Jane Austen Would You Rather Game

Cordy has created a delightful Jane Austen-inspired game over at her blog.  It looks like oodles of fun, and is open to anyone who wishes to play, so please feel free to check it out!



 

Here are my answers:

Who would you rather have act as your matchmaker, Lady Russell (from Persuasion) or Mrs. Jennings?

Oh dear.  My initial reaction is to say Mrs. Jennings because Lady Russell doesn't seem like a very likable person--a little controlling perhaps?--but quite a few people have already chosen Mrs. Jennings, and I would like my answers to be slightly different so in the end, I'm going to go with Lady Russell.  My reasons:  I don't think she would be the type of person to match make in public (she's a little more subtle than Mrs. Jennings) so that would be one embarrassment avoided.  (Score.)  And then, also, it would give me the greatest pleasure to be able to say, "Pooh, pooh to you, Lady Russell.  No matter what you say, I'm going to do it my way.  Ha! So there."

 

Who would you like as a pen pal from Jane Austen's works?

 

Hmmm...that's a tough one.  There's probably a lot of people who would make good pen pals.  I'll just go with Elinor Tilney.  She would be a good friend I think, and would probably have a good deal of amusing things to say.  (After all, she has a brother who I find quite hilarious.  There's bound to be something entertaining in her letters.)

 

Who would you rather go on a walk with, Colonel Fitzwilliam or Captain Benwick?

 

Colonel Fitzwilliam without a doubt!!  It's much more interesting to talk about a friend's devious schemes for separating an "unsuitable" pair of lovers, than to listen to a melancholy man quote poetry.  And besides, Colonel Fitzwilliam is a friendly, cheerful sort of person.  I think he would be a lot of fun to converse with.

 

Who would you rather have to befriend, Mrs. Elton or Lucy Steele?

 

NEITHER!  (Cordy, you're positively cruel!  How can I choose between two such horrible people?)  Alright, I'll do it.  Mrs. Elton.  At least she's somewhat laughable while Lucy Steele is nothing but obnoxious, manipulative, and sneaky.



"How could you hesitate?  Of course I'd be a much better friend than Miss Steele!"

Who would you rather have as a sibling, John Knightley or Mary (from Persuasion, not Mary Bennet)?

John Knightly!  He's such a jolly person.  True he can be somewhat grumpy a times, but I must admit, I  understand his grumpiness.  After all, who would want to go out into the cold to spend several dull hours in another man's house, when you could stay comfortably at home in front of your own cozy fireside? 

Who would you rather dance with? (Very open book!)

Well, if I was in a very uncomfortable and awkward mood--which I probably would be in a crowd full of people--I'd choose Mr. Knightly.  He's just the kind, caring sort of person who would put me at my ease. 

 

On the other hand, if by some miracle I happened not to be awkward, and was in fact in a gregarious mood, I think I would choose Henry Tilney, because his conversation would be highly entertaining. 

 

Who would you rather refuse, Mr. Collins or Mr. Elton?

 

That's tough.  Mr. Elton is creepy.  I'd hate to be in a carriage with him by myself.  But then it would be very satisfying to be able to say to him, "Let go of my hand sir, and sit over there."  Only...I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do that.  So...okay.  I'll go with Mr. Collins.  He'd be highly infuriating since he doesn't understand the word "no" but at least I could leave the room and get away from him.



"Leave the room?  How rude!"



Who would you rather match-make for, Miss Bates or Mary Bennet?

 

(Really, Cordy.  Why must you make things so difficult.  Have a little compassion on my poor nerves.)  Mary Bennet, I guess.  It would probably be easier to find someone for her since she's still young...and plus, she doesn't talk ones ear off.  Still, her serious, philosophical observations might be a bit of a problem, unless we can find her a man who enjoys reading boring books and thinking deep thoughts.  (No, I'm not saying men don't think deep thoughts.  I didn't mean it that way.  Oh, bother.) 

 

Who would you rather have as a best friend?

 

Seriously?  How am I supposed to answer that?  There are so many good characters.  Maybe Lizzy.  She would be fun, and I think we'd have a lot in common.  I like to laugh at things and can be a bit of  a skeptic at times, so we'd probably have conversations that would be very interesting to both of us.

Who would you rather argue with? (Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine, Emma Woodhouse, Mr. Woodhouse, Mr. Palmer, Mrs. Jennings, Fanny Dashwood, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Darcy, ect.) 

Emma.  I'd love to catch her in an illogical argument and twist it around to my advantage.  Of course, she probably would never admit that she was being illogical or that she'd got the worst of the argument, so that could be rather frustrating.  Still, it would be fun to try.  And if she becomes too intolerable I can always storm out of the room and not stay for supper.


"Me?  Illogical?  What an idea."

Would you rather wander the grounds of Pemberley and risk being 'discovered' or wander over the downs surrounding Barton Cottage in the rain and twist an ankle?

I'll choose Pemberley.  That would be embarrassing of course, but it ended SO well, I think the embarrassment would be worth it.  Also there wouldn't be any physical pain involved and I wouldn't have to be carried awkwardly home by a complete stranger.  (Marianne may call it romance.  I call it awkward.)

Where would you live in Austen's works?

I don't have a strong preference.  I should probably say Barton Cottage because  I like small, cozy houses, but I really haven't a good idea of what that house looks like so I think I'll go with Longbourn.  It has a cozy feel to it, too.

 

Well, that's all.  Thank you so much, Cordy!   This was loads of fun! 

And now, everybody!  Can you guess which two Jane Austen adaptions are my absolute favorites?  I know that's tough--it's not like I gave you any sort of hint with the pictures I included in this post or anything--but please give it a try.  I'd like to see what you think.  ;)