Thank you @Crinoline_Laphroaig for leading the #PemberLittens and for these great discussion questions!
1. S&S was the first Austen I read, age 14, and I fell in love. I don't know how many times I've read it - maybe 15? It's one of those that gives me something different every time and it's been both sobering and really fun to read it through the decades, first as a Marianne, then an Elinor, then a (gasp!) Mrs. Jennings and back again. ⬇️
Andrea313 2. Favorite character is Elinor and it's not even close. I love how principled she is, her strength of character and sense of self and her integrity. When I was a child, I spoke as a child (that is to say, I was Team Marianne) but as an adult, Elinor is one of my favorite heroines full stop. I love Branden for many of the same reasons but he and Marianne feel mismatched to me. Maybe I should read a fanfic sequel where she's 27 and has calmed down! 1d
Andrea313 4. Favorite quote? I'm an absolute sucker for, "...their tenderness and sorrow must add to her distress, while her self-command would neither receive encouragement from their example nor from their praise. She was stronger alone, and her own good sense so well supported her." I know I cut off the whole thing but you get it. YES, self-reliance! Come on, inner strength! May we all be well-supported by our own good sense! 1d
Andrea313 5. NO HAIR GIFTS AT ALL, NOT NOW, NOT EVER. 1d
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Andrea313 8. Who is coming to tea? This is a tough one! Mrs. Jennings is a yes- say what you want, I love a lively old broad who doesn't take herself or others too seriously. She's number one on my list. Sir John is probably second and Elinor third. She and I can roll our eyes affectionately at the two of them and have real-talk side convos in between letting the two extroverts amuse us and themselves. 1d
Andrea313 9. Random thoughts - I love to dunk on Edward because he's an awkward weirdo rich boy but I love that Jane wrote such a strong moral character without any saccharine preachiness. Here's a guy who made a mistake in rushing an engagement- he doesn't love Lucy but he won't jilt her and ruin her reputation. Even at a detriment to himself, he's determined to do what he believes is the right thing. There's a lot to admire there, in spite of my snark. ⬇️ 1d
Andrea313 9. More random thoughts- Is Willoughby the worst of Austen's bad boys? I mean, he's really a fucking terrible guy who got a girl pregnant and abandoned her. But then she has Elinor actually feeling sorry for him?! What's that about?! Anyway, would love to hear how he ranks on your Austen Fuckboy Top 5 - is he worse than lying Wickham? How does he rate against feckless Frank Churchill or manipulative Henry Crawford? Let's read them all for filth! 1d
Andrea313 #JaneAustenThenAndNow 1d
Ruthiella I think Willoughby is on par with Wickham. But I also feel, while he behaved abominably, that he genuinely loved Marianne. So somewhere between Wickham and Frank Churchill maybe? 🤔 1d
Crinoline_Laphroaig @Andrea313 I LOVE all your answers so much! I do think that Willoughby is top Fuckboy in Austenland, but let's circle back to this after rereading the rest of Austen. 23h
Andrea313 @Crinoline_Laphroaig I agree, but I'll be curious to see where folks land after reading everything in succession this year. I'm also interested in people's pure subjective opinions. Like, arguably Willoughby has most adversely impacted the people in his life but I also think I honestly just hate Henry Crawford more? Can't wait to get into it!!! 14h
bookandbedandtea The quote you picked is wonderful and I agree with you that Colonel Brandon and Marianne seem mismatched. I've always found it hard to believe that she matured enough to be worthy, not only of him, but to the social position she would have once married to him. 6h
bookandbedandtea @Andrea313 @Crinoline_Laphroaig @Ruthiella I can hardly wait for #TheGreatAustenFuckboyDebate at the end of the year! 😆 6h
Andrea313 @bookandbedandtea Hashtag officially adopted! 😭 TYSM for this crucial contribution. 3h
Andrea313 @bookandbedandtea YES, not only Brandon but her position! Imagine 19 year old Marianne Dashwood as the great lady of her society? I shudder to think... 2h
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