Friday, February 17, 2017

Moments in Fiction: The Thoughtfulness and Sweetness of Jane Austen's Heroes

In light of Hamlette's Jane Austen party, I thought I'd throw together another "Moments in Fiction" post, this time entirely made up of Jane Austen snippets.  ("Throw together"?  Ha!  Who am I kidding? My posts are never simply "thrown together."  In fact, they always take me much longer to complete than any reasonable post should.  *sigh*) 

The selections from Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park were the first two that came to my mind.  I've always loved those scenes because of the kindness shown to the heroine by the hero.  However, once I got started I figured I might as well go ahead and highlight a scene about each of Jane Austen's heroes because they're all so splendid.  And of course I couldn't leave out Mr. Bingley, even though he's not technically a hero, so there will be eight scenes all together. 

Be prepared for a lengthy post.  (No, no! Wait! Don't go.  I know length can be intimidating but...how shall I put it?...nothing ventured, nothing gained?  Sometimes you just have to do the hard things in order to reap the rewards.  In other words, you're going to miss out on  some extreme adorableness if you leave.  And you wouldn't want to do that, now would you?  *smiles*)

 
 
Northanger Abbey (Henry Tilney)
 
     "If I understand you rightly, you have formed a surmise of such horror as I have hardly words to ---- Dear Miss Morland, consider the dreadful nature of the suspicions you have entertained.  What have you been judging from?  Remember the country and age in which we live.  Remember that we are English, that we are Christians.  Consult your own understanding, your own sense of the probable, your own observation of what is passing around you--Does our education prepare us for such atrocities?  Do our laws connive at them? Could they be perpetrated without being known, in a country like this, where social and literary intercourse is on such a footing; where every man is surrounded by a neighbourhood of voluntary spies, and where roads and newspapers lay everything open?  Dearest Miss Morland, what ideas have you been admitting?"
     They had reached the end of the gallery; and with tears of shame she ran off to her own room.
     The visions or romance were over.  Catherine was completely awakened.  Henry's address, short as it had been, had more thoroughly opened her eyes to the extravagance of her late fancies than all their several disappointments had done.  Most grievously was she humbled.  Most bitterly did she cry.  It was not only with herself that she was sunk--but with Henry.  Her folly, which now seemed even criminal, was all exposed to him, and he must despise her forever.  The liberty which her imagination had dared to take with the character of his father, could he ever forgive it?  The absurdity of her curiosity and her fears, could they ever be forgotten? She hated herself more than she could express.  He had--she thought he had, once or twice before this fatal morning, shewn something like affection for her.--But now--in short, she made herself as miserable as possible for about half an hour, went down when the clock struck five,  with a broken heart, and could scarcely give an intelligible answer to Eleanor's inquiry, if she was well.  The formidable Henry soon followed her into the room, and the only difference in his behaviour to her, was that he paid her rather more attention than usual.  Catherine had never wanted comfort more and he looked as if he was aware of it.

*****

First off, I love how Henry knows Catherine so well.  She barely has to hint at what she was thinking and he's already got a pretty good idea what was going on in her overactive imagination.  And the way he says, "Dearest Miss Morland, what ideas have you been admitting?"  Eeek, I love it!  There's such a tenderness in his address even while he's calling her out on her error of judgment.    And then, oh!  It just warms my heart the way he cares for her that evening; noticing her need for comfort and treating her with even more kindness than usual.   He's a dear.


"Because it is my nearest way from the stable-yard to my own chamber; and why should I not come up it?"
(Haha.  Love that quote.)


Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Bingley)

As soon as they entered, Bingley looked at her so expressively, and shook hands with such warmth, as left no doubt of his good information; and he soon afterwards said aloud, "Mr. Bennet, have you no more lanes hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose her way again to-day?"
     "I advise Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy, and Kitty," said Mrs. Bennet, "to walk to Oakhan Mount this morning.  It is a nice long walk, and Mr. Darcy has never seen the view."
     "It may do very well for the others," replied Mr. Bingley; "but I am sure it will be too much for Kitty.  Won't it, Kitty?"
     Kitty owned that she had rather stay at home.  Mr. Darcy professed a great curiosity to see the view from the Mount, and Elizabeth silently consented.

