Untitled

[knight-inshiningarmour]

For this week’s meme, I used the "Distracted Boyfriend" format, with Mr. Bennet as the distracted boyfriend, his family as the offended girlfriend, and the servants as the overlooked object of his attention. This format humorously captures the obliviousness of Mr. Bennet (and, by extension, the gentry) to the critical labor performed by the working class in Longbourn.

"The Bennets’ household always ran smoothly; the floors were scrubbed, the meals were prepared, and the linens were always fresh. None of them ever wondered who did it or how it was done—it simply happened, as if by magic."

This passage exemplifies one of the core themes of Jo Baker’s Longbourn: the invisibility of servant labor. While Austen’s Pride and Prejudice romanticizes the lives of the Bennet family, Longbourn pulls back the curtain to reveal the grueling work required to maintain their world. The image of everything "happening by magic" underscores how utterly detached the Bennets are from the reality of their privilege.

The humor of the meme lies in its exaggeration of Mr. Bennet’s detachment and highlights his passive nature as a patriarch. While he enjoys the comfort of his home, he remains blissfully unaware of the relentless effort behind it. This mirrors the broader societal ignorance of the working class’s struggles, as portrayed throughout Longbourn.

Ultimately, this meme and the selected passage invite us to rethink the Austenian ideal of domestic harmony. By giving voice to characters like Sarah and Polly, Baker forces us to acknowledge the physical and emotional toll of servitude, making us question the cost of the elegance and refinement we’ve often admired in Austen’s novels.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

For this week's Tumblr post, I created my own meme using a template I found online. This meme perfectly depicts Mr. Bennet's ruthless nature towards the servants and the Bennet family's complete dependence on their labor. It shows Mr. Bennet sweating while trying to choose between two buttons, both representing "Send the servants." This illustrates how his solution to all problems is simply to dispatch the servants. In Pride and Prejudice, readers often find Mr. Bennet's sarcasm and hands-off parenting funny. But Longbourn shows how this affects the servants, Sarah and Mrs. Hill. What seems like entertaining family drama in Austen's book becomes hard work and ruthless labor for the servants. They have to deal with surprise events, balls, and family problems that the Bennets don't think about. In Longbourn, Mr. Bennet's lack of care isn't just funny anymore. It means that the women in his house - both his daughters and the servants - have to do all the work to keep the family running. Sarah and Mrs. Hill deal with the physical strain of this, showing how the upper class takes advantage of the lower class. The meme gets at the main point of Longbourn: Austen's stories about the upper class depend on the hard work of servants that we don't see. The Bennet sisters' problems with society's rules are real, but they can focus on these problems because they have servants doing all the work. Mr. Bennet's laziness and the family's chaos aren't just funny anymore - they show how the rich benefit from the poor. The joke "Send the servants!" seems both silly and meaningful. It shows what Longbourn is all about: the Bennet family, as likeable as they seem, live well because of people they barely notice. By showing Sarah's point of view, Longbourn makes readers think about the human cost behind the romantic world of Austen's books.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

For this week, I decided to make my own meme that illustrates Fanny Price’s response to the overwhelming pressure to marry Henry Crawford in Mansfield Park. Inspired by modern reaction memes, I wanted to capture the unexpected strength Fanny displays when she rejects Henry’s proposal, despite her usual quiet, compliant nature. The meme is structured with a message on an iPad saying, “You must marry Henry,” echoing the relentless push from her family and society. In the image below, we see Fanny stand her ground, even as everyone around her insists on this marriage. The humor in this visual juxtaposition—of a “shy” character showing a sudden, intense reaction—underlines just how powerful and defiant Fanny’s refusal really is. In Mansfield Park, Fanny is often seen as a “pushover” who goes along with whatever others decide for her. She’s generally obedient, sacrificing her own desires to please her family. However, when it comes to her future and the prospect of marriage, she takes a firm stance, refusing to betray her principles for the sake of convenience or approval. This refusal to marry Henry is a pivotal moment where Fanny asserts her will, reminding us that even the quietest individuals have their boundaries. Her “no” is not just a rejection of Henry but a rejection of compromising her values and sense of self. She stands up for herself when it really matters. When Sir Thomas confronts Fanny about her refusal, he is incredulous, asking, "Am I to understand that you mean to refuse Mr. Crawford?". This question underscores the societal expectation that Fanny should accept such an advantageous match without hesitation. Fanny's response is firm yet respectful: "Yes, sir". This simple reply belies the internal struggle Fanny faces, torn between her principles and the pressure to conform. Sir Thomas, representing societal norms, cannot fathom Fanny's decision. Her decision is based on a deeper understanding of Henry's nature, which others fail to see. This scene exemplifies Austen's exploration of personal integrity versus societal expectations. Fanny, often perceived as weak or compliant, demonstrates remarkable strength in standing up for her principles, even when it means disappointing her benefactors and going against the wishes of those she respects most, including Edmund. In the context of the novel, Fanny's refusal is a turning point. It forces other characters to reassess their perceptions of her and sets in motion events that ultimately vindicate her judgment. Her quiet resolve in this moment is a testament to her inner strength and moral clarity, qualities that define her character throughout the novel.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

