Literary Heroines :: Anne Elliot

via (Thanks, Kami, for sharing this!)

Where to begin?! I suppose I must first cite you to this post written by Hamlette, in which she most eloquently describes Anne ever so much better than I. But it's what inspired me, so I'm going to write my feelings anyway. {I may get a little longwinded.} {As if that'll surprise you, right?}

Anne Elliot. I'm not sure what it is about her exactly. But no matter how amazing any of Austen's other heroines may seem, Anne has always had my heart. Right from the very first time I "met" her. I came to Austen's writing and adaptations when I was in my early 20s. My first viewing was P&P (of course....isn't that just about everybody's?) which I thoroughly enjoyed. So much so that I immediately searched out every other adaptation I could get my hands on! And subsequently discovered Persuasion. After watching the '95 version, I was absolutely convinced that Persuasion was the Austen book I wanted to read first. Which I did and loved, loved, loved it!



via

Anne is quiet, gentle, and easily overlooked. "Nearly invisible" as Hamlette says. But once people take the time to actually converse with her, she proves she can handle herself very well, that she has an opinion. One is required to draw her out to realize this though. (She doesn't show her extraordinariness to just anyone.) Which is what a few awesome people begin to do! One thing I definitely love about Anne's journey is that those who seek her out (the Crofts for one example) figure out pretty quick exactly how remarkable she is. And they love her immediately! No doubts, no questions, they simply enjoy her company and honestly appreciate her.
At the beginning of the story, she's hiding within herself and doesn't even realize it. She made a choice eight years ago that she dearly regrets and when one has that long of a time to dwell on a decision, it eats at you. You draw in and tend to isolate yourself and analyze your own actions and thoughts. (Or tell some of them to Lady Russell who will never truly understand, as much as she might think she does.) Anne is also surrounded by a family of selfish people, none of whom truly know her or understand her. Or even want to understand her.

So you take the Anne from that world and suddenly these people who genuinely care about her opinion appear in her life and what happens? A slow opening up of the beautiful flower that Miss Anne Elliot truly is.

via

Anne's arc throughout the book is wonderful. Really, I think what allows Anne to truly "come into full bloom" is the friendships she forms. Don't get me wrong, I love Captain Wentworth and watching the two of them slowly come together again is utterly satisfying. And while I think his return to Anne's life may be a catalyst for her, I'm not convinced that he's the full reason she finds herself again. For that's exactly what she does. Find herself. She begins to have confidence that her opinion matters. That she's not just a middle daughter who's always in the background and unimportant. She's a woman with opinions and skills that only she can offer.



I love what Hamlette says about Anne being strong. It takes a lot of inner strength to do something you don't want to do, and Anne does things she dislikes over and over. She gives up the man she loves. She nurses her "sick" sister back to good spirits. She spends time in the company of Captain Wentworth when she'd rather be anywhere but in his presence. She moves to Bath, a city she hates. And she doesn't whine or complain about these things, but does them the way she does everything: quietly and helpfully. I hadn't thought about describing her that way prior to that post, but I do think it's correct. Anne's inner strength is precisely what has gotten her through the past eight years. Really, it's gotten her through her entire life, because with a father like that...!!!

Character arcs are what interest me in a story, rooting for the underdog and all that. And Anne is so incredibly easy to root for! You want her to reach her full potential and realize that all those negative people in her life don't truly matter at all. And when she does? When she finds her confidence and boldly starts paving her own way? Why then she gets the privilege of receiving that glorious letter from Captain Wentworth! She gets her happily ever after and who better deserves such a thing?

Simply put, Anne Elliot is magnificent. A true literary heroine if ever there was one! :)

The Literary Heroine Blog Party ~ 2015

I joined in this fabulous blog party a couple years ago and had so much fun! (And incidentally, it's where I "met" Hamlette, who is simply the coolest person ever! :) I was unable to participate last year, but this year is a different story. So here I am! Ready to make the rounds and see what everyone else has to share. {Although, nothing like getting involved on the very last day of the party! :/ I blame the snow.}

So! On to the questions, shall we? {There are several of them, and you know how I tend to get wordy, so beware the lengthiness of this post! Ye have been warned. Also! I did refer back to some of my answers from last time, so....}

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

I'm Kara. I'm a reader. (Obviously.) I moved back to my home state within the last year, after living 3000 miles away. And let me just say that the last year has been full of change! So it's made for a very interesting life. I'm happy to be back though, and closer to my mother who's health isn't that great. And I'm slowly finding my new normal. Which is good. :)

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?