*****

Oh!  I love this part.  I love the picture it gives us of how close a relationship Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have, and what a close relationship Mr. Bingley and Lizzy are going to have as brother and sister.  The fact that Bingley is so happy that Lizzy and Darcy are going to be married is just really sweet.  And I love how he maneuvers things in order to give Darcy and Lizzy some time to themselves.  I can just see his mischievous smile as he declares such a walk to be too much for Kitty.  Oh, sly, Mr. Bingley!  Sly!  ;)


Persuasion (Captain Wentworth)
 
The walking party had crossed the lane, and were surmounting an opposite stile, and the Admiral was putting his horse in motion again, when Captain Wentworth cleared the hedge in a moment, to say something to his sister.  The something might be guessed by its effects.

     "Miss Elliot, I am sure you are tired," cried Mrs. Croft.  "Do let us have the pleasure of taking you home.  Here is excellent room for three, I assure you.  If we were all like you, I believe we might sit four.  You must , indeed, you must."

     Anne was still in the lane, and though instinctively beginning to decline, she was not allowed to proceed.  The Admiral's kind urgency came in support of his wife's: they would not be refused: they compressed themselves into the smallest possible space to leave her a corner, and Captain Wentworth, without saying a word, turned to her, and quietly obliged her to be assisted into the carriage.

     Yes; he had done it.  She was in the carriage, and felt that he had placed her there, that his will and his hands had done it, that she owed it to his perception of her fatigue, and his resolution to give her rest.  She was very much affected by the view of his disposition towards her, which all these things made apparent.  This little circumstance seemed the completion of all that had gone before.  She understood him.  He could not forgive her, but he could not be unfeeling.  Though condemning her for the past, and considering it with high and unjust resentment, though perfectly careless of her, and though becoming attached to another, still he could not see her suffer without the desire of giving her relief.  It was a remainder of former sentiment; it was an impulse of pure, though unacknowledged, friendship; it was a proof of his own warm and amiable heart, which she could not contemplate without emotions so compounded of pleasure and pain, that she knew not which prevailed.

*****

Talk about loving someone despite your own better judgment.  Haha.  Here's Captain Wentworth, angry at Anne for rejecting him so many years ago, and yet he can't bear to see her tired and uncomfortable without jumping at the chance to aid her.  This is a love that goes much deeper than mere feelings.  Because even as he stands to gain nothing for himself from caring for the woman who broke his heart, still he instinctively reaches out to help her.  Because he's a gentleman.  And because--though neither he nor Anne realizes it yet--no amount of rejection can really make him stop loving her.




Sense and Sensibility (Colonel Brandon)

It was not time for hesitation.  Her fears and her difficulties were immediately before him.  her fears, he had no courage, no confidence to attempt the removal of;--he listened to them in silent despondence;-- but her difficulties were instantly obviated, for with a readiness that seemed to speak the occasion, and the service pre-arranged in his mind, he offered himself as the messenger who should fetch Mrs. Dashwood.  Elinor made no resistance that was not easily overcome.  She thanked him with a brief, though fervent gratitude, and while he went to hurry off his servant with a message to Mr. Harris, and an order for post-horses directly, she wrote a few lines to her mother.
     The comfort of such a friend at that moment as Colonel Brandon--of such a companion for her mother, --how gratefully was it felt!--a companion whose judgment would guide, whose attendance must relieve, and whose friendship might sooth her!--as far as the shock of such a summons could be lessened to her, his presence, his manners, his assistance, would lessen it.
     He, meanwhile, whatever he might feel, acted with all the firmness of a collected mind, made every necessary arrangement with the utmost dispatch, and calculated with exactness the time in which she might look for his return.  Not a moment was lost in delay of any kind.  The horses arrived, even before they were expected, and Colonel Brandon only pressing her hand with a look of solemnity, and a few words spoken too low to reach her ear, hurried into the carriage.