This meme perfectly captures the evolution of Pride and Prejudice into Ibi Zoboi's modern retelling, Pride. While Austen's classic novel is undoubtedly a masterpiece, Zoboi's adaptation brings a fresh and relevant perspective to the timeless themes. Pride takes the core elements of Austen's work - social class tensions, prejudice, and romance - and transplants them into contemporary Brooklyn.

Zoboi's reimagining transforms Elizabeth Bennet into Zuri Benitez, a proud Haitian-Dominican teenager navigating gentrification in her neighborhood.

The so called "upgrade" here isn't about replacing Austen's work, but rather about how Zoboi builds upon it to address modern issues. Where Austen critiqued 19th-century British society, Zoboi tackles race, cultural identity, and socioeconomic disparities in 21st-century America.

One of the most striking aspects of Pride is how it maintains thematic fidelity to the original while introducing new layers of complexity. For example, the class divide between Elizabeth and Darcy becomes a multifaceted exploration of gentrification, cultural pride, and the complexities of black identity in Zuri and Darius's relationship. Zoboi's adaptation also shines in its portrayal of Zuri's voice. Like Elizabeth, Zuri is witty and outspoken, but her dialogue and inner monologue reflect the unique cadence and cultural richness of her Bushwick community.

This "upgrade" allows readers to experience a familiar story through a lens that's both fresh and deeply rooted in contemporary urban life.

The "perfection" label in the meme isn't about claiming superiority over Austen's work, but rather celebrating how Zoboi's retelling achieves a perfect balance - honoring the source material while creating something entirely new and relevant. It's a testament to the enduring power of Austen's themes and the skill with which Zoboi has reimagined them for a new generation.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

This meme perfectly illustrates the intriguing shift of attention among readers when Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was introduced. Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has long held its place as an iconic exploration of social expectations, love, and character-driven satire, wrapped in the witty, sharp observations of its author. Its universal themes and Austen's timeless prose have made it a beloved classic, studied and adored for generations.

Enter Seth Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a literary pastiche that blends Austen’s sophisticated narrative with the absurdity of a zombie apocalypse. The allure of this adaptation lies in its clever contrast: it retains Austen's original dialogue and characters while inserting scenes of undead battles and survivalist tactics.

The reader’s attention, humorously represented by the distracted boyfriend, reflects how even the most devoted Austen fans were drawn to this unconventional reimagining.

While some literary purists and Austen devotees viewed the mash-up as a gimmicky distraction that diluted the original, others found it a refreshing and playful take that breathed new life into the Regency-era story. The adaptation manages to emphasize themes of resilience, social maneuvering, and class conflicts in a unique way—albeit with swords and bloodshed.

What makes Pride and Prejudice and Zombies so interesting is its dual nature: it invites readers to appreciate Austen's narrative mastery while simultaneously offering a critique on modern mash-up culture. It asks us to consider what it means to take something sacred in literature and transform it into something comically grotesque. This meme encapsulates how some readers felt torn between their loyalty to Austen’s refined work and their curiosity about the bold, action-packed retelling.

Ultimately, this quirky adaptation has sparked conversations about the boundaries of genre and the ways we reimagine classics to reflect modern sensibilities and humor. And while the initial fascination may fade, the enduring nature of Austen's work always draws readers back.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

This meme humorously highlights the way Jane Austen subtly challenges social norms through Fanny Price's relationship with her cousin Edmund in Mansfield Park. Austen is known for her use of irony and satire to critique the rigid social structures of her time, and this meme amplifies that irony by pointing out the modern awkwardness around cousin marriages, which were relatively normal in Austen’s day.

In Mansfield Park, Austen crafts Fanny as a character whose moral purity and quiet resilience make her endearing, yet her romantic attachment to Edmund (her first cousin) feels unusual to contemporary readers.

