People say nothing happens in Jane Austen's novels, or that what does
happen is predictable or trivial (or as a subset of the former, the
same events half a dozen times). However, when compared to the
soulless parasitism employed by original and complex high-concept
bestsellers such as Jasper Fforde's works, or the exciting-event rich
plots of blockbusters directed by the likes of Michael Bay or the
Wachowskis, the true core of Jane Austen's genius appears. The
characters do not have new or exciting lives - but they have lives
which are utterly driven by their characters, which characters are not
only believable, but admirable and loveable. All actions flow from
character and yet demonstrate intensely moral, true, and beautiful
themes, instead of relying on my sick attempts to imbue shallow shells
of character with value, depth, and meaning. In Jane Austen, I see
people as they are - fallen and foolish, but retaining the most
important aspects of being human - the image and love of God.
happen is predictable or trivial (or as a subset of the former, the
same events half a dozen times). However, when compared to the
soulless parasitism employed by original and complex high-concept
bestsellers such as Jasper Fforde's works, or the exciting-event rich
plots of blockbusters directed by the likes of Michael Bay or the
Wachowskis, the true core of Jane Austen's genius appears. The
characters do not have new or exciting lives - but they have lives
which are utterly driven by their characters, which characters are not
only believable, but admirable and loveable. All actions flow from
character and yet demonstrate intensely moral, true, and beautiful
themes, instead of relying on my sick attempts to imbue shallow shells
of character with value, depth, and meaning. In Jane Austen, I see
people as they are - fallen and foolish, but retaining the most
important aspects of being human - the image and love of God.
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