*****

I have to admit, Colonel Brandon is the one Jane Austen hero that I have the hardest time connecting to.  I'm not sure if it's because of his melancholy nature or what, but for some reason I don't feel for him as much as for some of the others.  Still, this passage is really cool because it shows how much he cares for the Dashwood family, and how willing he is to do anything to help them.  And also what a kind support he is in times of crisis.  He certainly would be a good friend to have with you at such a time.  Someone to lean on and gain confidence from.  Okay, seriously.  He really is a dear.  And I'm so glad he was there to be a support and comfort to Mrs. Dashwood.


Mansfield Park (Edmund Bertram)
 
A week had passed in this way, and no suspicion of it conveyed  by her quiet passive manner, when she was found one morning by her cousin Edmund, the youngest of the sons, sitting crying on the attic stairs.
     "My dear little cousin," said he, with all the gentleness of an excellent nature, "what can be the matter?"  And sitting down by her, was at great pains to overcome her shame in being so surprised, and persuade her to speak openly.  "Was she ill? or was anybody angry with her? or had she quarrelled with Maria or Julia? or was she puzzled about anything in her lesson that he could explain?  Did she, in short want anything he could possibly get her, or do for her?"  For a long while no answer could be obtained beyond a "no, no--not at all--no, thank you;" but he still persevered; and no sooner had he begun to revert to her own home, than her increased sobs explained to him where the grievance lay.  He tried to console her.
     "You are sorry to leave mamma, my dear little Fanny," said he, "Which shows you to be a very good girl: but you must remember that you are with relations and friends, who all love you, and wish to make you happy.  Let us walk out in the park, and you shall tell me all about your brothers and sisters."
     On pursuing the subject, he found that, dear as all these brothers and sisters generally were, there was on among them who ran more in her thoughts than the rest.  it was William whom she talked of most, and wanted  most to see.  William, the eldest, a year older than herself, her constant companion and friend; her advocate with her mother (of whom he was the darling) in every distress.  "William did not like she should come away; he had told her he should miss her very much indeed."--"But William will write to you, I dare say."--"Yes, he had promised he would, but he had told her to write first."--"And when shall you do it?"  She hung her head and answered, hesitatingly, "She did not know; she had not any paper."
     "If that be all your difficulty, I will furnish you with paper and every other material, and you may write your letter whenever you choose.  Would it make you happy to write to William?"
     "Yes, very."
     "Then let it be done now.  Come with me into the breakfast-room, we shall find everything there, and be sure of having the room to ourselves."

*****

Isn't Edmund just the sweetest?!   I've always loved the picture that comes into my mind when Jane Austen describes him as sitting down beside Fanny on the stairs.  There's a friendly, brotherliness in the action which is simply adorable.  And then how he talks to her and asks her questions until she finally gets up the courage to tell him what's bothering her.  (I can relate to that, because I'm one of those people that needs drawing out.  And when someone actually takes the time to sit down and listen to me...that's huge!)  But Edmund doesn't stop there.  He goes even further; takes her out for a walk, finds the subject she most wishes to speak about, and then allows her to talk about it to her heart's content.  And when he realizes she wishes to write a letter to her brother he immediately sets out to make that possible for her.  Because he wants to see her happy.  Isn't that just the sweetest thing? 
 

 

Sense and Sensibility (Edward)

     "Perhaps you mean--my brother--you mean Mrs.--Mrs. Robert Ferrars."
     "Mrs. Robert Ferrars!"--was repeated by Marianne and her mother in an accent of the utmost amazement;--and though Elinor could not speak, even her eyes were fixed on him with the same impatient wonder.  He rose from his seat and walked to the window, apparently from not knowing what to do; took up a pair of scissors that lay there, and while spoiling both them and their sheath by cutting the latter to pieces as he spoke, said, in an hurried voice--
     "Perhaps you do not know--you may not have heard that my brother is lately married to--to the youngest--to Miss Lucy Steele."
     His words were echoed with unspeakable astonishment by all but Elinor, who sat with her head leaning over her work, in a state of such agitation as made her hardly know where she was.
     "Yes," said he, "they were married last week and are now at Dawlish."
     Elinor could sit it no longer.  She almost ran out of the room, and as soon as the door was closed, burst into tears of joy, which at first she thought would never cease.  Edward, who had till then looked anywhere rather than at her, saw her hurry away, and perhaps saw--or even heard--her emotion; for immediately afterwards he fell into a reverie, which no remarks, no inquiries, no affectionate address of Mrs. Dashwood could penetrate, and at last, without saying a word, quitted the room, and walked out towards the village, leaving the others in the greatest astonishment and perplexity on a change in his situation so wonderful and so sudden--a perplexity which they had no means of lessening but by their own conjectures.

