My Thoughts While Rereading Emma by Jane Austen || Book Discussion
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- I recently read Emma for the first time in a long time, and I had some thoughts to share. Heads up: spoilers run rampant here, and if you aren't familiar with the story and the characters, you may feel lost...
Related links:
Emma (1996) review: • Emma (1996, the Paltro...
Emma. (2020) review: • Emma. (2020) Movie Review
very, very short Emma (2009) "review": • Austen 4-in-1: Persuas...
You may also be interested in my Pride and Prejudice playlist: • Pride and Prejudice Re...
And my costume dramas reviews: • Costume Drama Videos
(Do I have too many playlists, or should I make a new one for all my Jane Austen videos?)
UPDATE: new Jane Austen playlist: • Jane Austen Reviews
Huge thanks to everyone who helps support the channel at ko-fi.com/weis...!
Whenever i re-read Emma i always picture her as Romola Garai. I just adore her tv adaptation.
Hello, Sister Jerome!
I watch your videos because you're fun to watch, pleasant, enthusiastic, with the ability to transmit that enthusiasm to others.
I look forward to seeing you every week.
Aw, thanks! I'm glad you enjoy the videos every week, no matter what subject I'm covering. :)
I enjoy your reviews/discussions even if I'm not very familiar with the topic. I've only seen the Gwyneth Paltrow adaptation and haven't read the book. Congratulations on 15K subscribers very well deserved!
Thanks!
Wow, Rome, tell us how you REALLY feel. These insights into the various characters add up to the best prompting I've ever had to check out this book. Thanks.
Great video JW. My first attempt to read Emma, I didn't even get to the introduction of Jane Fairfax before my exasperation with the lead character made me give up.
When the 1995 P&P came out, I was working with a huge Austen fan. She encouraged me to read the books. So I read P&P, S&S, and Northanger Abbey, and loved them all. My coworker then suggested Emma should be next, saying I would really like it. So after the failed attempt, she told me to try again, and be patient, because even if I didn't grow to love the character, by the end I would love the story. She was right.
Early on, Emma's dealing with Harriet made my blood boil. Then Jane Fairfax entered the story, and I immediately fell for her. On the first readings, my favorite young female characters were Jane Bennett, Elinor Dashwood, and Eleanor Tinley. So this was sort of a pattern for me. I just read the rest of the book as if Jane Fairfax was the heroine. And it did make the story more enjoyable.
But I did come around on Emma, the character, and it was the aftermath of Box Hill that did it for me. I suppose my softening toward her started when Mr. Knightley danced with Harriet. But it was how she handled the aftermath of Box Hill that made me see the underlying goodness of her character. As you said, she owned her mistake. From there to the end, I genuinely liked her, and was happy for her finding happiness with Mr. Knightley.
On subsequent rereads, and many rewatches of the various adaptations, I've grown to adore Emma. I think my adoration began with the Kate Beckinsale version. The Paltrow version didn't work for me. More because of Harriet's portrayal than Gwenyth, but that's a whole other story. While I may love other heroines more, namely Anne, Elinor, and Lizzy, I do think very highly of Miss Emma Woodhouse.
As for Mr. Knightley, I can't blame you for liking him so much. He is just about the perfect gentleman. A lille surprising since pictures of perfection made Jane sick and wicked. 🙂 But despite being almost too perfect, he manages to retain an incredible likability. And having thought about it, I think it's his treatment of Miss Bates. There is no hint of condescension. At all times, he displays a genuine friendship toward her. And for me, that makes his perfection more relatable, even if I could never hope to be that perfect myself.
Again, really wonderful video JW. Your reviews are so insightful, thoughtful, and engaging. I'm always happy when I see you're reviewing a book or movie that I love.
Thanks for sharing all those thoughts you had on Emma! I'm glad you came around on the heroine, and I'm sure Austen herself would be pleased.
Emma is my favourite of Austen's books, Mr George Knightley and Emma Woodhouse are my favourite characters. My favourite adaptation which I've seen so far has been the Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong one, both of them giving great performances in my opinion, I know that many others don't share my view which is fine. I have yet to see the 2009 TV version and the 2020 film version, but I have seen all the others including "Clueless", which for a modern adaptation is quite good if a little glib.
The Beckinsale one is very good, and I know of many people like yourself who prefer it. Part of my preference for the Paltrow one comes from my having seen it first, no doubt, but it's also got my favorite Mr. Knightley and a lot of other things I love. I'd put the 2009 miniseries in second place; it's comprehensive and the casting is excellent. You should see it. :)
Badly done Jerome, badly done indeed. Wait... I mean well done, well done indeed! The classism you can never separate from Austen's works - it was the reality of life for her so her characters are full of it. My fave 'Emma' is the Beckinsale one.