Austen uses free indirect discourse and understated narrative techniques to let readers witness Fanny’s inner turmoil and deep admiration for Edmund without directly questioning the propriety of their relationship. This distance in narration subtly critiques the limitations placed on women’s romantic choices within their social circle, where family connections often shaped marriage prospects.

The meme’s humor also taps into Austen’s use of social irony. In Mansfield Park, Austen doesn’t directly address the ethical implications of cousin marriage, letting the reader’s awareness of modern norms create an unstated, almost uncomfortable irony.

Fanny’s relationship with Edmund is presented in a straightforward, earnest way, as if Austen is daring readers to judge it by modern standards. The meme playfully suggests that Fanny, in her quiet and morally rigid way, is as oblivious to modern judgments as she is steadfast in her feelings for Edmund. By pointing out this discrepancy, the meme makes us laugh at how Austen’s subtle critique of social norms still resonates, even if cousin marriages don’t.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

I wanted to talk about the romanticization of living in Austen's era. Reading Austen can often lead to an idealized view of regency life especially for women. This can stir up feelings of boredom with the real world. This phenomenon is very quickly observed in the beginning of lost in Austen in Amanda Price who is the protagonist of the movie. She is obsessed with pride and prejudice and Mr. Darcy. The novel acts as an escape from her dull life as she immerses herself in the novel. Naturally, this has a negative effect on her life. Her boyfriend can of course no longer compete for her attention against Mr. Darcy.

When Amanda swaps places with Elizabeth Bennet and steps into the world of Pride and prejudice, she soon learns that the reality of the fictional world isn’t as perfect as she once imagined. Her presence in the world of Austen disrupts the story she cherished and she finds herself disillusioned with Darcy who fails to live up to the fantasy she’s built around him over the years

In the end, we see both Amanda’s struggles in real life and within the narrative of pride and prejudice. We also see that people can romanticize Austen's world too much.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

In this meme, Elizabeth Bennet is shown running away from Mr. Collins—a perfect visual for his relentless pursuit and her desire for independence. This scene from Pride and Prejudice captures Mr. Collins's repeated proposals, which, in a toxic way, might seem appealing due to the security he represents—a quality many women of Austen's time were pressured to value. His persistence reflects a societal norm that a woman's initial "no" was negotiable, yet Elizabeth's refusal is strikingly modern; she values her happiness over a practical match.

In my opinion, the way Mr. Collins persists can also be looked at as appealing to Lizzy because even though Mr. Collins has a lot of options due to his wealth, he chooses to repeatedly chase after Lizzy which makes her feel special in a way that a suitor of her choice couldn’t. This approach is a double edged sword though; it can often be perceived as creepy. However, in this case, it comes across as more endearing than unsettling.

Austen's language highlights this tension, with Mr. Collins's pompous reasoning contrasting sharply with Elizabeth's clear refusals. His words, focused on propriety and duty, reveal that he sees Lizzy more as a role to be filled than a person. This meme humorously amplifies this clash, turning Lizzy's escape into a metaphor for evading unwanted expectations and showing her rejection of a life dictated by societal norms.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

Mrs. Jennings, in all her glory! This iconic scene perfectly captures her tireless and often misguided mission to marry off every eligible person she meets.

The line in this meme—"She had now therefore nothing to do but to marry off all the rest of the world"—is classic Jane Austen humor at its finest. Mrs. Jennings embodies that nosy, well-meaning relative who can’t resist playing matchmaker, even when she has no idea what’s actually going on.

In Sense and Sensibility, Mrs. Jennings is like the embodiment of society’s obsession with marriage, especially for women. She’s so eager to find a husband for everyone (Elinor, Marianne… basically all the single people around her) that she often jumps to wild conclusions, like thinking Colonel Brandon is romantically interested in Elinor when he's just trying to help Edward Ferrars with his career. Her good intentions often lead to misunderstandings, which makes her both lovable and frustrating at the same time.

What I love most about Mrs. Jennings is that she’s a reflection of how society constantly pressures women to get married, as if that’s their sole purpose in life. Her character highlights the comedy in that pressure but also serves as a critique of how reductive those expectations are.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

This meme was taken from the Instagram page @janeaustenmeme

The meme perfectly encapsulates Fanny Dashwood's character from Sense and Sensibility, especially her almost comedic lack of empathy. The image, featuring a dialogue between Fanny and Edward Ferrars, hilariously highlights how Fanny brushes off the serious grief of the Dashwood sisters with a dismissive "Yes, very sad. Anyway…"

Fanny Dashwood’s callousness is evident from her first appearance in the novel, a depiction of which has been shown in the meme above. Shortly after the passing of her father-in-law, she arrives unannounced at Norland park and takes possession showing little regard for the grieving family. Her cold-hearted nature is further revealed in her conversation with her husband John about providing financial support to his stepmother and half-sisters. Fanny systematically convinces John to reduce his planned assistance, arguing that the Dashwood women will be comfortable without additional money. Her logic can be described as cold and selfish, prioritizing her own family's wealth over the well-being of her in-laws.