*****

Ohh!  I feel for Edward in this scene.  Like, really.  What an awkward situation to find oneself in.  The description of him picking up the scissors and spoiling the sheath by snipping it to pieces--simply because he didn't know what else to do with himself--ach! if that doesn't spell awkward I don't know what does!  But it's so sweet how he forges ahead and says what he needs to say, and then how he's so overcome by Elinor's emotion that he can't even stay in the house, but has to go off by himself and mull things over.  Dear Edward.  Someone needs to give him a hug and assure him that everything's going to be okay.  (Well, but I reckon Elinor will manage that, and make him super-duper happy when he finally comes back from his walk. ;))


Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Darcy)

In the evening, soon after Mr. Bennet withdrew to the library, she saw Mr. Darcy rise also and follow him, and her agitation on seeing it was extreme.  She did not fear her father's opposition, but he was going to be made unhappy, and that it should be through her means that she, his favourite child, should be distressing him by her choice, should be filling him with fears and regrets in disposing of her, was a wretched reflection, and she sat in misery till Mr. Darcy appeared again, when, looking at him, she was a little relieved by his smile.  In a few minutes he approached the table where she was sitting with Kitty, and, while pretending to admire her work, said in a whisper, "Go to your father; he wants you in the library."  She was gone directly.

*****

I've always liked this part.  The simplicity and unobtrusiveness of Darcy's manner is so endearing.  The way he quietly smiles to let Lizzy know all is well, and then sits down by her side and nonchalantly passes along the message that her father wishes to speak to her.  I just love how happy they both are, and how all of this is going on so quietly in the background while Lizzy's family remains quite oblivious to the grand event taking place.


 
 
Emma (Mr. Knightley)

She hoped they might now become friends again.  She thought it was time to make up.  Making-up indeed would not do.  She certainly had not been in the wrong, and he would never own that he had.  Concession must be out of the question; but it was time to appear to forget that they had ever quarrelled; and she hoped it might rather assist the restoration of friendship, that when he came into the room she had one of the children with her--the youngest, a nice little girl about eight months old, who was now making her first visit to Hartfield, and very happy to be danced about in her aunt's arms.  It did assist; for though he began with grave looks and short questions, he was soon led to talk of them all in the usual way, and to take the child out of her arms with all the unceremoniousness of perfect amity.  Emma felt they were friends again; and the conviction giving her at first great satisfaction, and then a little sauciness, she could not help saying, as he was admiring the baby,
     "What a comfort it is, that we think alike about our nephews and nieces.  As to men and women, our opinions are sometimes very different; but with regard to these children, I observe we never disagree."
     "If you were as much guided by nature in your estimate of men and women, and as little under the power of fancy and whim in your dealings with them, as you are where these children are concerned, we might always think alike."
     "To be sure--our discordancies must always arise from my being in the wrong."
     "Yes," said he, smiling--"and reason good.  I was sixteen years old when you were born."
     "A material difference then," she replied; "and no doubt you were much my superior in judgment at that period of our lives; but does not the lapse of one-and-twenty years bring our understandings a good deal nearer?"
     "Yes--a good deal nearer."
     "But still, not near enough to give me a chance of being right, if we think differently."
     "I have still the advantage of you by sixteen years' experience, and by not being a pretty young woman and a spoiled child.  Come, my dear Emma, let us be friends and say no more about it.  Tell your aunt, little Emma, that she ought to set you a better example than to be renewing old grievances, and that if she were not wrong before, she is now."
     "That's true," she cried, "very true.  Little Emma, grow up a better woman than your aunt.  Be infinitely cleverer and not half so conceited."