"Emma" is the only Jane Austen novel I have read. Since I mostly read non-fiction on occasion I will attempt a classic. I must admit I found it a tad tedious and your review helped me to appreciate, understand and enjoy it more. Thanks.
I'm glad to hear that! I can totally see why someone would find the story or the characters tedious. There are points where they can get on your nerves, and it's slow going at times. If ever you feel like trying another Jane Austen book, I'd recommend Persuasion. It's more concise, and it's Austen's most mature novel in terms of both writing and emotion.
Time for some book reading! Love your reviews on them Jerome💚
Miss Jerome,your audience will ALWAYS be interested in anything you want to share with us,your videos are always wonderful,witty and very insightful.I get your views and it helps me to decide if I'd want to see or read whatever your topic is, Please keep up the Awesome work,and Please don't ever stop - you are a shining light in this dark world.
The only Jane Austen novel I've read is "Mansfield Park", but your videos have gotten me interested in reading more of her books.
I've only read Mansfield Park once so far. It's not nearly as popular as her other books, but I hope to revisit it soon!
It's clearly the 2009 Romola Garai version for me, she's spot on as Emma.
Loved this review! I'd love to hear your thoughts on every Austen novel; if you ever want to turn this into a series, I'll be here to listen!
I've read Emma three or four times, my last reread was last year and with every reread I like the book - and Emma herself - more and more. This last time I picked up more hints about Mr Knightley's feelings and I was also surprised by the commentary about governesses awful situation which I have never specially noticed before.
Have you ever considered on doing an adaptation comparison as you did with Jane Eyre? Perhaps Emma would be a good material for another series 😉
I'd love to do more videos like this! Glad to hear you're on board. :)
I also noticed the commentary on governesses for what seemed like the first time. I didn't remember the book delving into Jane's dismal prospects to such a degree. I'm not sure it comes through in the adaptations. There's all this talk of her (or Mrs. Elton) finding a situation before it's too late, but it seems it's only when you read the book that you realize the future she's facing and what a downgrade it will be from her comfortable life with the Campbells.
Hm, I've given it a little contemplation. If I were to do it, I'd want to have reviewed all the major adaptations first, and I'd only do a couple scenes instead of the entire book. I loved doing that with Jane Eyre, but it was a LOT. :D
Thank you for this excellent review! It's very interesting to hear your view of Frank Churchill. In the script directions for the BBC Kate Beckinsale 'Emma', scriptwriter Andrew Davies makes it very clear that he thinks Jane will have a very unhappy time being married to Frank, and that at the end (the scene of the harvest supper at Donwell), Emma is well aware of that too.
Don't be frightened, but there's a stuffed Godzilla glaring at you from behind.
It’s been a while since I’ve read the book and knew i wouldn’t manage a reread before watching this video so i rewatched Emma (1996) last night instead, perhaps a pointless decision because some of the characters you discuss and sub plots were cut down to fit the film but it was still very enjoyable to see it again, I’ve always liked it a lot, i do wonder if my thoughts on these characters would change after a reread.
Miss Bates.
I almost shed tears when reading or watching the box hill moment, I think about Miss Bates having to go home and tell her mum about the day she had and the embarrassment of it and the sympathy and heartache it would cause her mum. I feel like Miss Bates mum worried about her daughter and was a little suspicious of Emma’s character, mums know. What Emma said was so cruel, so hurtful and I’m sure it’s something that would hurt Miss Bates for years to come, she’d think of it whenever in the company of Emma, Knightley and the others, I’m sure she’d feel it’s a story that would be passed amongst the community too, in time it would be forgotten by everyone but Miss Bates would probably remember. It was also sad how Emma would attempt to avoid Miss Bates and look down on her excitement about the letters she received from Jane Fairfax. I find it to be a very joyful thing to listen to someone be excited about something that brings them happiness, to see a nice caring soul be happy and want to share the reason they’re happy with you is a wonderful thing, even if it’s a letter from Jane Fairfax lol. It was mean of Emma, like Mr. Knightley had said, with her situation being in every way below you should secure compassion, badly done Emma.
Emma Woodhouse.
