A few things to consider during your reading of Jane Austen.
The influence of the surroundings and the reflection of such upon the characters, especially Anne.
The relationship and pursuit of acceptable acquaintances among the gentry.
The role of women in society.
The purposes of a woman being "accomplished".
Austen's perception of a good marriage match.
Flat and round characters within the novel and their influence in the plot.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Book Selection List
I thought it would be important for everyone to have access to the list we are pulling titles from. You will find a complete list of "approved" books through BYU's Honor's Program.
Other requirements are books that are short enough to complete in one month (two months, maximum) as well as being accessible within the public library system and/or purchase through book stores or online.
I have checked several of these titles with a specific website. If anyone is interested in purchasing books with me, a $50 order (shared) has free shipping, which leaves the books at nearly half the cost of books currently found at a local bookstore. If you are interested in this, we will be making a list of the books for the next year at the first discussion meeting held in September.
Other requirements are books that are short enough to complete in one month (two months, maximum) as well as being accessible within the public library system and/or purchase through book stores or online.
I have checked several of these titles with a specific website. If anyone is interested in purchasing books with me, a $50 order (shared) has free shipping, which leaves the books at nearly half the cost of books currently found at a local bookstore. If you are interested in this, we will be making a list of the books for the next year at the first discussion meeting held in September.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Knowing an Author's Influences
There are so many different approaches to understanding a piece of literature. One such way is to become familiar with those texts with which an author enjoyed. While this is not always apparent and available, Jane Austen often finds herself alluding to other works while composing her own.
Being human, an individual goes about the world coming into contact with so many various people and influences. As this occurs, the individual invariably comes away with a portion of new understanding due to this interaction. If an artist attempted to convey this on canvas, she might paint a more understandable visual using a collage of different items/ideas/people with which portions become attached to a central figure.
I see this in myself in my word patterns after spending large amounts of time with any given individual or after submerging myself in a particular novel. It is inescapable for me, yet neither is it desirable to not be influenced as I choose good things and people by which to be influenced.
Even in this thought, the entirety of the plot of Jane Austen's Persuasion is set. The characters are persuaded through their encounters with others to create their opinions and further their influences. It is only by the end of the novel that the heroine rises above strictly being persuaded and influenced to make good and justly decisions on her own. Anne ultimately recognizes in herself the ability to make good judgments and to be happy with the outcome and consequences of such.
Being human, an individual goes about the world coming into contact with so many various people and influences. As this occurs, the individual invariably comes away with a portion of new understanding due to this interaction. If an artist attempted to convey this on canvas, she might paint a more understandable visual using a collage of different items/ideas/people with which portions become attached to a central figure.
I see this in myself in my word patterns after spending large amounts of time with any given individual or after submerging myself in a particular novel. It is inescapable for me, yet neither is it desirable to not be influenced as I choose good things and people by which to be influenced.
Even in this thought, the entirety of the plot of Jane Austen's Persuasion is set. The characters are persuaded through their encounters with others to create their opinions and further their influences. It is only by the end of the novel that the heroine rises above strictly being persuaded and influenced to make good and justly decisions on her own. Anne ultimately recognizes in herself the ability to make good judgments and to be happy with the outcome and consequences of such.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
First Selection
The first selection for the book club is Jane Austen's Persuasion.
Persuasion was published posthumously by her brother Henry. She was not fully confident in her writing and found herself plaguing the texts to perfection before allowing them to be published, leaving this, Northanger Abbey and Love and Friendship to find publication after she left this earth. She grew up in a religious family; her father being the Rector through her childhood and into adulthood. She lived with her family throughout, and was never married herself.
While Jane Austen struggled through an illness that eventually took her life, she completed this final book. Persuasion is about a woman who has jilted her love and through the course of devastating family circumstances, is faced to encounter him years later and confront her feelings for him and he for her.
Enjoy this reading this month! We will be meeting 15 Sept 09 to discuss our perceptions and insights into this novel.
Persuasion was published posthumously by her brother Henry. She was not fully confident in her writing and found herself plaguing the texts to perfection before allowing them to be published, leaving this, Northanger Abbey and Love and Friendship to find publication after she left this earth. She grew up in a religious family; her father being the Rector through her childhood and into adulthood. She lived with her family throughout, and was never married herself.
