladislaw – 1994 0 (0%)

And now, my comments--my favorite part. Ah, the perks of this blog.

We already know that each man got on to this poll for one fancy of mine or another. But now I'm going to make a few comments of the results.

First off, my votes. I have my guesses on who some readers voted for. :-) I'm pretty sure that these were my votes for The Best of My Best:

Mr. Henry Tilney (surprise, surprise!)

Mr. William Wilberforce (Aaaaaaa-men!)

Mr. Norman Warne (awww...)

Mr. Roger Hamley (though I concede that he is Kim's)

and

Mr. John Rokesmith (mine all mine)

I am happy to see others agreed in some of these choices, too. My votes were because these men possessed qualities that I really do want to see in my best friend. That their traits are

1. realistic, possible, and believable (meaning that I have actually met young men with their traits and have known that I personally love them and would like them to be part of my eternal companion)
2. and that each one's love story is one I can connect to in some way or another...or that I want to connect to, anyhow.
   

Now, on to the poor, neglected, unvoted for men.

Mr. Daniel Deronda - well, even I acknowledged there wasn't too much "wow" about him. But he is quite sincere. And patient. And understanding. A good listener. And many other good qualities. I'm guessing it's a British Period film not too many have seen. Not to mention his love story being very background to it all.

Mr. Angel Clare - And, of course, we have acknowledged my shallowness in loving Angel for his looks. But I don't think his desire for a virtuous woman was a problem. In fact, it's a high point on my list of things I'd like my husband to be wanting in his wife. However, I would also want my husband to be understanding and willing to listen. It is not his fault he did not receive her note (though how literary characters have not yet learned that notes always get misplaced or put into the wrong hands). But when she did confess her past, he should not have shunned her. His ideal got in the way of him being practical, forgiving, and much more. I can see why so many wouldn't vote for him. But I do see him as real. And very attractive.

Mr. Gilbert Markham - I'm sure this is because no one else has seen the movie. I hadn't even heard of the book until SaraLyn mentioned it to me. Then, being on a Toby Stephens kick and seeing he was in the film, I couldn't wait to read the book first. I didn't mind.

Mr. Will Ladislaw - Again, one I think few have seen. And also that he not set up to be a glamorous hero like so many others. But he is worth it in his own rights.

Then we have the One-Vote Wonders.

Mr. Edward Ferrars - That was you, Meredith, wasn't it? No shame there. Not. At. All. This is my favorite Edward--in looks and personality.

Mr. Tom LeFroy - I can see why he wouldn't get many votes for a variety of reasons. (On my part, it's for being a wink historically inaccurate and more for being a bit of a rascal for the first 3/4 of the film.)

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy ('05) - That's just because Maggie hasn't voted, yet. In many ways, this is my preferred Darcy. But in others, he's not. And I must say I struggled for a few weeks after seeing him in The Way We Live Now. I was ready to smack him in a rage. But I'm loving him in Little Dorrit - probably more so than as Darcy. (Only 2 episodes left!)

Mr. Dick Dewy - It has to be because few have seen Under the Greenwood Tree. Trust me, ladies, you will love it! And him! The washing hands scene. The woods scene. The river scene (oh yeah). And my probably favorite--the singing apology scene.

Mr. Horatio Hornblower - Oh, where did I go wrong? Surely you have seen this debonair, upstanding swashbuckler with his wonderful smile, humor, loyalty, quick-thinking, leadership, humility, and much more? Of course, only two episodes of how his stupidity concerning Maria were enough to lessen him a great deal in my own opinion. So I guess there could be understanding there.

Mr. John Rokesmith - This has to be because no one else has seen Our Mutual Friend. While I know you'll enjoy both love stories, I have no problem claiming John as all my own.

Colonel Brandon - He is my favorite Brandon. Ever since he said "The air is full of spices." Cate and Jane teased me on that one in our sophomore year, but understood it, too. I think if Annie had seen this poll, she would have added an emphatic vote for him. As it is, though, he only got one. Sad.