Although she could be unkind and made poor choices I’ve never disliked her character, maybe it’s because i feel we can see and understand her through George Knightley’s eyes, he’s a good man, decent and honourable and would stand up for what’s right even if it’s against the actions of someone he cares about and does do that in the story, if Emma was a truly terrible person I’m sure Knightley would not give her the time of day, he knows and understands her better than anyone, he sees her heart, the love and care she has for her father and for others suffering, he knows she can be unthinking but with a little nudge from him will quickly see how her actions can be hurtful, i feel the disappointment and upset Knightley expressed to Emma after the box hill situation was empathy for Miss Bates but also for Emma because he knew once it sank into Emma’s head what she had really done it would hurt her heart and she’d struggle to cope with it. I don’t understand the dislike about the Knightley and Emma relationship as they’re probably the best suited of all the Austen couples, he balances her and she appears to understand herself better when speaking to him and Emma brings Knightley to life, he’s more witty, thoughtful and chirpy when communicating with her. It would’ve been nice if Emma had apologised to Miss Bates, it may have helped some readers forgive Emma and like her a little bit more.
George Knightley.
He’s a gentleman, has patience, kindness and empathy. Some of his views on class and friendship are a little Victorian but he’s a good egg lol.
The term gentleman probably fits Mr. Knightley more so than most of the other suitors from Austen’s books, if Knightley had been a friend of Mr. Darcy and Bingley and accompanied them to the ball where Darcy hurts Elizabeths feelings Mr. Knightley would’ve made Darcy apologise and recommended they dance and their courtship would’ve gone a lot smoother lol.
John Knightley.
I liked him when i read the book but perhaps my opinion would change after a reread. Your points on the negative aspects of his character are valid, i guess he is a “poop” lol. Perhaps I ignored those traits or maybe didn’t have the maturity to really see them.
Frank Churchill.
“ poop” lol, His treatment of Jane was horrible, he had no consideration for her feelings at all and if he doesn’t care about the feelings of the girl he wants to marry or his family what chance does anyone else have.
Jane Fairfax.
She is an interesting character and could be a main character in an Austen book but so could almost every other Austen side character because so many of them are well written and interesting, I don’t really understand how some readers think she should be the protagonist of this story over Emma because Jane has similar traits to other Austen characters. Emma is a very different character and that’s why she’s a great protagonist, Emma probably has similar traits to characters like Darcy but every Austen fan loves him and forgives his flaws and the hurtful things he says but Emma is never given the same understanding, forthright Elizabeth who believes herself to be a good person that wouldn’t intentionally hurt the feelings of others falls in love with Darcy, a man of harsh words and who has looked down on Elizabeths circumstances, this is romance, it’s beautiful! Elizabeth will bring the best out of Darcy, but Knightley, a good man, a kind man that would not like to hurt the feelings of others can’t fall for Emma, a woman of harsh words who on occasion has looked down on others because of their circumstances, this can’t be! This isn’t romance! I’ve never understood that way of thinking. The man can make mistakes and be forgiven but the woman must have very few flaws or we can’t like her, it’s strange.
Mr. and Mrs. Elton.
He’s “poop” and she’s fun to read, I’m probably meant to find her disagreeable but she’s entertaining.
Harriet Smith.
The ending to the friendship between Harriet and Emma was very sad and cold, it was a bit like the ending to The Fox and the Hound lol, we should end our friendship because you’re a fox and I’m a hunters hound, the end! :( you feel when reading the interactions between them that Emma and Harriet cared for each other and valued their friendship and I’m sure both would’ve felt it’s absence and the reason for it was silly class rules, not laws just people worried about how neighbours and passing acquaintances would look upon them, it’s sad.
I loved hearing your thoughts on these characters and how your opinion on some of them may have changed over time, your videos have a way of making me think about the subjects you’re discussing more deeply, I found myself contemplating if literature is the truest form of art from listening to you speak so eloquently on these characters. Much like you i believe there’s more to Austen’s stories than the dream like romance those who haven’t read the books imagine them to only be, there is often romance and it’s very sweet but the books are character studies, the characters are deeply written humans with flaws and all and reflect those reading the stories, shy, confident, awkward, abrasive, characters who manage to say the right things or characters that often say the wrong thing. It’s one of the reasons I’ve always been drawn to Austen and Brontë, the male characters are also written with the same depth as the female characters and i feel men are usually written better by female writers, it’s interesting to read a male character fumble over his words and make bad choices and other characters who are honourable like Mr. Knightley, plus the female protagonists and supporting characters are so well written that it’s easy to identify with them and their situations too. I’m sure I’ve posted so much more than three dull things in comments over the years so i thank you for your patience lol.
~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~ :)
Yessss, even though Austen doesn't show Miss Bates's side of things, there's enough to help you imagine how things went for her the rest of that day, and it just breaks your heart. You bring up a good point about Mrs. Bates worrying about her daughter. I've always wondered what Mrs. Bates thinks of things in general, since she hardly says anything, but she has to wonder what will happen to her daughter as the years go by and she's not around anymore. We're told Miss Bates's status is lower than it used to be and will sink still lower; ergo, it would be a comfort for her mother to know she has charitable friends who will look after her. Emma, as her father's daughter and one of the leading ladies of the community, would be one of those friends... but it would be much better if her charity were genuine.
