Jane Austen Week Tag {Very, Very Belatedly}

Naomi (Wonderland Creek) had a Jane Austen Week back at the beginning of November and had this tag as part of the festivities. Obviously, that week has long been over, but when I finally started catching up on my friends blogs I stumbled over this and thought how fun it would be. So I decided to participate anyway! Better late than never. :)

I've not made it a secret that I love all things Austen. Especially if Captain Wentworth is involved! (But I'd also take Jonny Lee Miller's Mr. Knightley, for that matter. *swoon* ;) Let's get to the fun questions, shall we?

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a Jane Austen fan do you consider yourself?

Hmmm. Probably a 6 or 7? I do love her stories, but as I haven't actually read all of them (*gasp* I know!), I don't think I can consider myself a 10. I do happen to have seen just about all the adaptations and love most of them though, does that count? :)

2. If "they" would make a new Jane Austen Movie, and you would be able to be cast in it, which Jane Austen character would you most like to play?

Probably Anne Elliot. So far, of the books I've read, she's the one I relate to the most and the one I like the most (she's my favorite!), so the privilege to play her would be amazing! (But let's just put out there that acting has never been my thing. Being the center of attention or at least having tons of attention on me? *shudder* No, thank you.)

3. Is there any felicity in the world superior to a walk?

Um...yes. Curled up reading a favorite story!

4. Who's your favourite Jane Austen 'villain'? (As in 'villain' meaning 'the bad guy.')

I'm going to go with Frank Churchill. Because as much as he frustrates me, he does have sweet reasons behind it all and gets a nice romance with Jane Fairfax. But still! He's very frustrating and I don't know that I can say he's my favorite. He's just one of the few that gets the chance to be redeemed. Sorta.

5. What/Who introduced you to Jane Austen?

My very first introduction to the world of Jane Austen was Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility (1995). I had the chance to watch the movie on an airplane trip....somewhere? Can't remember where now, but I do remember loving the story to bits! But it took a few more years before I had the chance to watch more of the adaptations and to begin reading her books. (I was young and easily distracted. It happens, okay?) I next fell in love with P&P, but then.......oh, but then! I read Persuasion and never, ever looked back!

6. Did you love/enjoy Jane Austen immediately, or has there been a time when you hated (um, prejudged) it?

No, I pretty much fell in love instantly. I loved Emma Thompson's Elinor and dreamed I was her many, many times (which included acting the part....when I was alone with no one to make fun of me). I loved her dresses, I loved her hair (seriously, her hair in that movie is beautiful!), I loved the accents, I loved every bit of the time period and romance. And once I read and watched more of Austen's stories, I just fell deeper in love.


7. Who, in your opinion, is the funniest Jane Austen character?

I'm not sure? So many characters have their funny moments. In fact, that's one thing I love about Austen's stories, how much sarcasm and wit there is. Even in moments when things are dire! During my reread of Persuasion back in July and August, I laughed and laughed. And I wouldn't consider the book humorous as a whole, but Austen clearly had skill with her pen. :)

(Yes, this doesn't really answer the question. I know. But oh well.....right?)

8. Do you quote Jane Austen randomly in public?

Occasionally! But most don't get my references because very few of my real life friends love Austen like I do. So I make a reference, laugh at myself, and go on. It works. :)

9. Are children allowed to eat cake on [at] weddings?

Not if you ask Mr. Woodhouse! But in my opinion, yes. Most definitely yes! Cake is to be enjoyed, and who better to enjoy it?

10. What is your reaction when you hear that an acquaintance (e.g. A lady at Church) of yours loves Jane Austen?

*thinks* Oooo! I need to chat with them about their favorites! I wonder if they've read Persuasion. I wonder which book they love most? Have they watched any of the adaptations? I need to know! *makes mental plans to go find and ask*

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11. Who writes better letters, Mr Darcy or Captain Wentworth? (If you forgot what the letters were, shame on you, instead tell me if you prefer Strawberries to Chocolate or not.)

Captain Wentworth, thank you very much! That swoony letter of his is one of my very favorites. Mr. Darcy writes a good explanation, don't get me wrong. But that's all his letter is, an explanation. Captain Wentworth has him beat by far! *sighs happily* (Seriously! Have you read that letter? *melts* I referenced it here in case you need a refresher. ;)

12. Which Jane Austen heroine do you relate the least to?

At this point I'd probably say Fanny Price. This is just based on the adaptations I've seen, I haven't read the book yet. (And do notice I said 'yet'. I plan to read it some day!) While I tend to be on the quieter side, I do not have experience as a poor relation, nor do I harbor an unrequited love for my cousin, nor have any of my cousins or family treated me horribly ill. So.

13. What's your favourite Jane Austen house (from one of the movies)?

Oh boy. I'm having to scrounge my brain to remember them. I suppose I'll go with the Morland's house. It seems quite cozy and nice as far as I can remember right off hand. And I like cozy. :)

14. What's your favourite Jane Austen dress (from one of the movies)?

It might actually be her coat (or spencer or whatever it's called) and not her dress, but I love this one.

15. Can you turn off lit candles with your fingers?

Possibly? I'm a bit of a wimp, so have never really tried it. Blowing them out, on the other hand, that I can do! :)