Captain Frederick Wentworth ('95) - I love Ciaran Hinds in this role. He was my Wentworth in my college days. But as I've said, he only played it so well because he had Amanda Root as Anne.

Next there are the Two-Timers. In votes, that is.

Mr. William Wilberforce - This has to be because no one has come to love Amazing Grace as much as SaraLyn and myself. 'Cause I'm pretty sure we're the two who voted for him. No problem in wanting a man who is devoted, intelligent, witty, courageous, persistant, religious, and stands up for what is right even when he's alone in doing so.

Mr. Norman Warne - Again, I think this was just SaraLyn and me. (Norman does remind me of your husband.) It's either because others haven't seen Miss Potter, or they wer enot as enchanted with it as I was. He is not the showy hero like so many others. No, he is instead a gem to be found.

Now on to the Third-Votes-a-Charm.

Captain Frederick Wentworth ('07) - Well done. Well done.

Mr. John Thornton - I watched him again last night. Yes, the whole film. And there are definitely parts that I love. But I just don't feel I know him very well. Sure we get a chance to see his behavior, know of his past, and learn his views and opinions. But we rarely ever get to see him and Margaret together. I'm still trying to figure out how he came to love her, and thus what he loves about her. I can see her over time coming to love him. But they have few happy moments together. Few times of agreeable conversation. At least, from what we're shown in the movie. And there's where I have problems. (Anyone who knows me well would know that's quite similar to why I have issues with Twilight.) I guess if ladies like the dark, brooding, temper-passionate male, then these results make sense. But it's not quite for me.

Mr. George Knightley - You know this guy is some absolutely amazing person if we can all love him in spite of his ginormous nose. :-) Best Knightley. So far. Let's see what this new version will bring us.

Then to our Four Scores.

Mr. Henry Tilney - Oh my wonderful, wise friends! Not that I needed any justification in my dear Henry. But I'm so glad there are others who see his fantastic merits, too! (Especially the part on humor. Too many of the other heroes lack it, comparatively speaking.)

Mr. Roger Hamley - Again! Marks of true wisdom! And understanding, too, for Roger has his moments of blindess and stupidity. Two+ years of it, in fact.

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy ('95) - Well, I don't see how that could have been helped. But some of that conversation was in the previous post's comments. I can say that I'm happy he wasn't the overall winner, as it shows you readers have branched out your tastes and seen how many more wonderful British Period film dramas there are.

And the winner is...

Mr. Edward Rochester! - I am perfectly happy with this winner, as only Toby Stephens can play. Ciaran Hinds wasn't bad. But he wasn't Toby. This is another role that was accentuated by his female counterpart. They were perfect together. He was still dark and broody, but I felt I knew him so much more. And that the two really were perfect. Finally I could see why Jane loved Rochester so much, and why he truly could be a hero. Faults and flaws with the good stuff, too. He was very good. Excellent choice.

Well, of course, with every man on my list being there because it was, um, my list, I must say to you all:

"You chose wisely."

But, of course, I want to hear your reasons and opinions of who you did and didn't vote for. I'm sure there are some on my list that you thought "What?!" And others that were "Who?" I want to hear it all. It's time to confess your choices and stand by your men! (If you haven't noticed, discussions are my favorite here.)

Introducing: The Heroes

I realize that my readers may not be familiar with all of the wonderful men I have chosen to be worthy of voting in the Much-Loved British Period Drama Heroes (in film) Poll. Allow me to remedy that with some introductions.

First, please meet Edward Ferrars, of the 2008 Sense & Sensibility adaptation. An excellent man for Elinor--smart, caring, sincere, considerate. A little hasty in his younger days, but very repentant now. A most wonderful-looking Edward I must say.