I agree, Mr. Knightley's upset reaction at Box Hill was on both Miss Bates's and Emma's behalf; he might also have been thinking, "Well, I've blown it. She's going to hate me after this." Which is how some women would react to a guy telling them off or expressing disappointment and disapproval. But not Emma. Not only does she stand there and take the criticism, and feel remorse immediately, but she's also eager to show Mr. Knightley that she bears him no ill will--except he's already taken off and misses her gesture.
Haha, I think you're right that Mr. Knightley would have taken Mr. Darcy to task! And he'd probably have straightened Captain Wentworth out too. :)
Hear, hear to everything else you said! Except your posts are never dull. :)
My intro to this story was the movie Clueless.
A great modern adaptation.
Same. Except my intro was the Clueless Barbie doll commercials based on the TV series Clueless based on the movie Clueless. Lol
_"Rolling with the Homies..."_
I read The Amazing Mr. Blunden last week… I guess at 76, I’m reverting back to children’s books…smile
Nothing wrong with enjoying a little juvenile fiction as a grown-up. :)
You tempt me to read Emma, or at least to watch one of the movie versions. I read P&P when I was a young man several decades ago. Jane Austen made me crack open a dictionary more times than D. H. Lawrence.
Haha, Austen can have that effect! If you're interested in giving Austen another try, I might suggest Persuasion instead of Emma, which is one of her longest books. Persuasion is just as good, if not better (I find it impossible to decide), but it's significantly shorter.
If I decide to follow through on the temptation to read Austen again, I will heed your learned recommendation. I imagine that there must be a movie adaptation of Persuasion that might whet my appetite. Reading a good book is, alas, one temptation that I too often can resist.
@@terrylee6919 Yes, there are a few adaptations of Persuasion. I've reviewed two of them, the 1995 and 2007 versions, and either of those videos might help you decide if it's of interest or not.
I watched your review of the 1995 version. I suspect your conclusion that the best version of the book is the book itself. Both the 1995 and 2007 films are presently streaming for free on Tubi, as well as other Austen inspired cinema.
You are a joy to watch and listen to!
@@terrylee6919 Well, I'd say that about most books and adaptations. :) With Persuasion, I like the book best, but they're both good adaptations. I prefer 1995, but the other is fine too. Thanks!
Hey Jerome, love your book reviews! Do you have any recommendations for a book, any Western or any books that have to do with 1800's time.
See, this is why I really wish I had learned to read. I needed more gooder teachers, I guess.
Thank you so much! I too have read Emma more than once, and I have seen all of the adaptations, I think! (Some more than once).
I agree frank Churchill I found very annoying so smug
What novel have you read the most times in your life? For me, it is a vintage ghost story: The Uninvited by Dorothy Macardle, published in 1942. The writing is lively and fun and there is a bit of life philosophy thrown in. I've read the 300+ page novel at least 8 times over a period of 25 years. I probably need to get a life...
No, I think it's great that you've read the book that much! Rereading favorites is wonderful, and I wish I had more time to do it. I've seen the film version of The Uninvited, but I don't know anything about the original novel. I'm not sure which book I've read the most. Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice are probably up there, but they might be surpassed by Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. I can't guess how many times I've read those last two.
A lot of great choices there! If you enjoyed the film with Ray Milland you would definitely like the novel on which it was based. The film does a great job abbreviating the book - the novel has MANY characters and sub plots the film cut or condensed. It is also very much a time capsule of its place (near Devonshire I believe) and time, written between the world wars. It is full of wonderful period slang and settings in live stage theatre before television pushed that out of the mainstream (the author was also a playwright).
I’ve been watching your channel for years and enjoy all your reviews. You and I also have something in common! I ran out to see Godzilla Minus One on opening day, and then saw it four more times in theaters - yet I have still not seen Godzilla x Kong. I don’t know why, something about the trailers do not motivate me…rock on, Weiselberry!
@@legiontheatregroup Thank you! I'm so glad you've been enjoying the videos all this time! Haha, I know what you mean about the trailers. Fortunately I've heard enough positive things about the actual film to feel more optimistic, but I'm also confident that it was the right choice to wait until I could watch it at home with my mom. Hopefully we'll enjoy it when we see it, and hopefully you'll enjoy it too if/when you choose to watch it. :)
Thanks for this neat book discussion!
Interesting reflections on Emma!
