My 2 (long) cents
Posted by Martine on November 14, 1997 at 14:53:45:
In response to Community, written by Arnessa on November 12, 1997 at 19:02:47
] I think the world of JA is attractive to us today because our communities have disintegrated so much. (except our little community at Pemberley, which is so special precisely because it flies in the face of this trend)
Yes, Thank God, Amy, Myretta and all the other administrators of the board for giving us this little corner of sanity!
] A large part of the difference is that we don't value society as much as we do privacy nowadays. And I think we like JA because she makes us realize the value of society even while exposing its ills. She evidently enjoyed people herself and that comes across in the books.
I agree with you completely. Today's society is so hurried in manners and pace, noone take the time to build a community.
] The difficulties and confusions a single woman faces now in trying to determine whether the seeming gentlemen she just met at a bar is a mass murderer.
LOL!!! That is SO TRUE! Particularly for me, who comes from France, and has the experience of a community where you still don't look at your neighbor as if he might steal or rape you or something...I used to walk downtown at 3.00am when I was a student in France, and I wasn't scared at all. I would never do that here. In fact, when I go back, I realize all the habits I've gotten into in the US to try and protect myself from possible danger. It amazes me each time that paranoia has gotten a hold of me since I've been in this country (well, I DO go out at night, and do other stuff...But there always this latent danger I had never thought of back in my home country.)
Sorry for rambling on, but your point struck a chord in me.
As for the interest in JA nowadays, I think it has to do with the fact that her primary material is the human mind, and that NEVER goes out of style. And it feels so secure and pleasant to hear people talking in correct English, to behave with manners (well, for most of them! ;-D ) and that have a sense of purpose and direction in their life. It sounds idealistic, and it is in some ways, but who said it was wrong to image the best of worlds possible and try and make it come true?!
Martine ;-D
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