Next, well, does he need an introduction? If you are a steady reader, you must know my Man among Men. Dearest Henry Tilney, of the 2007 Northanger Abbey rendition. My funny, teasing, sarcastic, gentleman. Lover of dancing and fun. Still a level head on his shoulder. A forgiving person. A great half-smile. Wonderful sense of humor. Chose religion for his career. He's perfect!

Then there is Tom LeFroy. I have plenty of issues with Becoming Jane, but it had its enjoyable parts. I was a bit annoyed and upset with some of the film's adapting of Tom, but I could not help somehow connecting with him at the end. Even if only for about 20 minutes, something of him still found its way into my heart. And he's not bad looking either (though I liked his looks much better in Penelope--except that isn't a British drama).

Next meet Captain Wentworth of the 2007 version of Persuasion. As my Austen professor once said, he went and now he's worth. And WHOA good looking in the bargain! I could certainly forgive this man any stupidity on his part and going for the silly girl only because he was still hurt after 8 years.

Oh, my amazing William Wilberforce. Amazing Grace is one of my favorite movies ever. And the person it's about, well, he in real life that I have read a bit about is a hero. And Ioan, as always, did an excellent job portraying him. How could you not love someone with such faith, conviction, cause, justice, belief, truth, honesty, kindness, and much more?

Oh, sweet Norman Warne. I love Miss Potter. It is based on the true love story of Beatrix and Norman. He is humble. Tender. Sweetly awkward. I just love him.

Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre of 2006. Need I say more?

The 2005 Pride & Prejudice Mr. Darcy. Though not given as much as he could have worked with, and forced to say some ridiculous un-Austen lines, he still played some parts of Mr. Darcy that spoke closer to me and my tastes than others have done.

Dick Dewy from the great Under the Greenwood Tree. Honest and true. Faithful. Loyal. I'm sure there's more to the scout creed that fits this simple man. Didn't hurt that they made him good looking, too.

John Thornton of North & South is one that takes the entire movie to get to know. This movie is a much more intellectual one for me, and I do enjoy watching this relationship in its varying stages. Much to love about this man, but the last scene--the Train Scene--does me in as it does so many other fans.

Daniel Deronda from the film of the same name just barely made it onto my list. Not that he's not that great, just not all that impressive to me. What I love of him is his love for Miss Lapidoth.

Roger Hamlet from Wives & Daughters has had many an entry mention him. I don't feel I need to extol more about him right now. I'm sure there will be much in future, as will be with some of these other heroes.

Horatio Hornblower as only Ioan can play him. I love him in the first 6 episodes. The last 2, well, I still love him. But not where it concerns his wife.

My John! I don't mind having a picture of him with Bella, for he wouldn't be My John without she who is the focus of his heart. Plus, look at that smile. Oh, yes. I definitely love the mutual friend from Our Mutual Friend.

Angel Clare. Good heavens. If a name like that doesn't stick with you, his very attractive face will! There is little to love from the depressing Tess of the D'Urbervilles, but Angel is the beautiful man who is blinded my typical man-ness and has to learn his lesson. Unfortunately, at great detriment of his own love. It's so tragic one would think it a difficult thing to love him. But with his looks, well, the shallow part of me takes over.

1996 Emma's Mr. Knightley. Enough said.

Toby Stephens makes an entrance again as Gilbert Markham from The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Sad parts to this story, yes, but WOW what a man! Completely (and I'll add hopelessly!) devoted to said tenant. Every woman needs such a man to love her as much.

And then there is our Colonel Brandon from the 1995 Sense & Sensibility. The deepest voice ever around. He of disappointed hopes who certainly does not love wisely, but very well. Marianne never deserved him. Few women do when the men are exceptional. That's why we live to deserve them!

This is my favorite part of the 1995 Pride & Prejudice Mr. Darcy: The Look. Every fan knows the scene. It speaks volumes. He does this non-verbal communication well in the movie, which is rather important considering it's, well, Mr. Darcy.

