A word of explanation An article in today's Guardian suggests that her reputation as a stylist was a myth put out by her brother, that the style was down to the hard work of her editor who regularised her punctuation and awkwardness. She did, though, pioneer the use of the dash for emotional effect - but overused it.
Yes, I heard it too, Dave. The trouble is that these sort of statements can never be proven. I think with Jane Austen you either like her or hate her. I personally find it all a bit too mannered (is that heresy?) Mind you I rather liked Colin Firth in his wet shirt (even an old girl can dream).
And I have for years praised to students her brilliant sobriety, accuracy, psychological insight and most of all literary skill in her creation, or re-creation, of characters and setting.
Well, on the other hand good editors edit well... but the "substance" must be great at the start.
I've been a fan of Jane Austen since my school days and enjoy rereading her books and watching the movies based on her books. To bad writers these days don't follow her example. Critics are just critics who shouldn't be takes to seriously as they wish they could write like Jane Austen.
A word of explanation
ReplyDeleteAn article in today's Guardian suggests that her reputation as a stylist was a myth put out by her brother, that the style was down to the hard work of her editor who regularised her punctuation and awkwardness. She did, though, pioneer the use of the dash for emotional effect - but overused it.
I heard this on the radio this morning, Dave. Thought it might cause a rumpus amongst Miss Austen's followers!
ReplyDeletePoor Jane! Critics have a way of popping up everywhere...
ReplyDeleteOh no, who would dare to criticize Jane. Let me have him.
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard it too, Dave. The trouble is that these sort of statements can never be proven. I think with Jane Austen you either like her or hate her. I personally find it all a bit too mannered (is that heresy?) Mind you I rather liked Colin Firth in his wet shirt (even an old girl can dream).
ReplyDeleteAh, such revisionism is abhorrent.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have for years praised to students her brilliant sobriety, accuracy, psychological insight and most of all literary skill in her creation, or re-creation, of characters and setting.
ReplyDeleteWell, on the other hand good editors edit well... but the "substance" must be great at the start.
interesting haiku.
ReplyDeleteWas that Chagall in the last post YOURS? *Bravo*
Aloha from Hawaii
Comfort Spiral
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I've been a fan of Jane Austen since my school days and enjoy rereading her books and watching the movies based on her books. To bad writers these days don't follow her example. Critics are just critics who shouldn't be takes to seriously as they wish they could write like Jane Austen.
ReplyDeleteHi all and thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, I kind'a had a bet with myself about the response - and was pretty on the ball with it. Have to say, I agree in the main.