Fun Friday - Looooog Sentences

I found this article awhile ago but kept forgetting about it until earlier this week when I stumbled upon the bookmark.

Today I’m feeling a bit pugnacious 

It starts:

In creative writing and journalism classes a wannabe Steinbeck, Updike or Grantland Rice, was taught to grab his readers early, skip clichés, keep sentences short and avoid sending a reader to the dictionary just to show how smart you are. 

 He then goes on to talk about exceptions to the rules...included our Dear Jane. who has a 180-word sentence in "Emma"

The charming Augusta Hawkins, in addition to all the usual advantages of perfect beauty and merit, was in possession of an independent fortune, of so many thousands as would always be called ten; a point of some dignity, as well as some convenience: the story told well; he had not thrown himself away -- he had gained a woman of ten thousand pounds, or thereabouts; and he had gained her with such delightful rapidity -- the first hour of introduction had been so very soon followed by distinguishing notice; the history which he had to give Mrs. Cole of the rise and progress of the affair was so glorious -- the steps so quick, from the accidental rencontre, to the dinner at Mr. Green's, and the party at Mrs. Brown's -- smiles and blushes rising in importance -- with consciousness and agitation richly scattered -- the lady had been so easily impressed -- so sweetly disposed -- had in short, to use a most intelligible phrase, been so very ready to have him, that vanity and prudence were equally contented.

This sentence is from Chapter 22.  

 

Wordless Wednesday #196

Source: Huffington Post via CNJ JASNA on Pinterest

Monday Book Quote

Trying something new here on the blog, using a random word generator I will get a word and find it in one of Jane's novels. I will share that quote here. 

transaction

"Impropriety! Oh! Mrs. Weston, it is too calm a censure. Much, much beyond impropriety! It has sunk him, I cannot say how it has sunk him in my opinion. So unlike what a man should be! None of that upright integrity, that strict adherence to truth and principle, that disdain of trick and littleness, which a man should display in every transaction of his life."

--Emma, Chapter 46

Book Quote Monday

Trying something new here on the blog, using a random word generator I will get a word and find it in one of Jane's novels. I will share that quote here. 

regret

Harriet could not very soon give an intelligent account. She was feeling too much; but at last Emma collected from her enough to understand the sort of meeting, and the sort of pain it was creating. She had seen only Mrs. Martin and the two girls. They had received her doubtingly, if not coolly; and nothing beyond the merest common-place had been talked almost all the time -- till just at last, when Mrs. Martin's saying, all of a sudden, that she thought Miss Smith was grown, had brought on a more interesting subject, and a warmer manner. In that very room she had been measured last September, with her two friends. There were the pencilled marks and memorandums on the wainscot by the window. He had done it. They all seemed to remember the day, the hour, the party, the occasion -- to feel the same consciousness, the same regrets -- to be ready to return to the same good understanding; and they were just growing again like themselves, (Harriet, as Emma must suspect, as ready as the best of them to be cordial and happy,) when the carriage re-appeared, and all was over. The style of the visit, and the shortness of it, were then felt to be decisive. Fourteen minutes to be given to those with whom she had thankfully passed six weeks not six months ago! Emma could not but picture it all, and feel how justly they might resent, how naturally Harriet must suffer. It was a bad business. She would have given a great deal, or endured a great deal, to have had the Martins in a higher rank of life. They were so deserving, that a little higher should have been enough: but as it was, how could she have done otherwise? Impossible! She could not repent. They must be separated; but there was a great deal of pain in the process -- so much to herself at this time, that she soon felt the necessity of a little consolation, and resolved on going home by way of Randalls to procure it. Her mind was quite sick of Mr. Elton and the Martins. The refreshment of Randalls was absolutely necessary.

--Emma and chapter 23

Book Quote Monday

Trying something new here on the blog, using a random word generator I will get a word and find it in one of Jane's novels. I will share that quote here. 