Due to Emma's social standing her circle only includes Harriet because Emma is attempting to move Harriet up the social scale. Otherwise, she wouldn't be someone Emma would ever call upon. Robert Martin is outside her circle, if he were among the parish poor, Emma could condescend to visit his family with offers of assistance. However, he is in the middle as a prosperous tenant farmer, and Emma (as a Woodhouse) could never be a friend of his, or his family . On the other hand, the Knightleys can freely mix with Martin because of their landlord-tenant relationship. Once Emma is married to Mr. Knightley,she will have much more leeway to visit Harriet and Robert because Emma will have the Knightley landlord status. Harsh, but Emma isn't the creator of the social structure, she's moving within it, at times clumsily, but I don't find her at fault for accepting the social structure as constituted.
Agreed, Austen's and her society's views on social class weren't based on modern egalitarian ideas. Both Emma and Robert Martin would be outraged if their social structure were ruled by post French Revolutionary ideas of equality. If Emma were to freely mix with tenant farmers she'd be an outcast in her own community. The good she can do others, not of her station, is to treat them with respect and dignity, but certainly not a false social acceptance. As a Christian, Austen would be influenced by the rising Evangelical movement, and her ideas of ultimate human equality were sound Christian ones, but they weren't literally applicable to the society of her time. Austen viewed the social structure as an organic system of hierarchy.
Yes, and I find Austen conveys all that quite clearly within the text. It can just be a little hard for modern readers to stomach.
@@Weiselberry Indeed, my modern credentials aren't current, I tend to look behind the social structure Austen's characters inhabit, in order to get insight into their core. No doubt, I'm an outlier. Looking forward to your next posting!
I think Emma will be the next Austen book I will read after I get done with Pride and Prejudice. I started reading it on April 1st, and I 've been reading a chapter a day, so I'm twenty chapters in at this point in time.
I'm also watching the Lizzie Bennett Diaries as I go along so I can get a sense of the modern-day parallels. Overall, I am enjoying the experience, although Pride and Prejudice will never take the place of Jane Eyre in my heart.
Do you have a favorite Jane Austen novel? I can't remember if you have ever said or not.
I wondered if you'd started reading Pride and Prejudice yet and how you were coming along. I hope you're liking it! My favorite Jane Austen novel varies. I have a hard time making up my mind between Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Emma. It's one of those things where I tend to favor whichever one I read most recently.
By the way, you may already know this, but the same people who did the Lizzie Bennet Diaries also made Emma Approved, an adaptation of Emma in a similar format. I didn't enjoy it as much as LBD, but it was pretty good.
@@WeiselberryOh!, I'll definitely have to check that out!
Not much of a bookworm, but I enjoy your movie reviews.
Thank you!
Do you have too many playlists? Noooo. Playlists are there so we can follow our special subject. You have a lot of videos, 595 of 'em! In other statistics, you have 1,972,103 views and you're coming up to your 10th anniversary!!!
595?? Good grief! That is an awful lot to sift through. I think I *will* go ahead and make some more playlists. :D
Done! Here's my new Jane Austen reviews playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLgzy2Zy55qWfHb-lciH5WOZVG5Pv4-3Q9 :D
@@Weiselberry Good idea! 😆
Even if Emma isn't my favorite Austen currently, I do feel it is the work that has the most nuanced/balanced characterization for the widest range of characters. For example, it is true that John Knightley belongs to the category of the snarky dads with Mr Bennet and Mr Palmer, but unlike them, he does love his wife, and loves spending time with her and his children: the novel calls him domestic, and we have details like that bit at the Hartfield little party, where it says that he paid Mrs Elton enough attention so that he could tell Isabella all about it when he went back home. He sometimes has a bad temper, and Isabella's shortsightedness does make him impatient sometimes, but in the end he never wilfully engages in the kind of despective, bitter, spiteful behavior Mr Bennet and Mr Palmer do to put down their wives.
Jane Fairfax is also another interesting case that way. We know her to be accomplished, hard working, elegant, conscientious, down to earth... but she also did end up consenting to a secret engagement and did return home in the expectation of meeting Frank, in a kind of similar way to why he finally visits his father because she will be there. Emma often gets a lot if not all the blame for her failed relationship with Jane, but Jane herself seems to blame Emma for Frank's behavior. This shows specifically when after the Box Hill incident, a penitent Emma tries to see her several times, and when she realizes that it is that Jane doesn't want to see her, she sends her a peace offering in a gift of arrowroot, and Jane sends it back. That's so rude and unnecessary in context! She's making a petty pointed gesture of rejection, that we at first imagine is about Miss Bates, because what else could it be? but in fuller context... she's mad about Frank flirting with Emma, and she's taking it out on her instead of him. So, yeah, on one hand Emma jumps on the Dixon affair wandagon very easily (though she defends Jane at other points), on the other, Jane shows that she can be pretty hurtful towards Emma too with as little motivation.
