麻豆视频

The blindfold drawing challenge. The try not to laugh challenge. Five items in five minutes decluttering challenge. There are all kinds of challenges you can take on with friends or by yourself to try something new or tackle a necessary task. Might I suggest another challenge to add to your list: The Jane Austen Reading Challenge.

This year marks the 250th birthday of Jane Austen—an author whose works continues to find new generations of readers. She is considered one of England’s foremost novelists, yet like so many in the fields of music, art and literature, did not receive the public acknowledgement during her lifetime that was to come later. Additionally, she is not without her critics—especially those who describe her work as quaint and dated.

It is often noted that the rich social tapestry depicted in her books ran in stark contrast to her own quiet, simple life in rural Hampshire. Yet as an observer of life, she benefited from the stories of different family members who provided a wealth of experience upon which she could draw.

Her father was an orphan who worked his way out of poverty. Her mother was related to a duke but lived a life of struggle. Her aunt undertook a trip to India with the sole purpose of finding a husband. She had a cousin whose husband died in the guillotine. Her youngest brothers entered the navy and lived lives of excitement and danger. Other brothers introduced her to the theatre, art exhibitions, social events, and the lives of the landed gentry which her audience knows is widely reflected in all her books.

She started writing comic tales as a child, and then began forming the stories that would become the six novels fans know and love: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. But before turning 40, Austen became ill and at the age of 41 passed away and was buried in Winchester Cathedral.

Enthusiastic admirers of Austen’s work are sometimes referred to as being a ‘Janeite’ or ‘Janite’, a term coined in the 1890s. I wouldn’t put myself in that ardent category but she does rank among my favorite authors. There is a flow to the sentence structure and a depth of vocabulary contained in the dialogue that is so rich and full. Her writings overflow with words and phrasing no longer in use and maybe that’s why I enjoy reading it so much. There is a turn of phrase that is pleasing to the ear; “I think it rather unnecessary in you to be advising me”, “mine of felicity”, ”in the most delightful manner” or “one and twenty.” It also recalls an era of civility and decorum that we might feel has gone the way of the passenger pigeon or woolly mammoth.

As you picture the gentlemen characters in their tailored tailcoats, waistcoats and cravats; and the women in their high-waisted gowns, flowing skirts and long sleeves, there is something that matches the sight and sound of the wardrobe with the well-spoken and refined dialogue. It’s similar to when people dress up for a fancy event. There is a difference in how they converse with one another. Perhaps it’s just being more careful with words and wanting to ensure their speech is reflective of how they are dressed.

I was intrigued by an article last fall detailing how broadcast journalists were planning to dress for their on-air coverage the night of the American election, revealing how fashion and style were used to “convey trust, urgency and relatability.” Colors chosen were said to play a vital role in influencing viewer’s feelings and emotions during election coverage. For example, tailored blue blazers were said to create a grounding effect, even as numbers onscreen were shifting.

While power suits and ties were in abundance—good decorum and civil dialogue was not; at least not at times throughout the evening. Then again, we are seeing it in other places too. Politicians, coaches, and titans used to reserve their outbursts for the back room, locker room or board room, but now they are on full display for everyone and it seems to matter little to them who and what they are representing. It’s what makes it so jarring to hear foul language, inappropriate comments or tantrums come out of the mouths of people who are smartly dressed. And the more this type of behavior occurs, the more it seems to normalize it all. The bar keeps getting lowered and any calls to raise it don’t seem loud enough to make a difference.

Jane Austen’s gravesite at Winchester Cathedral is visited by admirers every year. While honoring her body of work, there may also be a tinge of nostalgia for an environment where conversation was classy and dialogue was dominated by decorum. It is the furthest thing from quaint or dated. It just might be the most important reality challenge we can undertake. That’s my outlook.