Someone who has enough quirks to make them feel real, who has a heart full of wonder and joy at the beauty of the world and the people in it, who goes through adversity and comes out stronger on the other side, and who has a story to tell that doesn't ever grow old. {Yes, same answer as before, but I think it bears repeating because it's true!}

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

Anne Elliot from Jane Austen's Persuasion

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?

Persuasion by Jane Austen
Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite major character and why? 

I could mention Anne Elliot again, but I'll go with someone different just so you won't get bored with my answers. :) So, John Thornton from North and South it is! I know I gushed about him all during our January read-along, but seriously. This guy is amazing! I just love how steadfast he is. How much he loves Margaret and chooses to love her no matter who or what else may be against it. Margaret's rejection, his mother's scorn of Margaret, nothing will change his mind. He accepts how his heart has changed him and determines to love her always. The man is a swoonworthy hero if ever I saw one! I also love how much time we spend in his head, so that we truly come to know and understand his motivations and his heart. He's awesome! :)

{I know. He's a hero, not a heroine. But I just love him so much!}

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?

I love Nicholas Higgins from North and South! He's so gruff and set in his ways, but he comes to know Margaret Hale and her family, as well as John Thornton, and he allows these people to help change him. Or at least to change his opinion and how he feels about life as a cotton mill worker. He and Thornton's slow building friendship is one of my very favorite aspects of the story. He's simply a good man.

I love that he takes Boucher's children in. And he's got a great head on his shoulders! I think that's what Mr. Thornton didn't realize about him at first. Nicholas has a very good sense of right and wrong. He also understands people really well. For all his rough talk, he sees what Margaret's heart is when she approaches he and Bessy about bringing them flowers when they first meet. And what he wanted to happen with the union was actually pretty smart. He was seeking ways to get masters and millworkers to work with one another. And he's honest and upright in all he does. You always know where you stand with him. Sometimes a little too well! :D But I think that's what Mr. Thornton finally saw and came to appreciate. {This passage is from my answer during the read-along.}

{Again with a hero. Sorry! Guess I've got North and South still on my brain.}

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?

England, and I'd love to visit all of the significant Jane Austen spots.

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

Regency England

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation, tap dancing… what is your act comprised of?

Preferably helping behind the scenes in some way. Not a spotlight sort of gal!

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

Anne Shirley. Not sure I could rock the red hair, but I'd love to attempt to use all the big words she loves! :)

11. Favorite author(s)? 

Impossible to list them all! But here's a few: Jane Austen, Katherine Reay, Erynn Mangum, Julianne Donaldson, Marissa Meyer, Serena Chase, Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, Lisa McKay, L.M. Montgomery, Jennifer E. Smith, Megan Whalen Turner, Lindsey Leavitt, Melina Marchetta....and many, many more!

12. In which century were most of the books you read written?

The 21st century

13. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in all literature is…

I don't know about ultimate, but Captain Wentworth is definitely a favorite!

14. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

Ah.....?????

15. Describe your ideal dwelling place.

My only requirement is to have space for lots and lots of books. :)

16. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.

Comfortable

17. Three favorite Non-fiction books?

Love at the Speed of Email by Lisa McKay
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Front of the Class by Brad Cohen

18. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?

With a good book, of course! :)

19. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.

Oh goodness, I have no idea. I don't wear hats. Although I admit that I admire them on others. The biggest requirement, I suppose, is that it be comfortable. I am all about wearing comfy things, people! :)

20. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.

Moving! Trust me when I say that change is never easy and after living away from home for 12 years, moving back again has been a major change.

21. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

"There I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor [troubling] to be for her a door of hope and expectation. And she shall sing there..." Hosea 2:15 amp

Literary Heroines - Lady Meliara Astiar {Crown & Court Duel}

Another heroine from literature! This one is not from a historical novel however, but from a fantasy story published only 15 years ago. But I feel she's worthy of the title "literary heroine" simply because I think she's so delightful.

(So I recently re-read Crown/Court Duel by Sherwood Smith. Which I have read and re-read and re-read countless times! I love this story so much that I now own the Kindle version, the paperback version, and the hardback version-of book two only. What can I say? I love the cover shown above-which is only on the hardback, plus I wanted all the extra details and chapters that the paperback and the Kindle versions have! Besides, you can never have too many copies of stories you love. :)

(Also there are probably spoilers for both books, so you now have your warning. Proceed at your own risk.)