Fetch

"I would ask for the pleasure of your company, Mr. Knightley, but I am a very slow walker, and my pace would be tedious to you; and besides, you have another long walk before you, to Donwell Abbey."

"Thank you, sir, thank you; I am going this moment myself; and I think the sooner you go the better. I will fetch your great coat and open the garden door for you."

Mr. Woodhouse at last was off; but Mr. Knightley, instead of being immediately off likewise, sat down again, seemingly inclined for more chat. He began speaking of Harriet, and speaking of her with more voluntary praise than Emma had ever heard before.

--Emma, chapter 8

Book Quote Monday

Trying something new here on the blog, using a random word generator I will get a word and find it in one of Jane's novels. I will share that quote here. 

Soup

"Jane, Jane, my dear Jane, where are you? Here is your tippet. Mrs. Weston begs you to put on your tippet. She says she is afraid there will be draughts in the passage, though every thing has been done -- one door nailed up -- quantities of matting -- My dear Jane, indeed you must. Mr. Churchill, oh! you are too obliging! How well you put it on! so gratified! Excellent dancing indeed! Yes, my dear, I ran home, as I said I should, to help grandmamma to bed, and got back again, and nobody missed me. I set off without saying a word, just as I told you. Grandmamma was quite well, had a charming evening with Mr. Woodhouse, a vast deal of chat, and backgammon. Tea was made down stairs, biscuits and baked apples and wine before she came away: amazing luck in some of her throws: and she inquired a great deal about you, how you were amused, and who were your partners. 'Oh!' said I, 'I shall not forestall Jane; I left her dancing with Mr. George Otway; she will love to tell you all about it herself to-morrow: her first partner was Mr. Elton, I do not know who will ask her next, perhaps Mr. William Cox.' My dear sir, you are too obliging. Is there nobody you would not rather? I am not helpless. Sir, you are most kind. Upon my word, Jane on one arm, and me on the other! Stop, stop, let us stand a little back, Mrs. Elton is going; dear Mrs. Elton, how elegant she looks! Beautiful lace! Now we all follow in her train. Quite the queen of the evening! -- Well, here we are at the passage. Two steps, Jane, take care of the two steps. Oh! no, there is but one. Well, I was persuaded there were two. How very odd! I was convinced there were two, and there is but one. I never saw any thing equal to the comfort and style -- Candles every where. I was telling you of your grandmamma, Jane, -- There was a little disappointment. The baked apples and biscuits, excellent in their way, you know; but there was a delicate fricassee of sweetbread and some asparagus brought in at first, and good Mr. Woodhouse, not thinking the asparagus quite boiled enough, sent it all out again. Now there is nothing grandmamma loves better than sweetbread and asparagus -- so she was rather disappointed, but we agreed we would not speak of it to any body, for fear of its getting round to dear Miss Woodhouse, who would be so very much concerned! Well, this is brilliant! I am all amazement! could not have supposed any thing! Such elegance and profusion! -- I have seen nothing like it since -- Well, where shall we sit? where shall we sit? Any where, so that Jane is not in a draught. Where I sit is of no consequence. Oh! do you recommend this side? Well, I am sure, Mr. Churchill -- only it seems too good -- but just as you please. What you direct in this house cannot be wrong. dear Jane, how shall we ever recollect half the dishes for grandmamma? Soup too! Bless me! I should not be helped so soon, but it smells most excellent, and I cannot help beginning."

--Emma, Chapter 38

Wordless Wednesday #172

Source: The Jeremy Northam Blog on tumblrvia CNJ JASNA on Pinterest

Strawberries!

This past week the strawberries were ready to be picked at the CSA.

If you would like to join us as we continue our reading of Jane Austen's novels in order of publication, we will be discussing Emma on Sunday, June 17 at 2 pm. 

Send us an email if you are interested and we'll give you all the details!

