Society
Posted by Cassia on November 12, 1997 at 18:25:52:
In response to Moral rigor, written by gkb on November 11, 1997 at 20:57:30
] I am afraid I disagree that the reason Austen's works are currently successful is due to their hinging upon a simpler mode of life.
I think the exact opposite--that people are dealing with ever greater moral complexities and Austen provides a mind to match the modern sitiuation--a mind of tough realism combined with hope and faith. Almost a prescription, a healing medicine for the ills of our day.
think many people also enjoy the productions and novels because they show that the small things in life mean a great much. JA's world isn't a 'what's the big deal' place. She makes you feel that the slight we offer on another do matter and a person of sense and taste wouldn't trifle with the feelings of others.
...so we can see how to work out the problems of public/private selves in her work. She brings real problems of the individualized self as against and within the community--how to achieve individual freedom yet observe our duties to one another
The acknowledgement of community ties is something we speak of but rarely do, JA allows us to see it being done.
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