*****

This is what I love about Emma and Mr. Knightley's relationship.  There's a bond of friendship there so deep that no amount of disagreements and arguments can pull them apart.  I like the connection they have with their nieces and nephews and that in this scene you get to see them enjoying the children together, as a brother and sister would.  And then how they tease each other and almost get into another argument, before Mr. Knightley finally says, "That's enough.  Let's be friends again." And they are.  (And he calls her "my dear Emma" and I think that's just so sweet.)


Aren't Jane Austen's heroes just the best? 
Do you have a favorite amongst the eight gentleman mentioned in this post?
Was there a selection here that you particularly enjoyed reading?
 
 
Well, the party's still going on at Hamlette's blog, so be sure to head over there and check out the other posts which have been written this week. 
(And then go and read a Jane Austen novel, because you know you're in the mood for it!  ;))
 
Farewell, my friends!
  

50 comments:

  1. I love Mr. Darcy's. That part in the book always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling :)

    Great post!!
    -Lia
    catholicgirlstuff.blogspot.com

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    1. Yes! I love it, too. It's such a sweet part. :)

      Thank you, Lia!

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  2. Yay! I'm so glad you've done another Moments in Fiction!! This defenetly was a delighful post, I read every bit of it!
    I have only read four of these, and the one from Emma I loved it so much I had to read that little bit over a few times because I love it so!
    I defenetly love Edward and Colonol Brandon, those are my favorite parts about them, they are so, so sweet! I almost can't bear it! (Okay, that's not true, I love it!)
    I had forgotten about Henry there, but as soon as you started I knew the rest.
    Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley! I love them both to bitsy bits! I am defenetly hoping to actually read the book this year!!
    Thank you for anothe delighful post!!!!

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    1. Thank you, MovieCritic! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :)
      Aww. Yes. Mr. Knightley and Emma are SO sweet. Sometimes you just have to read a part over again in order to take it all in. ;D
      They really are! Haha. I hear ya. Such sweetness is almost too much to bear at times. ;)
      Have you not read Pride and Prejudice yet? Oh, I hope you can soon. I'm sure you would love it!
      Aww, you're welcome. Thank YOU for such a lovely comment. :)

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    2. I just read Pride & Prejudice, you picked the best scenes!!!!!!!! :D

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    3. YOU JUST READ IT??!! Like just since I wrote this post? Goodness, MovieCritic! That was FAST! (At least compared to the speed at which I've been reading books these days. Heehee.) ;D What did you think of it? Was it as good as the other Jane Austen books you've read? (I'm glad you like the scenes I chose! :))

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    4. My mom has always said that I am a "speed-reader", but it was really so good I couldn't stop reading it!!! (Also, I had a lot of time in the car with nothing else to do.) I loved it! It might be my favorite, it was just as good as I thought it was going to be, better even! And the sweetness between them is so, so wonderful! These scenes are the best!!!

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    5. Haha. I agree with your mom. You're certainly very speedy. ;) Oh, yay! I'm so glad you liked it!! It really is a delightful story. It's definitely one of my favorite Jane Austen books, too. :)

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  3. I literally clapped my hands when I saw this post in my dashboard!! MISS MARCH!!!! You have done it again. I looooove these!

    You mentioned my favorite scene with Mr. Bingley! It is a small thing but all the more important for it!! He's already teasing and scheming with Lizzy. It's marvelous. :D

    And by the way, the pictures you included are my favorites. :) Their style is so lovely.

    I did not know your feelings for Colonel Brandon. I am all astonishment! Hehehe.

    And then you went and mentioned a favorites scene with Mr. Darcy?? You are the best!! :D :D

    To answer the questions you left at the bottom of your post:
    Yes, indeed!
    I suppose I would have to go with Knightley because he is literally perfect. I wish there was someone who knew me as well as he knew Emma. Now, wouldn't that be a miracle. ;P
    Umm, I think I covered my favorites... ;)

    True! You have put me in the mood for an Austen novel, now, which one...hmmm...

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    1. *Miss March's face splits into a huge big grin* And I LOVE your comments on these posts, Cordy! They're the best!! :D

      Oooh! I love it how you notice those little scenes, too. It does seem like a small insignificant detail, but it tells you loads about Mr. Bingley's sweet and fun personality, doesn't it? Oooh. I love it!