The apology to Miss Bates' thing... I have always wondered if it wasn't a matter of the mores of the time that would have made a full apology awkward, as perhaps it was only expected in contexts of greater intimacy? Emma apologizes to Harriet elsewhere, Darcy and Lizzy apologize to each other, Emma apologizes to Mr Knightley... IDK
I think there's nuance to the class thing in the Emma/Harriet plotline. On one hand, yeah, Austen upholds the stratification, and the one character that does jump class through marriage in this way in her novels is... Lucy Steele. Which is an indictment in and of itself (surely, Marianne, Lizzy, Jane, and Fanny marry men of higher status than themselves, but it remains as something either within their general class or justified by family ties). On the other hand, as the Lucy Steele example shows, it takes a certain kind of personality to change your social strata, and a very thick skin. Harriet doesn't have either thing, and it is reasonable to assume that she would have been miserable in a high class setting, similarly to how protagonist feels in Rebecca (though of course I'd argue that protagonist's discomfort is mainly fueled by jealousy and pride, things that are completely absent from Harriet's character). In that way Mr Knightley is right that Emma's friendship would be a bad thing for Harriet (and indeed, it is a lucky scape that things don't end up really sad for her). It doesn't erase the classism, but lends some nuance to it.
The dance XD I mean, that's how Austen is most of the time. I feel like the rather descriptive bent one finds in Persuasion is part of her evolution as a writer, but it only starts coming on its own in Sanditon and Persuasion (which is one of the reasons why I feel people who think of Austen's novels as a monolith of writing completely isolated from the rest. To me it clearly begins in the full on comedy of manners with stock-ish characters, and ends in something that is clearly on the way of what later became Victorian naturalism).
Great observations! Thanks for sharing them, and thanks especially for pointing out the crucial difference between John Knightley and the other examples I cited. I do love that he's devoted to his wife and children, and the fact that he's a stubborn homebody is no doubt one of the reasons he became a favorite when I first read the book.
Thank you also for bringing up the peace offering. Emma's earnest attempts to pursue Jane's friendship is another element the films sometimes skimp on. Emma makes a valiant effort to make amends for her shortcomings where Jane is concerned, and I think it's commendable that she keeps extending the olive branch even when she seems to be getting nowhere. But once Jane returns the arrowroot and it becomes undeniable she's rejecting Emma herself, Emma humbly takes the hint and backs off, rather than making herself obnoxious to someone who is suffering. I feel very sorry for Jane and the inner turmoil she's dealing with as she believes her engagement's fallen apart and she's about to leave home to take the governess job Mrs. Elton has all but forced on her. But I also found her actions petty and ungracious here, so, yes, she bears some responsibility too.
Interesting point about the apology. There is certainly more distance between Emma and Miss Bates than between her and Harriet or Mr. Knightley, and they seldom have any conversations that extend beyond catching up with local news. I've also wondered if Emma would have apologized during that visit, but Miss Bates, to avoid embarrassment perhaps, purposely didn't allow her an opening.
Oh, I definitely agree that Harriet, while happy in her close friendship with Miss Woodhouse and enjoying the society of loftier people than are found in Mrs. Goddard's circle, would have been totally overwhelmed and out of place had she married above her class. The notion of climbing the social ladder never seems to have been an ambition of hers, though it didn't scare her away (thanks to Emma's encouragement). Pity Emma didn't recognize her friend lacked the mettle to make that change in status work, as that would have saved a lot of time and heartache. Ha, I suspect Lucy Steele would eat Harriet alive if they ever met! But it's interesting to compare her to Rebecca's protagonist. I never thought of it before, but they do have similar traits. If one wants to imagine how Harriet might have fared in the unlikely event she did somehow end up with Mr. Elton, Frank Churchill, or Mr. Knightley, just remember poor Mrs. de Winter struggling to cope with the staff and fumbling her way around Manderley, and you have a pretty good idea...
Lots of food for thought there! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your take on the book and its characters!
So I made a point of watching Emma after your book review, got about 10 seconds in and realised I watched it after your Paltrow review. So I said to myself, "Self, let's watch it again!". So I did and I enjoyed it second time around also. I'm sorry but we're gonna have to agree to disagree on Toni Collette.
I've never read Emma, but I do own the Marvel Comics adaptation. Which I also have not read - it was part of a lot that I bought. Marvel did a run of literary adaptations including Jane Austen, L. Frank Baum, etc.