I love Mel! She is absolutely one of my favorite characters. Thus I decided she deserved a post all about her awesome-ness. Or at least what makes me love her so. :)

Her bravery and courageousness are shown very much in book one, Crown Duel. I enjoy her escapades in that part of her story. But it's book two, Court Duel, where she truly wins me over. Her bravery in battle, in eluding her enemies, and in standing her ground against her enemies (and those she thinks are her enemies), is wonderful, don't get me wrong! But I just enjoy her adventures at court a little more. All the fan language and the proper bows and curtsies and the way of talking. It's kind of like a battlefield in a way, just more dignified. And of course, in book two is where the romance comes much more into play, so that's a big point in its favor right there. ;P

In book one she has to learn a lot of things about herself. Things that aren't pleasant. Book two is her journey to becoming a better person; realizing that her initial judgements aren't always right. She forces herself to really look at who she is and what she believes and why. The fact that she is willing to change and desires to work on her faults is very admirable.

"...she flailed bravely into adventure not because she wished to figure as a hero, but because she was determined to battle for right, even if she struggled from day to day to define just what "right" might be."

That quote gives a pretty good idea of Mel's personality. Stubborn, brave, courageous, and always wanting to do well for those under her care. For anyone around her really! If you are lucky enough to call her friend, she will defend you until the cows come home. But woe unto you if she considers you her enemy! I did say she's stubborn and many, many times this comes into play. She also has a temper, and certain people are likely to be on the receiving end of that whether they truly deserve it or whether they do!

She also has the hillfolk who listen to her and help her as much as she helps them. And the hillfolk are never wrong! They have great instincts and thus, if they like her and support her, then she's definitely worthy of it.

She has a good heart and a great head on her shoulders. She's not dumb. She makes lots of mistakes yes, but she's very smart. Once she decides to rectify her ignorance, she proceeds to get the education she was unable to when she was younger. By the end of the story, she is most certainly a formidable woman. And definitely a legendary one!

"Vidanric thinks I am the kind of person who is destined to be in the midst of great events despite myself."

Most people underestimate her, but it doesn't take them long to figure out that she's a force to be reckoned with. Not afraid to stand up to kings, or large numbers of people wanting to do her in, or any of the other numerous occasions where she uses her brain to outsmart and out-think someone who supposes that she's only a country bumpkin. She also holds her own until help gets there, because she does finally get to the point where she can acknowledge when she needs help.

"It desolates me to disappoint you, but your brother is not here. Despite two really praiseworthy attempts at rescue."
... The hint of amusement irritated me, and sick and hurt as I was, I simply had to retort something. "Glad... at least... you're desolated."

Mel always refuses to go down without a fight. Never underestimate her! ;D Also it's just wonderful to witness her journey. She changes so much during the course of her story, yet she stays true to herself at the same time. Ultimately, Mel is simply a girl from the country who becomes a roll-model and a woman to be admired. She would deny until her last breath that she's anything extraordinary. She finds it hard to see beyond her own faults. But she is extraordinary, and incredible, and awesome!

If you haven't read her story, I highly recommend it! I'm sure my attempts to tell you why I like her so much have been pretty puny. Suffice it to say that she's a character well worth getting to know!

Toodle-loo kangaroos!

Literary Heroines - Anne Shirley

Who doesn't have a favorite literary heroine? Whether from days of yore or from this current century? Heroines come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and we all have at least one who has gripped our heart and refuses to let go. You know, the unforgettable ones. The ones that stand out in your mind and when you think of a great story, their name immediately pops up. Whether you have a love of reading or not, I'm positive somewhere along the way, some book was read to you or you watched an adaptation, and you fell in love. I imagine that surely this has happened to everyone at least once. And if you're a reader, it's possibly happened lots of times! :)

Today I want to talk about one such beloved heroine from literature whom I love dearly: Miss Anne Shirley!

As I was thinking about heroines and who my favorites are and why they are my favorites, of course Anne immediately came to mind. How can you not love her? But as I thought about it, I realized I'd never really analyzed why I like her so well. So this is my attempt at explaining my love for Anne with an 'e'. :)  (I can't promise that it will make total sense outside of my brain, but I'm going to do my best!)