The 1995 Persuasion Captain Wentworth is as good as he is because of the great Anne Elliott. Without his lost heart to her, I don't think I'd be able to like him so much. Probably because I've seen the actor play too many villains. But he did well with this hero.

Will Ladislaw of Middlemarch. He loves from afar, with injustice done toward him without deserving it. No one does, of course. But his only fault was chastely loving a woman who did deserve it when her selfish, jealous, stingy, stupid husband did not even see that a gem was married to him. There was only unhappiness at his death because Dorothea--the very loving and tender--was hurt by so much. I think what most attracts me to Will, aside from his devotion to Dorothea, is his mysteriousness.

Well, there you have them. Wonderful British Period Drama heroes. I hope you enjoyed meeting, or re-meeting, them. They do make the heart happy. Mine, at least!

To the British Period Drama Lovers

It's time to vote for the men we love! And I'm allowing you more than one vote. Because, come on, there are many of them that we love! I have put up the heroes whom I have come to love, at one point of the movie or another. So, in a way, they all have received a vote from me just from making it on the list. But I will be choosing from my very, very favorites--the ones I can (and do!) watch over and over again. Ah. It's a sweet joy. Have fun!

I'm Here, I'm Here!

Or, more like I'm Back, I'm Back. And while I'm up late because I'm trying to readjust to time changes again, I still know I need to get to bed. So, let me tempt you to come back to read by mentioning that I have a new favorite crush and I'm totally in love with him! Will tell all later.

"All I Want in a Man..."

The Austen Hero Poll

(recorded for posterity)

Edward Ferrars 1 (6%)
Colonel Brandon 3 (20%)
Fitzwilliam Darcy 6 (40%)
Charles Bingley 0 (0%)
George Knightley 3 (20%)
Robert Martin 0 (0%)
Edmund Bertram 1 (6%)
Charles Musgrove 0 (0%)
Captain Wentworth 3 (20%)
Charles Heyter 0 (0%)
Henry Tilney 2 (13%)
Mr. Palmer 0 (0%)
James Morland 0 (0%)

19 of the “15” votes

Book Club!

So, friend and follower Author Bee has begun an Austen Book Club. That's a much more organized, steady, and familiar way to fulfill the premise of this blog. Still, she has invited me to participate even though I'm on the other side of the country. And I'm so excited! (Especially as I've never been able to be part of a book club before.)

They're currently discussing Sense and Sensibility. She sent me the questions today, which I enjoyed answering and felt I would post them here. However, I will not post the answers until her actual meeting (May 14th). Today I will just post the questions. Maybe it can spark a little discussing of our own?

(Is anyone else even out there?)

I would love to hear what others think and feel. Sorry that I haven't been too steady with any posting. It's been a busy time with various things. Perhaps of an evening I will try to plan out a bit more this blog. Until then, if there are any other readers, I hope you have enjoyed it so far and will participate in my upcoming endeavors of connecting with fellow Janeites.

The S&S questions:

1. What is your favorite scene or line?
2. Marianne wanted a romantic relationship and got a rational one instead. What do you think of that? Should she be with Col. Brandon, or should Elinor?
3. Secrets isolate people, and almost everyone in the novel has a secret. Make a list of who they are and what their secret is. How are they each isolated? Is Marianne isolated? How?
4. Who is described as being the most handsome/sexy man in the book? Why do you think it's set up that way?
5. What is your opinion of the Lucy Steele/Robert Ferrars match?
6. What is your opinion of Edward as an Austen hero?
7. Who do you think the unnamed informant(s) is/are who ruin Willoughby's fun?
8. Why does Lucy get a happier ending than Willoughby?
9. Discuss the title. What does Sense mean? What does Sensibility mean? Who embodies those qualities? Do you have one or both of those qualities? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?
10. Would Mr. Palmer be a better husband if he had a better wife?
11. How are talkative women portrayed in the novel? Think about Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Palmer, Lady Middleton and the Miss Steeles.
12. Col. Brandon stands back and lets Marianne carry on with Willoughby even though he knows Willoughby's secret. Why would he do that? Have you ever held back and let someone you know make a bad decision?