      Yeah, I figured I'd better add some pictures this time since this was such a lengthy post. Glad you approve. :)

      It is shocking, isn't it? ;) And actually it's rather annoying, because I want to love all of Jane Austen's heroes, but Colonel Brandon just won't cooperate for me somehow. Not that I dislike him exactly, but you know. He doesn't endear himself to me like her other heroes do.

      Eeee!! You really do notice all those lovely little scenes, don't you? YOU are the best! :D <3

      Haha. It does seem like a rather tall order, doesn't it? But I wouldn't give up all together. Surely in all the thousands of people out in the world there must be one who will know you like that. ;)

      Such a dilemma, right? Too many good ones to choose from.

      Thank you so much for your comment, my friend!! (And the luck pours forth upon me. Heehee.)

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  4. I love this so much! They are indeed the best. :) Great picks, and thoughts on each! Thanks for sharing! ^_^ *sits quietly appreciating Austen heroes*

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    1. Thanks, Deborah! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I had fun putting it together. :)

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  5. Oh, Miss March, I so enjoyed this post! All of these are certainly adorable. I do love the one about Edmund because there's just something about their childhood friendship that's so sweet and endearing. :)

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    1. Yeeeeeees! Edmund and Fanny! I love their childhood friendship, too. So adorable. <3

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  6. This post is just plain pretty. :)

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  7. EEEK!!!! LOOOOOVE THIS!!!! ;D

    I'm actually *right* in the middle of trying to pull together a post on Austen's heroines (hence I'm a leetle pressed for time ;P), but I HAD to pop on right off and say how entirely splendid this is and how happy I am you thought of doing it.

    And I honestly don't think I can choose. I mean, Darcy and Mr. Knightley and Captain Wentworth have to be up near the top, but... no, I don't think I can choose. I mean... just... the sweetness!! <3 <3 ;D

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    1. HEIDI!! (So excited to see a comment from you again! :)) And oh, I'm so glad you liked this!! :D

      And wow. I think it's so cool that you were working on a post about Jane Austen's heroines at the same time as I was working on one about her heroes. How fun! :) Can't wait to read your post! :D

      I knooooow!! It really is an impossible decision. :P Let's not make it then. Let's just love all of them! ;D

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  8. Love all the quotes you picked out but I have to admit I have a soft spot for Mr.Tilney

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    1. Oh, yes. ME, TOO!!! Henry Tilney is definitely one of my favorites! :D

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  9. This is lovely - especially the Mr. Bingley one :D I struggle connecting with Colonel Brandon too, I think because he's so over-dramatic about everything... which I suppose is why he and Marianne are well suited, haha. Great picks!

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    1. Eek! Thank you, Catherine! It's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels that way about Colonel Brandon. And yes, perhaps it is his over-dramatics that I don't care for particularly...but you're so right, that definitely makes him well-suited for Marianne. Haha. ;D

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  10. I LOVED this post, Miss March! Absolutely delightful. <3

    My favorites would have to be the scene with Mr. Bingley (so funny and cute!), the one with Mr Darcy, and the one from Emma. They're all so sweet! :)

    And in response to your question, YES, Jane Austen's heroes truly are the best! It's so difficult to pick a favorite; I don't know how I could ever really choose between Mr Knightley, Mr Tilney, and Mr Darcy!

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    1. Thank you, Molly!!

      Yes! That scene with Mr. Bingley. Funny and cute are just the words for it. :) And Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley's scenes--too much adorableness. <3

      Ach, yes. Those are the three I'm always going back and forth between, too. But then I really love Edmund and Edward, too, so yeah. Basically it's impossible to choose. ;P

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  11. Thank you for sharing these! I loved seeing the Pride & Prejudice scenes again, especially Bingley's (so sweet and clever!) and especially the one from Northanger Abbey. I haven't read it, but now I think I would certainly like to! Lovely post :)

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    1. Hi Mary!! So nice to meet you! :D And yes, isn't that scene of Bingley's just the best? :) Oh! You really must read Northanger Abbey! It's such a fun book. :)

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  12. What a great post! I love the way you've not just given us a selection from their story, but then elaborated on it with your own thoughts.