As Matthew says, "She's such an interesting little thing." She talks a mile a minute and her vocabulary is amazing! That's actually one of the first things that I remember about her. Her "bosom friends", and "kindred spirits", and her love of big words in general.

"People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas, you have to use big words to express them, haven't you?" 

Anne does love words and her creative use of them to explain any and every thing around her is wonderful. Her colorful phrases draw you in and make you want to know more about this girl and who she is.

“My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes.”

And where else would she learn such words? Through her love of reading of course! Anne is certainly a reader and loves to learn. She grasps onto things quickly and they become a part of her. This leads to her enhanced vocabulary and vivid imagination. She simply soaks in everything around her. She uses her imagination to enjoy stories and books but also to enjoy life itself. I don't think you can read her story and not be reminded of how awe-inspiring even the little things around us are. Like trees and plants and rivers. Anne takes note of them all and desires to romanticize them, yes. But also she truly appreciates all that life and this world have to offer. Her youth was so devoid of warmth and love that she had to look for it elsewhere.

“Dear old world', she murmured, 'you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.”

That fact alone endears her to me. She took what was essentially a horrid childhood and refused to become horrid because of it. All you have to do is read the second chapter where we first meet Anne. Here she is, an orphan who's been treated very roughly thus far in her eleven years, yet her first words say nothing about that. She instead chooses to focus on that lovely cherry tree that she wants to climb up in and what she imagined Prince Edward Island and Green Gables would be like. Her imagination takes her out of her dismal world and puts her in a glorious and wonderful place. Even though it's only in her mind, the mere fact that she chooses to look at the bright side, when she's known nothing but clouds, is really incredible.

Yes, I know she's a fictional character! But I just love that Ms. Montgomery made Anne so unique and lovable right from the start. She spends a great deal of time talking, but you hear her story in all that she doesn't say. It's beautifully done, in my opinion. And her imagination, her capacity for love, her cheerfulness, her big words, these are all part of who Anne is. She grows up during the series, but she never loses what makes her essentially Anne.

“There's such a lot of different Anne's in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting.”

All who come into contact with her (excepting Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Hammond) cannot help but be drawn to her and want to befriend her. She grows on you, the reader, very quickly also! I don't know how Ms. Montgomery ever imagined her into being, but I'm so thankful she did. Anne Shirley sets an incredibly high standard for heroines that I enjoy. There's no one else quite like her and that's certainly okay with me! One Anne is really all we need. And I aim to enjoy her and her story for a long time to come. Because that's another beautiful thing about her, no matter how this world changes, we will never outgrow Anne. No matter your age or what your favorite genres are, Anne Shirley will draw you in and make you wonder how you ever existed without her! ;D

 Toodle-loo kangaroos!

 “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”

Literary Heroine Blog Party - 2013

{Kellie over at Accordion to Kellie is having a Literary Heroine Blog Party for the next week and a half. Plus an awesome giveaway! Click over to check it out. Lots of great things up for grabs!}

Literary Heroines. When you hear that term, what's the first thing that pops up in your brain? Several different ladies come to my mind, each for this reason or that reason. Which is why I'm planning to have a few posts on some of my favorites and why I like them so much coming up in the next week or so.

See, here's the thing. When I thought about all the following questions, my answers kept getting longer and longer and longer (you know I like to blather a lot) until I decided it would be waaaayy easier on everyone to give simple answers today. Then save my long thoughts for separate posts.

You're welcome.

So be on the lookout! :)

In other words, come back to visit in a day or two if you'd like to read more about my thoughts on these wonderful ladies!

Or not.

Anyhoo, on to the questions. (Be warned-there's a lot.)

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

 Hi! *waves hand* I love to read. Always have actually, I can't remember a time when I haven't. Happily for me my mother loves to read also and always had stacks of books around. So there was usually something to pick up whenever I wanted. (Especially when my mother didn't want me to, like when she needed me to unload the dishwasher or vacuum.) Yellow is my favorite color. Also I don't like bacon. Love ham and sausage and other kinds of pork, but refuse to eat bacon if I can get away with it. How's that for random?

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?

Someone who has enough quirks to make them feel real, who has a heart full of wonder and joy at the beauty of the world and the people in it, who goes through adversity and comes out stronger on the other side, and who has a story to tell that doesn't ever grow old.

