How Jane Austen Ruined Women (And Men) Forever
A fun article about the romantic expectations of women and how it might have to do something with Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice.
Cover of Pride & Prejudice
Well, I love Jane Austen. I haven’t read all her novels and I do have a sneaky suspicion that I won’t fall in love with her other stories as much as I did with Pride and Prejudice. I read the novel, watched the 2005 film with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen and later went on to watch the 1995 TV series starring Colin Firth. And maybe because I watched the movie first, for me the perfect Darcy is Matthew Macfadyen. I love Firth to bits, but my heart is Matthew’s with this one.
I am a romantic and I do watch a lot of romantic movies. So far I wrote reviews for a lot of them and even started an article series called Too Romantic for Your Own Good. It has part 1 and 2 on Triond and the 3rd installment is on its way. So even though those movies involve some really great male characters, let’s face it- it doesn’t hold a candle to Darcy.
Well, if you need a memory check on the movie, this is the place to go.
Now that you are all with me on the story:
Darcy is…..(again based both on the book and the movie)
*Confident.
Though he comes off as arrogant at first, he is actually reserved and a little shy when he fist faces an encounter. But he is so confident, you could never tell he was just a little bit shy.
*Romantic
Oh my God, do you remember how he declared his love? Sure there were moments when he pissed us off, but the way he tells Lizzy he loves her…And obviously how he tells again at the end. Wow. Seriously.
Okay, in case you want to relive the moment:
And then the second declaration:
*Handsome.
Tall, dark, brooding, blue-eyed, gorgeous man. And upon that, he actually is cute. Go figure.
*Nice
Well, he corrected his mistake and made sure Bingley and Jane got the happy ending they deserved. Then he prevented a scandal for one of the sisters. Yes, he was doing it for Elizabeth.
*Rich
OK, with this qualities, any sane woman would not care about his finances. But he also happens to be rich. Oh.My.God. Seriously.
Yes, this is a fictional character created by a woman. And Darcy just is played by Matthew Macfadyen. But it doesn’t change the fact that millions of women are still in love with a character created hundreds of years ago. The problem is, even though we have lowered our expectations, the character still is the “dream” guy. It is how a guy should be. He doesn’t really have to be rich or insanely handsome but the expression of his feelings…That’s the fairy tale ending that ruined us all. And yes, deep down, I will always be wanting Darcy. So guys-this is why us girls are so into romance. Blame it on Austen. Women with “extremely unrealistic” expectations…Poor(?!) men. How are you going to keep up?
Liked it
I know what you mean. I actually liked the Colin Firth depiction better. A interesting piece.
Christine
Maybe it is because I saw the movie before the tv show. But I absolutely love the story and the character.
Oh it’s so nice to fantasise about this kind of romance but I think we would get bored sooner or later! I just love the speech and the costumes. Must admit I have never read any of her work (I know, I am so bad but I was probably practicing snogging when I should have been reading!) great fun article!!!
ha ha. I didn’t have anyone I’d want to snog around the time I was reading Pride and Prejudice (I was 13 or something) but getting bored of Darcy? Come on!!! How on earth would that be possible?:)
Good Post
seriously. vtech never read any of my articles. obviously.
I have to admit I have never read any of her books or seen these movies but after reading this article, I think I will.
Thanks, Mace. I do hope that you have been inspired by the videos too:)
I understand what you mean. My dream hero was Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) in ‘Gone with the wind”..When I am depressed I read Georgette Heyer’s Victorian Romances.
I love all Jane Austen books, Charlotte & Emily Bronte.
Keep writing
Thanks, lumiscence. It means a lot. After all, Jane’s main audience are women and well, we all love Darcy:) And you are right about escapism as well. When you are depressed, watch a fun period movie that ends well and voila…you have a huge smile on your face:)
Nice article…. keep it up
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great post,thanks.like your share.
I love this article! Definitely going to share it. However, I have to disagree with you when you say “He doesn’t really have to be rich or insanely handsome but the expression of his feelings…” With Mr. Darcy, it’s not just about his feelings. He is the whole complete dreamy package and *that’s* why any other man will never be able to hold a candle to him.
Great post. I’ll keep coming back to read even more.