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Original poster

I just don't get Jane Austen

78 replies

kiery · 05/09/2011 12:01

Oh, how I've tried and I've really, really, wanted to like them: I just can't!

I fell asleep with Northanger Abbey, was bored and confused with Sense and Sensiblility (I couldn't even finish the graphic novel); the list can go on............

I think they represent a small proportion of women who led a very priviledged life at that time. The game play and social intercourse is completely alien and dull, dull, dull. I can't care for these characters at all.

What am I missing? Please help me....should I try the Zombie Jane Austens?

OP posts:
TeamDamon · 05/09/2011 12:07

Have you tried the films? I say this as an English teacher trying to get reluctant teenagers through all sorts of texts - the films can be a great 'ice-breaker'. With my GCSE set, for example, we didn't open Much Ado About Nothing until they'd watched Ken n' Em in the film version, loved the fact that it had Denzel and Keanu in, fancied Kate Beckinsale, laughed at the funny bits (because they are funny on screen, less so on the page) and understood the story. Then studying the text became much more accessible and rewarding.

There are some great film and TV adaptations of Austen which might pave the way for reading them - the Ang Lee Sense and Sensibility is particularly beautiful.

TrillianAstra · 05/09/2011 12:06

Don't read/watch then. It's not compulsory.

Northanger Abbey is not one of her best.

I think Pride and Prejudice and Zombies would only really be entertaining if you have read the original to compare.

bamboobutton · 05/09/2011 12:04

i find them tedious too, very hard to read ime.

i love the tv adaptations though, love a good floaty dress i do.