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

 Anne Shirley {Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery}, Anne Elliot {Persuasion by Jane Austen}, Judy Abbott {Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster}

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?

Persuasion by Jane Austen, The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz, The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen, Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster, Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?

Judy Abbott from Daddy Long Legs. Her drawings! Her descriptions! Her openness and friendliness yet being so stubborn! I loved her from the first moment I read her story and through countless re-reads, I've yet to tire of her. :)

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?

It's hard to limit it to just one, but I suppose I'll go with Admiral Croft from Persuasion. He doesn't get a whole lot of page time, but his thoughts just come right out of his mouth and I love him for it. He's such a good man, and I really like his wife also. I can just picture Anne and Wentworth getting along with the Crofts splendidly through the years.

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do  there?

 I had a Latin teacher in high school that had been to Italy several times. Her enthusiasm rubbed off on me and I still have a desire to go to Italy some day. No particular plan really, just for sure want to visit Rome. After that, I'm willing to see whatever I can. :) Also I'd love to visit England one day and walk where Jane Austen walked.

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

England in late 1700s to middle 1800s. You know, Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell's time period. :D But I do read a lot of contemporary fiction also.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?

 First of all, I cannot stand to be the center of attention in a large group, let alone on stage! But in my head, as long as I wouldn't actually have to do it, I'd probably sing. I think I'm a halfway decent singer. I certainly couldn't do comedy. I'd be so nervous, either the joke would fall flat on its face or I would. Or both!

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?

 I'd love to say Anne Shirley, but sadly no red hair for me. So I would probably go with a Jane Austen girl (any of them) because I've always thought it would be fun to wear one of those kinds of dresses. :)

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

 I'll take it! When are you sending it to me?

12. Favorite author(s)?

Jane Austen, Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, Sharlene MacLaren, Janice Thompson, Erynn Mangum, Lisa McKay, Susan Meissner, Siri Mitchell, Sherwood Smith, Sarah Dessen, Jennifer Rogers Spinola, Megan Whalen Turner, Stephanie Grace Whitson, Camy Tang, Susan May Warren, Stephanie Perkins

Hey, you asked. (And that's not nearly all of them!)

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?

 Books, more books, and.....well you get the picture.

14. In which century were most of the books you read written?

 I mostly read ones that were written in my lifetime. (Which covers two centuries you know!) (No I'm not 200 years old, but I was born in the 20th century and we're now living in the 21st century......)

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

 The ultimate? I suppose I'll have to be different and say I can't pick just one. There are many I love and they each are just perfect for the heroines they choose.

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.

 It has to have loads of bookshelves filled with lovely, lovely stories.

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.

 Casual and comfy. (Emphasis on comfy! I'm a far cry from being a fashion plate.)

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?

 Yes, I have. I do know that authors probably spend a great deal time coming up with just the right names for their characters, so I would never actually make a suggestion to the author to do that. (That would just be rude!) But in my head, there are some names that I just can't seem to like. They do grow on me sometimes. And they have NO bearing on whether I like the character themselves.

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...

 Yeah see, I have a dilemma again. There are lots of villains I don't like. Really, any villain who doesn't get a believable redemption by the end of the book or series, I never do like them. Especially if they are responsible for keeping a beloved pair apart!

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?

Front of the Class by Brad Cohen, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Love at the Speed of Email by Lisa McKay

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?

 Reading. (I know. I'm predictable by now huh?) Although, if it's summer I'd prefer to do the reading out of doors.

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.

 Oh gracious. I don't know. Perhaps something floppy and squishable, that would pop back into shape easily if sat on or stashed in my purse or closet. Preferably with yellow on it somewhere or somehow. Not quite sure what that says about my character..........

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.

Probably the most significant one is the ongoing one. My mother has Parkinson's Disease, has had it for around 20 years or so. But the last four have been the hardest as our family watches her go downhill quite fast. Four years ago, she could do everything for herself. Now she uses a wheelchair or scooter everywhere and needs help with almost everything. It's hard. Really hard. But God is faithful and I'm thankful to still have her around to talk to.

 I've mentioned it a few times on here, so I hope any regular reader isn't tired of hearing about it. If so, I'm sorry. It's just such a big part of my life and my thoughts, that it's hard not to mention it.

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

"And God's peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Phil. 4:7 amp

Toodle-loo kangaroos! Thanks for sticking with me til the end. :)