Oh, haha, I thought you were joking at first! I love Emma, but I can't imagine it would make a very exciting comic book...
@@Weiselberry search RUclips for "Marvel Jane Austen" to see a couple of reviews. One loved it and one hated it, for whatever that's worth.
If you're interested, Japanese merchant Arksquare announced remastered soundtracks of the Godzilla movies (and also THE MYSTERIANS and BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE). Unfortunately I can't post a link directly to their website, but this is their official announcement:
"Universal (Japan) label has announced:
[Godzilla 70th Anniversary Godzilla Complete Works Remastered Series]
The original soundtracks "Godzilla Complete Works", which were originally released in 1993 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first Godzilla film and are now out of print, has been remastered and re-issue for the 70th anniversary this year.
Release on May 29, 2024: 15 titles of the Showa series
Release on June 26, 2024: 7 titles from the Heisei series
2024 Digital remastering (MONO/ STEREO)
20-sided fold-out booklet (6-sided mini-poster on one side)
The "theater window billboard jacket" design is based on the image of each era: the early Showa era series, the late Showa era series (after "GODZILLA VS. THE SMOG MONSTER"), and the Heisei era series.
The Heisei series has a reversible jacket with two versions of the poster (photo and illustration). [SHM-CD]
Price: $13.30 each
Pre-orders are now being accepted!"
I wonder how the quality compares to the Godzilla soundtrack compilations I own. The audio seems pretty good on those, at least to my less-discriminating ears, but a remastering could work wonders. Thanks for sharing! This is great news.
@@Weiselberry The new Godzilla remasters are on two threads on Filmscoremonthly. Since I can't post a link, you can see the discussions if you Google: "Filmscoremonthly.....Godzilla......Remasters".
For the remasters of THE MYSTERIANS and BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE, I asked on Filmscoremonthly if they would be released in the US, but I didn't get an answer, so I assume they're not going to be sold in the US.
@@Weiselberry The new Godzilla remasters are in two Filmscoremonthly threads, so Google, "Filmscoremonthly.....Godzilla.....remasters".
Apparently, they're not going to be sold in the US.
@@Weiselberry More details and discussions of the new Godzilla remasters are in two threads on FSM, so Google: "FSM......Godzilla.....remasters".
@@Weiselberry The new Godzilla remasters are being discussed in two Filmscore threads, so google: Filmscore, Godzilla, remasters.
Hi. Just curious, do you take movie review requests? Curious on your take of a couple. Thanks. Peace. Captain Ray-Aeromexico (yeah, i fly for Aeromexico, live in Las Vegas, based in Los Angeles. Figure that out ;) )
People are free to suggest movies, sure. I can't promise that I'll get to them, but all recommended titles are added to a giant list.
@@Weiselberry cool. Thanks for your response. I like many types of movies. As a 56 year old male pilot, I mostly like action, but with a well written story. I'm going to change up. My requests are, 10 Things I hate about you, and Bridesmaids. Thank you so much. Peace.
Ever see The Barchester Chronicles (1982)? It's on Dailymotion now
I did see The Barchester Chronicles once, quite a long time ago. I distinctly remember Donald Pleasence and his cello.
@@Weiselberry I wish Donald Pleasence had played benign characters more often. Apart from in The Barchester Chronicles and The Great Escape, he seems always to have played grim, jaded and cynical characters (even in his episode of The Fugitive)
@@baylissprojects And some complete nutjobs too, haha. It's astonishing how many movies there are in which he plays a creep or a psychopath. I guess filmmakers liked the contrast between his mild, unassuming appearance and his characters' deranged behavior.
@@baylissprojects I'd like to see The Barchester Chronicles again sometime. I bet I'd get more out of it now that I'm older.
@@Weiselberry Ah you should! What I really like about it is that there are no really malicious characters, and the stakes are relatively low - a very peaceful watch. Ever read much Trollope btw? I just read The Way We Live Now, quite good I thought
Can't speak for anyone else but I watch your channel just to see you.❤❤❤
I re-read Emma for the 3rd or 4th time about a year ago, and for me I like Emma's character less and less each time I read it. I do appreciate all of the observations you made about her growth, but her treatment of Harriett on my last read just left me cold. The passage where Emma tells Harriett that they can no longer be friends if she marries Robert Martin was perhaps even crueler than her treatment of Miss Bates, and felt like intimidation. She never apologizes for this. And doesn't John Knightley have dinner with Mr Martin in London (I think)? So is Mr Martin really out of Emma's sphere? Also that Frank Churchill letter went on for ages & ages (ok, pages & pages)--just way too long. OTOH, I think more than any of Austen's novels, Emma is the most suitable for movie adaptation (and 20th-21st century audiences) and that's why there are so many good ones. Always love your thoughts on Austen and the Brontes.