While Jane Austen struggled through an illness that eventually took her life, she completed this final book. Persuasion is about a woman who has jilted her love and through the course of devastating family circumstances, is faced to encounter him years later and confront her feelings for him and he for her.
Enjoy this reading this month! We will be meeting 15 Sept 09 to discuss our perceptions and insights into this novel.
To Begin
Great Works Book Club
“Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)
Purpose: To enlighten the minds of readers through the reading and discussion of great works.
Members: Those women who choose to participate on any level of commitment, as this will be an on-going club. It is acknowledged that certain times of the year may be difficult to meet, however meetings will continue to be held throughout. Advance notice will be given if there is a change to the schedule in order to avoid conflicts with such events that may deter the majority from being in attendance.
There are no dues or fees of any kind.
Text: The definition of a “great work” is a text which has endured the test of time as well as remaining pertinent to the human condition. No current best-seller’s listed books will be viewed as consideration for participation. Consideration will be given to the selection of each text, largely drawn from recommendations from the Church universities to avoid unsuitable and/or offensive material.
Goals: To read one text per month. Some texts, due to the length or level of writing may require more than the allotted month’s reading. A mid-point will be decided and will be the amount of the text discussed at that month’s meeting.
To meet once per month to discuss the text and gain insight to the way we view the world as well as the way our peers might perceive it.
To help build personal libraries if finances are available and the individual has the desire to purchase each text.
Meetings: Held once per month for one hour to discuss the text and socialize with other members. Meetings must begin promptly at the appointed time to ensure enough time for the discussion. Those arriving late will quietly join the group and freely participate.
The meeting place will rotate through those homes of participates who so desire to invite members into their home to discuss. It is recommended that these homes also be welcoming to women who would like to come but must bring their children with them. Children visiting during these times will remain in another portion of the home to play but must remain respectful of the toys and home they are in, the mother being solely responsible for the child.
Discussion: Those reading the text are encouraged to form opinions upon what they are reading. Historical, social, scientific, economical and other influences upon the work will be brought up and discussed when and if possible. Members should respect each other’s differing opinions and thoughts about each text as reader response is largely the way individuals personalize the reading of literature.
“Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)
Purpose: To enlighten the minds of readers through the reading and discussion of great works.
Members: Those women who choose to participate on any level of commitment, as this will be an on-going club. It is acknowledged that certain times of the year may be difficult to meet, however meetings will continue to be held throughout. Advance notice will be given if there is a change to the schedule in order to avoid conflicts with such events that may deter the majority from being in attendance.
There are no dues or fees of any kind.
Text: The definition of a “great work” is a text which has endured the test of time as well as remaining pertinent to the human condition. No current best-seller’s listed books will be viewed as consideration for participation. Consideration will be given to the selection of each text, largely drawn from recommendations from the Church universities to avoid unsuitable and/or offensive material.
Goals: To read one text per month. Some texts, due to the length or level of writing may require more than the allotted month’s reading. A mid-point will be decided and will be the amount of the text discussed at that month’s meeting.
To meet once per month to discuss the text and gain insight to the way we view the world as well as the way our peers might perceive it.
To help build personal libraries if finances are available and the individual has the desire to purchase each text.
Meetings: Held once per month for one hour to discuss the text and socialize with other members. Meetings must begin promptly at the appointed time to ensure enough time for the discussion. Those arriving late will quietly join the group and freely participate.
The meeting place will rotate through those homes of participates who so desire to invite members into their home to discuss. It is recommended that these homes also be welcoming to women who would like to come but must bring their children with them. Children visiting during these times will remain in another portion of the home to play but must remain respectful of the toys and home they are in, the mother being solely responsible for the child.
Discussion: Those reading the text are encouraged to form opinions upon what they are reading. Historical, social, scientific, economical and other influences upon the work will be brought up and discussed when and if possible. Members should respect each other’s differing opinions and thoughts about each text as reader response is largely the way individuals personalize the reading of literature.
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