    Of these gentlemen, I love Captain Wentworth the most, and also Henry Tilney, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Darcy, and Colonel Brandon. I'm also very fond of Mr. Bingley. And I'm trying to like Edmund Bertram more.

    Thanks for contributing this to I Love Austen Week!

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    1. Thank you, Hamlette!! :)

      Yeah, Edmund never used to be a favorite of mine either. But he's grown on me a lot. Really, though. They're all so good. It's terribly hard to choose between them. ;)

      Oh, you're most welcome!! Thank YOU for hosting it! :)

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  13. Such a lovely post and how many memories come up. I love Persuasion, it’s almost my only weakness, but I can’t forget the others. I like it so much Edward Ferrars and Elinor… I can’t have a determination. I want all of them!

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    1. Oh, yes. Persuasion. That is SUCH a good story! :) It really is hard to choose a favorite, though, isn't it? I love Edward and Elinor, too! They're so sweet. :D

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  14. Agh!!! This is the best! Austen heroes are just too cute!

    Wentworth is one of my favorites! The way he looks out for Anne even while trying to convince himself that he stills resents her? Precious!

    Beingket and Lizzy, though! I feel like they get along so well as brother and sister!!!

    Awwww! Edmund!!! I loved that scene so much! Like how little Fanny was too shy to admit that she really, really wanted to write a letter but had no paper and Edmund came along and sat there until he got to the bottom of it!!

    I love them all! *hugs Austen heroes* *except Colonel Brandon ewww*

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    1. They really are!! :D

      Aww, yes! He's such a darling. <3

      Exactly. That's what I love about that scene. Good brother-in-law/sister-in-law relationships are so cute!!

      I KNOOOOW!!! Isn't it just the sweetest? I love what good friends Edmund and Fanny are.

      Haha. Yeah. Colonel Brandon. He definitely isn't my favorite hero either. :/ I actually feel rather annoyed with myself for that, though, because I want to love ALL of Jane Austen's heroes. If only someone would make a new movie adaption that interpreted his character a bit different (like giving him just a bit more liveliness and expression, maybe?), I think then I could like him. *fingers crossed for a new S&S adaption* ;)

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    2. Yes! And why do brother-sister in law relationships not appear more often? They are so underrated, I feel.

      Yes again! I especially love how they interact when they are kids... he gets a bit more neglecting when they are grown up which is a tad frustrating...

      Same here. In fact he is easily my least-favorite. YESSSSSS!! We need a fantastic new version that brings him to life and makes us love him!!!

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    3. Very true! It's definitely not a theme you see very often. We must remedy that, and write stories with cute brother/sister-in-law relationships. :)

      YES! They're relationship is so sweet! :) Oh, yeah. That's true. He is a bit more distracted when he gets older--especially when he's in love with Mary Crawford--but I do think overall he continues to look out for Fanny and cares about her as much as he did when he was younger. I love how he confides in her and goes to her for comfort. It's hard on Fanny of course because usually he needs comfort in regards to Mary, but still, it's sweet. :)

      Totally. That would be SO nice. Somebody, please, make this movie!!

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    4. Yes, let's do it!

      Exactly! He tries to be there for Fanny, but he's not around all the time and she's so good at pretending she's okay when she's not...

      Yes! Not that I'd get around to watching it until it was ten years old, but still... :D

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    5. *shakes your hand* It's a deal. (Ugh. That reminded me of Morgan Harris! Haha.)

      THAT IS SO TRUE!!! And of course Edmund can't read minds, so...what is he to do? Poor Fanny. :(

      Ha. OF COURSE!! :D

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    6. Ew. Why did you have to bring up HIM?! ;)

      Agh, yes! I feel so bad for Fanny. But she gets a happy ending in, um, the end, so that's something. :)

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    7. I have NO idea!! What is my problem??? Haha. ;)

      Indeed, yes! And all's well that ends well, right? :)

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  15. Hello Miss March! This was a fun read--it's been way too long since I visited your blog.