Fanny's response in the meme, which demonstrates her eagerness to move on to other topics after Edward brings up the Dashwood girls' recent father loss, clearly captures her self-centered attitude. Her incapacity to dwell on subjects that do not directly impact her or yield her gain stands in stark contrast to the more thoughtful and sympathetic nature of characters such as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

This scene is a great representation of Fanny's personality throughout the book. Even though she comes from the same family, she frequently gives the impression that she is totally cut off from any true familial love or obligation, often putting her own personal family's money and social standing above everything else. This meme is a critical criticism on her personality as well as a humorous diversion from her callousness, which it masterfully illustrates through humor.

The inclusion of this specific moment from a modern TV series heightens the humor and helps current viewers understand and relate to the coldness of the historical figure.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

The above meme was taken from a website called Memedroid (https://pt.memedroid.com/memes/detail/3633046/Sense-and-sensibility). It encapsulated a little moment that we discussed in class. This meme perfectly encapsulates an instance which uses weather to mirror the emotional climates of characters. One such instance of Austen’s wit is shown in this meme.

Mrs. Jennings and friends are stuck indoors playing a game, wishing the rain would stop as quoted in the text, "If only this rain would stop!" Austen uses bad weather here to force her characters to spend time together.

There is a photo of Edward Ferrars, looking super bored, wishing the talking would stop instead. His thought bubble, the meme shows he’s tired of the pointless chatter. This fits Edward’s character well; he likes things simple and straightforward, just like Elinor describes him having "an innate propriety and simplicity of taste" (Volume 1, Chapter 4).

This funny comparison isn’t just for laughs. It shows how Austen uses little things like weather to bring out big reactions from her characters. It’s a smart way to show how they deal with both the social rules and the places they’re in.

In Sense and Sensibility, Austen talks about holding back and letting go, using Elinor's calm and Marianne's open heart to show the differences. The rain and the non-stop talking are symbols of the things that hold them back or push them too close.

This meme isn’t just a quick joke about how tiring people can be—it highlights Austen’s clever storytelling that digs into why people behave the way they do.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

In Northanger Abbey, Henry Tilney’s remark about preferring an ignorant woman struck me as a highlight of a common societal stereotype of the time. That a less educated woman would be more compliant, cheerful, and less likely to cause conflict. The idea is that an ignorant woman, smiling and unaware of deeper problems, would provide a peaceful home without challenges. However, Jane Austen uses this comment ironically to critique such attitudes.

While Catherine may start as naive, she grows in understanding throughout the novel, demonstrating that ignorance is not a desirable quality but a temporary state, somewhat like the “Honeymoon phase” in a relationship. Henry’s affection for Catherine deepens not because of her ignorance, but because of her ability to learn and reflect. Austen mocks the notion that ignorance brings happiness in relationships. She instead suggests that genuine partnership is based on intellectual and emotional growth. In this way, the novel challenges the traditional idea that ignorance in women is an asset, favoring mutual respect and shared understanding instead.

[knight-inshiningarmour]

This meme humorously captures the essence of "Northanger Abbey" by exaggerating Catherine Morland's fascination with Gothic novels. The over-the-top text and Catherine's melodramatic pose are a playful nod to the hyperbolic nature of the Gothic genre, which Jane Austen both engages with and parodies in her novel.

In "Northanger Abbey," Austen uses Catherine's obsession with Gothic literature as a vehicle for satire. Catherine's tendency to overstate the dangers and mysteries around her. Austen’s way of critiquing the overly dramatic nature of Gothic novels popular in her time. The meme reflects this by pushing the dramatization even further, highlighting the absurdity that Austen so cleverly undermines in her work.

Ultimately, this meme exemplifies how "Northanger Abbey" continues to resonate with elder and more reserved audiences, who can still appreciate and laugh at the ways in which Gothic sensibilities can be blown out of proportion. Austen’s irony and her balance of understatement and overstatement remain as relevant today as they were in the 19th century.