#austen stuff

[elizabethbennetonweeds]

this is the voice in my head that says,

[societyofliterates]

Austen & the Modern Teen

written by Rebecca

edited by Anushka and Saamiya

As I was scrolling through Netflix the other day, trying to find a movie for my entertainment, I chanced upon Pride and Prejudice (2005), starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Mcfayden. Although I have watched the movie before, there was no hesitation in deciding to rewatch the on-screen adaptation of the extraordinary literary classic.

Jane Austen’s books have been a staple for many readers over the course of the past years, and the popularity of her stories have resulted in the production of movies and television series that I hold near and dear to my heart, like Sense and Sensibility (1995), and Clueless (1995), to name a few. These stories are special to me due to many various reasons. One reason being the relevance of the lessons learnt in our daily lives as teenagers.

So, what makes the lessons of fictional upper class women of Georgian society relevant to what us modern teenagers experience today? Let’s break it down.

1. Always be open to change

As teenagers, I am sure many of us tend to be selfish and think the world revolves around us. Much as I hate to admit, I can be selfish at times as well. Therefore, constructive criticism and challenges to solid impressions can feel like a blow to us as people, no matter the good intentions behind it. Even Elizabeth Bennet and Emma Woodhouse struggled with change, yet they eventually accepted the truth of what it was and grew right along with it. To adapt and admit to change can be tough, especially when you hold your opinion or moral very strongly, but with the willingness to accept the situation it will make the ordeal a little less difficult, helping us as teens grow into better people. An open attitude allows us to take feedback positively, allowing us to embrace a more mature perspective, thus stretching us to our fullest potential

2. Right place, wrong time

Ever experienced something you very much wanted, but when you actually had it, it suddenly was not right for you no matter how much you loved it? You’re not alone. Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth have experienced it too. And yet, seven years later, they found each other again. Don’t fret too much when the things you want seem impossibly out of reach. Maybe it was just not the right time. All you have to do is to continue looking up and forward, and one day, you just might get it.

Austen’s heroines, your everyday girls facing timeless issues like the pressures of societal standards, financial management, and meddling families, are what make her stories appealing to the teens of today. I admit, stories of sword-wielding mermaids and supernatural werewolf girls are very much entertaining in their own right, but none of these authors have the wit and humour Austen has in her writing. That is what makes her works some of the best blessings of existence.

[aestheticlookingcoffeejunkie]

I think the soft, mushy side of a really strong woman can only be revealed when a person has made her feel truly loved and appreciated. And I can't think of a better example than Lizzie and Darcy.

[stan-of-many]

Ya know that Jane Austen quote? The one that goes “A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” ? Yeah. Currently feeling that right now. It’s the dumbest thing and it’s annoying me but it’s SO true. Y u gotta complicate things brain???

[elizabethbennetonweeds]

remembering the time i watched "love and friendship" for the very first time and was awestruck.

[ladyandtheghost]

New Emma trailer drops...

Them: “The [insert year] adaptation was already perfect!                        We don’t need a new film!”

Me: 

[thelordsoftherings]

there can never bee too much pride and prejudice in your life

[mishacolins]

*basks herself in equal love for both the pride and prejudice 1995 bbc series and the 2005 movie*