    I love the quotes/scenes you picked. Especially the one from Persuasion--that's always been one of my favorite scenes (if not my favorite, lol) of that book.

    I'm in the middle of reading the Narnia books--after that, I might jump into Jane Austen again. You've inspired me. :)

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    1. Eeek! CRISTA! So happy to see a comment from you. *hugs* :)

      I'm so glad you enjoyed them. And yes indeed! That is a marvelous scene. Totally understandable that it would be one of your favorites. :)

      Oh, I know the feeling. Actually, I was feeling very much liking reading Jane Austen myself after writing this post. :) (Unfortunately, though, I have two more books in the series I'm currently reading and I'm afraid the feeling will probably leave me before I'm done. Judging from past experience at any rate. ;P)

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  16. Oh, LOVE the idea!!!

    Yes, Mr. Tilney is a dear. Such a sweetie.

    Haha. I always loved that part in P&P. Sly Mr. Bingley. :)

    AWWWWWWWwwwwwhhh. That part. That part!!!

    Colonel Brandon is a total sweetheart. I love this scene; it shows his kind nature, and his love for Marianne.

    Yesyesyesyesyes!!! The sweetest thing!!!!!

    Ohhhh, yes. Poor dear Edward. So awkward. But yes, Elinor fixed all his need for a hug, I'm sure. :)

    Oh, yes, yes, yes!!! Seriously!!! We get to see so much of Mr. Darcy's character right here. I love everything with Mr. Darcy after they come to an understanding, because he immediately starts showing what he's capable of in the matter of loving and taking care of and being in a relationship with Lizzy.

    Oh, yes, dear Mr. Knightley and Emma. :) I love that relationship.

    Yes, they are the best!!! Thanks so much for this lovely and marvellous post, Miss March!!! I needed me some sweet Austen men today!!!

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    1. Thank you, Rae!!

      Oh, he is indeed. I'm glad you think so, too.

      I love how so many other people (beside myself) have noticed and liked that scene with Mr. Bingley! Just goes to show you that sometimes it's the small, insignificant scenes that are the most memorable. :)

      YES! Colonel Brandon truly is a kind-hearted gentleman. (I need to appreciate him more.)

      Very true. Mr. Darcy shows so much of his kind and considerate side toward the end of the book. And it's so cool to see! <3 <3

      Oh! I'm glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for your comment, Rae! :D

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  17. What a fun idea for the blog party! I love it when people bring out the good qualities of Edmund Bertram. Fanny Price is one of my favorite heroines, and I'm always so unsettled by the ending, that it does me good to be reminded of her hero's best qualities. :)

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    1. That's so cool that Fanny is one of your favorites. She deserves a larger fan base. :) As for Edmund I really don't think he gets enough credit. Despite the fact that he shows some blindness in falling in love with Mary Crawford he really is an excellent hero. He's got a sweetness and gentlemanliness about him that I very much love. And I adore his and Fanny's brother/sister relationship. :)

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  18. I'm so sorry this is dreadfully late, but oh, it was so sweet. :) Although I admit I didn't read through all the selections (Sorry.....I don't quite have the time. I really must re-read the books anyways!), I DID read your thoughts on them and loved them. This was such a great idea to point out all the sweet things Austen's heroes do. Love it!!
    PS. Another similarity between us! I recognize what a selfless, kind hero Colonel Brandon is but I've never quite been able to "admire" him the way I do some of the others. 'Tis a sad thing, but the truth...

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    1. No problem, my dear!! No problem at all. :) And it's quite alright that you didn't read all the selections. (This really was a frightfully long post.) In fact, if it weren't my own post, I probably wouldn't have had time to read it all either. ;P I'm glad you liked it, though. :)

      P.S. Oh! I'm so happy you understand my feelings about Colonel Brandon. It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who feels that way about him. Really, though, HOW ARE WE SO MUCH ALIKE?!! :D :D

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    2. Thank you! I'm glad you understand. <3

      PS. Yes, indeed! And I DO NOT KNOW. It's crazy. But in a very good way! :D

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    3. Yes! In a VERY good way indeed. Love you, friend! :D

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