Yes, I agree, that part with Harriet is awful! I guess I can forgive Emma because it's early on and she's got a long way to go. That whole section of the story is so frustrating, but I take comfort in knowing it will all work out in the end, despite her interference. You're correct, and not only does Robert Martin have dinner with John and Isabella, but Harriet is visiting with them at the same time! So Emma's claim that Martin is so inferior to her that she couldn't be friends with his wife is ridiculous. Clearly her own sister doesn't have a problem mingling with either of them on a social level. It's just Emma's hangup. I do wonder if that's something she'd get over in time. Like Mr. Knightley coming to appreciate Harriet's good qualities, Emma starts to acknowledge that Robert Martin isn't the crude bumpkin she assumed. So maybe in the future she and Harriet could be friends again, and maybe the Martins would come to Hartfield for dinner sometime. One can hope.
Ugh, yes, Frank's letter! Pages and pages, all one dense paragraph, and so much of it unnecessary, like "I'm too worked up; I've got to go take a walk now. Okay, I'm back, and I feel better. Anyway..." But that's why I love Mr. Knightley's side comments as he reads it, haha.
Does Mr. Knightley ever roll up his sleeves?
Interesting comments from a woman's perspective...and is there any other on Austen? (I came here for Roger Corman and stuck around for Jane; don't tell my old frat brothers). I think any discussion of Emma has to begin with the author's stated intention to create an 'unlikeable' character- although these days, especially, Fanny Price certainly takes a worse beating. But given that premise, the question is- is Austen really obliged to gratify us with these flawed characters? I think the films are more concerned with that, and with the dances and clothes, than the author is. You talk about reading her outside a romantic context, but since that's the most inevitable of qualities in her work, there's a peril of limiting her with it. I would add one observation: the most consistent themes in her work, I think, are the inner emotional lives of women (the most interesting aspect to me), misunderstandings and hidden circumstances, and money and rank. Emma is perhaps the only one of her novels to wander out of Austen's own bubble world, and is the least concerned with money and property. That she reveals a deeply flawed and outmoded culture is (to me) more a feature than a bug (as the kids like to say these days).
PS Diggin' the owls.
I'm curious as to why you won't watch Night of the Demon. You're missing a really scary treat which survives Dana Andrews' wooden performance and the late addition of a fairly ropey puppet demon
Niall McGinnis as Karswell, the genially sinister warlock, who finally realises he's in over his head, is worth the price of admission all on its own.
I confess that since being totally terrified by The Haunting, over 40 years ago, I've refused to ever watch it again, so I know how you feel.
There are many films I won't watch because I'm a Christian and I feel it's not good for me to view certain kinds of content. I actively avoid stories that revolve around supernatural evil and contain occult subject matter like witchcraft, devil worship, satanic rituals, and demonic possession. I'm not okay with seances or ouija boards either. Occasionally I'll be watching a movie and one of these elements will crop up unexpectedly, and I may or may not continue to watch it. For example, I won't stop a movie just because a seance is held in one scene or characters amuse themselves with a ouija board for a minute. But in more severe cases where one of these concepts is introduced and the narrative becomes all about it, I'm inclined to shut it off. There have been a few instances in which a film took a demonic turn and I ignored a strong conviction to stop watching, and I deeply regretted that choice. I've chosen not to review these movies.
These are my spiritual convictions; I don't expect everyone to share them or to understand them. I'm well aware a refusal to watch certain content means there's a vast number of films I'll never see, and I'll occasionally face criticism for that. That doesn't bother me, but compromising my beliefs and filling my head with evil imagery does.
Many people have suggested or requested I watch Curse of the Demon, or Night of the Demon, but I avoid it, not because I think it would be too scary, but because of its content, including the demon and the warlock you mention. I did catch the first few minutes of it on tv once, and I knew right away that it would be best for me not to continue. Even if a movie's visuals are dated and the effects are obviously fake, or the evil is depicted as evil and not glorified, I don't feel I should expose myself to those concepts and that imagery.
@@Weiselberry Fair enough.
@@Weiselberry Wise of you. While I do watch movies like this, I def stay away from occult stuff in real life (past gf's who like tarot card readings, etc). I tell them it's dicing with danger. It's the gore movies that I'm an absolute nope on.
I'm writing this because I'm curious, have you never seen Rosemary's Baby? It is heavy with occult shenanigans, but it is one of, if not, the best horror movies ever.
You do look like the type of person who have read a couple of Jane Austen books in her life.