Patience, Ladies
Posted by Mark on August 21, 1998 at 11:56:05:
In response to Criticism of S&S, written by Stephanie S on August 19, 1998 at 18:25:09
Let us not forget the main point here. Jane Austen's novels, including Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park -- which most critics I've read tend to pick as her weakest -- have been around for two hundred years, and will undoubtedly be around for another two hundred years. They will be read, remembered, and loved long after this critic will be dead and forgotten.
Stop and consider how unusual Miss Austen is. Her "flagship" novel, Pride and Prejudice has never been out of print. And ALL her other novels are still being read, loved, and adapted to other mediums. Name one other novelist that that is the case. Dickens, Twain, etc. -- all these guys have forgotten works that are totally unknown outside their hard-core fans.
When I first got interested in Jane Austen over twenty years ago, I was able to easily find ALL her novels in print. Of the three bookstores that I frequented back then, only one didn't have the complete canon; and when I queried the clerk, she replied that the missing book was on back-order. Can the same be said about the Brontes, Scot, and the others? No.
Have pity upon this poor soul. Jane Austen has earned her greatness. She has nothing to prove. Can the same be said for this guy?
- Well done . . . Mary Anne 20:33:04 8/21/98
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- I thank-you, dear lady, for the complement. Mark 18:12:51 8/24/98
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- "Do not wish it, Miss Dashwood" Barbara 17:48:53 8/25/98
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- That lovely man MarthaK 21:12:01 8/27/98
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- That lovely man MarthaK 21:12:01 8/27/98
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- "Do not wish it, Miss Dashwood" Barbara 17:48:53 8/25/98
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- I thank-you, dear lady, for the complement. Mark 18:12:51 8/24/98
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- Very good point, Mark. . . (nfm) Stephanie S 16:43:47 8/21/98
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