Book Quote Monday

Trying something new here on the blog, using a random word generator I will get a word and find it in one of Jane's novels. I will share that quote here. 

failure

Mrs. Weston was exceedingly disappointed -- much more disappointed, in fact, than her husband, though her dependence on seeing the young man had been so much more sober: but a sanguine temper, though for ever expecting more good than occurs, does not always pay for its hopes by any proportionate depression. It soon flies over the present failure, and begins to hope again. For half an hour Mr. Weston was surprized and sorry; but then he began to perceive that Frank's coming two or three months later would be a much better plan; better time of year; better weather; and that he would be able, without any doubt, to stay considerably longer with them than if he had come sooner.

--Emma and Chapter 18

Book Quote Monday

Trying something new here on the blog, using a random word generator I will get a word and find it in one of Jane's novels. I will share that quote here. 

Parcel

I was rather disappointed that I did not hear from her again speedily; but I made excuses for her, and was too busy, and -- may I add? too cheerful in my views to be captious. We removed to Windsor; and two days afterwards I received a parcel from her, my own letters all returned! and a few lines at the same time by the post, stating her extreme surprise at not having had the smallest reply to her last; and adding, that as silence on such a point could not be misconstrued, and as it must be equally desirable to both to have every subordinate arrangement concluded as soon as possible, she now sent me, by a safe conveyance, all my letters, and requested, that if I could not directly command her's, so as to send them to Highbury within a week, I would forward them after that period to her at -- : in short, the full direction to Mr. Smallridge's, near Bristol, stared me in the face.

--Emma, Chapter 50

Book Quote Monday

Trying something new here on the blog, using a random word generator I will get a word and find it in one of Jane's novels. I will share that quote here. 

Easter

"I do not know, my dear -- but it is so long since she was here! not since last Easter, and then only for a few days. Mr. John Knightley's being a lawyer is very inconvenient. Poor Isabella! she is sadly taken away from us all! and how sorry she will be when she comes, not to see Miss Taylor here!"

--Emma, Chapter 9

Wordless Wednesday #110

Source: Flavorewire via CNJ JASNA on Pinterest

Podcasting with Jane - Going to College

This month's podcast selection are lecture notes from British Literature II Jane Austen Lecture Notes.

This podcast was part of the required course work for the class taught by Beth Ritter-Guth at Union County College in Cranford, NJ.

You can listen to the podcast here - Lecture Notes for Jane Austen's Emma

and read the transcript here - Transcribed Lecture Notes for Jane Austen's Emma


Happy Listening!

Wordless Wednesday #103

Source:Source Unknown via CNJ JASNA on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday #101

Source: Sarah Fritzler diy literary quote mugs via CNJ JASNA on Pinterest

Fun Friday: Poll Results - Box Hill

We had a wonderful time at our Box Hill meeting.  Since we were celebrating our yearly event we asked you your opinion on Emma.

First we wanted to know who your favorite character was in the novel.

As you can see Mr. Knightly was the overall favorite with a second place tie between Emma and Mrs. Elton. Someone loves her as the rest of the results will.

Second we wanted to know who your least favorite character was in the novel.

Contrary to our one participant Mrs. Elton is not a favorite of everyone.

For our last question we wanted to know what your favorite scene was from the novel. We got a number of responses but as with the other two questions it seems most people are of a similar mind.


We love when Mr. Knightly proposes to Emma! So here it is...

  "My dearest Emma," said he, "for dearest you will always be, whatever the event of this hour's conversation, my dearest, most beloved Emma -- tell me at once. Say 'No,' if it is to be said." She could really say nothing. "You are silent," he cried, with great animation; "absolutely silent! at present I ask no more."

    Emma was almost ready to sink under the agitation of this moment. The dread of being awakened from the happiest dream, was perhaps the most prominent feeling.

    "I cannot make speeches, Emma," he soon resumed; and in a tone of such sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness as was tolerably convincing. "If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. You hear nothing but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it. Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover. But you understand me. Yes, you see, you understand my feelings -- and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear, once to hear your voice."