Let the Discussion(s) begin!

All right, readers! Here is the first "defense" of the Austen Hero Poll. Thank you, Author Bee for writing such an entertaining post. A good defense, too. Any other takers? You can write of it on your own blog or still email me your views and opinions. I'd love to see more on this. I thoroughly enjoy it!

And hang on to your Austen bonnets--a new poll coming soon! I have a few ideas of polls I'll be doing (Austen heroines, best movie adaptations, Austen and works vs. other authors and works), but are there any ideas from the readers' gallery?

Just Wondering...

Has anyone tried to send an Austen Hero email, yet? I'm pretty sure I got the link to the email working right. But I haven't received anything and I wanted to be sure it wasn't a problem with the link. I hope you're all enjoying your defenses. Gotta be better than defending something, like, say...a thesis!

Polls are Closed!

I wait in anxiousness for the words from thy mouths. Or, fingers. Thank you to all who helped contribute to the 19 votes! Although, does anyone notice that the thing below the poll tallied 15 votes? Trouble counting I suppose. Oh well. There are some men who need some defending. And maybe even some who need accusing. I don't know what may come, but I'm excited to see it!

'Cause we're that awesome

I typed in "austen hero poll" on Google. And my little, obscure Austen blog came up 3rd in line--right after the GoodReads listing, too! But look two more results down and what do you see? "Popcorn popping--" I mean, The Brambler's cross-advertising of the poll. Woohoo! (Thanks again!) So the word is out there and hopefully spreading. I want to see the reasons. Because it's not that I'll disagree with you (though it is hard for me to see anyone beat out Mr. Tilney), but that I'll get to know you all better, and understand much about you that wouldn't typically come in an everyday small talk conversation. I'm so excited!

!!!!

Hurry!, dear fellow Janeites:

The Austen Hero Poll closes in 5 days!!!

Tell your Austen-loving friends! Get them to vote! Cast your own vote(s)! Email me your reasons/defenses! Stand by your (Austen) Man/Men! Let's have some fun!

(How many exclamation points can I use in a post?!?! :-) )

A Novel Idea--really

Comment from my one and only Austen blog follower:

"Do we get to discuss all the men we voted for?"

Why, yes, the letter Bee. What a fantastic idea! Thank you! In the next day or two, I will put a contact email on the blog. Then you may all email me your writings for the Austen men you voted for. Yes, each one. A separate "entry" for each one if you so choose! Then, when the poll is closed, I shall post your own expostulations, sighs, glories, etc. of these great men. Then shall the discussions commence! I'm very much looking forward to it.

Dear Henry, Dear Henry

Yes, it is no secret that my favorite Austen hero is Henry Tilney. Who might this Henry be? It is he of the Northanger Abbey fame that I speak of. As only Austen can describe:

He seemed to be about four or five and twenty, was rather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a very intelligent and lively eye, and, if not quite handsome, was very near it. His address was good, and Catherine felt herself in high luck....[S]he found him as agreeable as she had already given him credit for being. He talked with fluency and spirit—and there was an archness and pleasantry in his manner which interested, though it was hardly understood by her.

But one entry would not be sufficient to extol the merits of this fine if fictional young man. So I shall just regale you with his glories one glory at a time. Today's wonder-of-ment is Henry's choice of profession. As a younger son, he needed to pick some way to make a living, for he would not inherit any of the family fortune. Austen usually talks of two professions--military and clergy. I have respect for both, of course. But a man who chooses to serve God and God's people in their spiritual and immediate temporal welfares unknowingly endears himself to me. Yes, indeed, I could just simply say as Austen did of Catherine:

She liked him the better for being a clergyman, "for she must confess herself very partial to the profession"; and something like a sigh escaped her as she said it.

*sigh*