To read the rest of the chapter visit Pemberly.com

Wordless Wednesday #90

Source: Box Tree On Box Hill, Surrey Hills, North Downs, Dorking, Surrey, England, Uk
 John Miller Photographer via CNJ JASNA on Pinterest

Fun Friday: Poll Results - Clueless Yes or No?

 

This month we asked you about your opinions on the movie clueless, which turned 20 on July 19th.


The first question we asked was Do you like the movie Clueless?  100% of respondents said yes! 

The second question we asked was Do you think Clueless is an acceptable adaptation of Emma? 40% of respondents said No and 60% of respondents said Yes

It's Monday! What are you reading? - As If!

This is a meme hosted by Book Journey.

As I mentioned in our Friday post (don't forget to vote in our July Poll) on July 19th Clueless will turn 20. Over the weekend I finished reading As If!: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling and the Cast and Crew by Jen Chaney

Summary
Acclaimed pop culture journalist Jen Chaney shares an oral history of the cult classic film Clueless in the ultimate written resource about one of the most influential, revered, and enduring movies of the 1990s—in celebration of its twentieth anniversary. Will we ever get tired of watching Cher navigate Beverly Hills high school and discover true love in the movie Clueless? As if! Written by Amy Heckerling and starring Alicia Silverstone, Clueless is an enduring comedy classic that remains one of the most streamed movies on Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes even twenty years after its release. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless is an everlasting pop culture staple.

In the first book of its kind, Jen Chaney has compiled an oral history of the making of this iconic film using recollections and insights collected from key cast and crew members involved in the making of this endlessly quotable, ahead-of-its-time production. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Emma influenced Heckerling to write the script, how the stars were cast into each of their roles, what was involved in creating the costumes, sets, and soundtrack, and much more.

This wonderful twentieth anniversary commemoration includes never-before-seen photos, original call sheets, casting notes, and production diary extracts. With supplemental critical insights by the author and other notable movie experts about why Clueless continues to impact pop culture, As If! will leave fans new and old totally buggin’ as they understand why this beloved film is timeless.

Some of the highlights from the book are:
-When Emma Met Cher
In this section they talk about Austen adaptations, specially in 1995 and how Clueless stood out among the other films.  Some of those interviewed for this section are

• Dr. Inger S.B. Brodey, professor of comparative literature at UNC-Chapel Hill and the co-organizer of UNC's annual Jane Austen Summer Program
• Dr. Devony Looser, professor of English at Arizona State University and former member of JASNA board of directors
• Dr. Juliette Wells, associate professor of English at Maryland's Goucher College and current member of the JASNA board of directors.

I really liked the inclusion of these women, who are not only Austen fans but also scholars.

-Casting Clueless
This section was great because they talked about all the names that were thrown around or actors who auditioned for the rolls. It would have been a much different movie if the cast wasn't the cast we know (and love).

-The Fashion and Beauty of Clueless
The fashion is basically a character in the movie. I was a bit too young to fully embrace the fashion influenced by the movie, (not to mention it's not all my style) but I do remember that I had a few things that could have been influenced by Tai's style.

There is also a section that breaks down the Classic Clueless scenes,  and the third section of the book talks about the impact of the movie.  It also discusses how it reaches all generations. Not to mention that soundtrack which was one of the first CDs I owned and I still listen to the soundtrack all the time It talks to the cast who are all still related to the movie and how Paul Rudd seems to have never aged since 1995.

The book comes out tomorrow (July 7) and if you are a Clueless fan I highly suggest picking it up and enjoying the flashback.

 Happy Monday! Happy Reading!

I received an ebook review copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Regency Man Monday - Crossword Edition

Saturday, March 14, 2015
George Knightley's love interest, in literature

Sunday, March 15, 2015
Mr. Darcy's creator