Why it's not cliché to love Jane
Her books are known as classics and anyone who's read at least one of Jane Austen's renowned novels of young women meeting many suitors and living in posh societies grows to adore at least one of her beloved characters. (If not rebel Elizabeth Bennet, for sure the handsome Mr. Darcy.)
But along with avid fans and admirers of Jane Austen classics, it's become quite mainstream and somewhat predictable to some that admitting that you like spending your nights in bed with a copy of 'Pride and Prejudice' has become somewhat of a cliché.
It hasn't helped that if people haven't read the book, they've seen the many different cinematic versions both English movie makers and Hollywood have churned out over the years.
Despite the excessive remakes and adaptations as well as the out-of-date actions of single young women that will have modern-day feminists pulling out their hair, there's a charm and relatable aspect to Jane Austen novels that make it a integral part of literary history and can actually teach young women important lessons that we may not think about in our urban fast-paced lifestyles.
With this in mind, here are some reasons why you should pick up a copy of 'Emma' or 'Northanger Abbey' and be taken back to a time where women were wooed by words, not a swipe right on an app.
They teach young girls not to settle
Obviously times have changed and the strong-minded female figures of the 1800s greatly differed from today's publicly proud and educated feminists, and while this very group may frown upon some values that are strong themes of Austen books (women marry men to gain status, money is a driving factor for women to marry) and were the normal thinking for both women and men of that time, Austen still featured strong-female characters that challenged the norm and would definitely appeal to similarly strong-minded women of today.
Elizabeth Bennet has to be the spokesmodel of independent women, back then and even now. It's hard to refuse advances of a man as well-off and handsome as Mr. Darcy, but she does, despite all of his positive attributes. Elizabeth is adamant on marrying for love, not status, which is a strong and important message that resonates with the youth of today as well.
In 'Sense and Sensibility', elder sister Elinor Dashwood experiences love, loss, and betrayal from men but puts on a brave face to not worry her struggling family. Without giving too much away, Elinor's strong mentality gets her through her struggles and keeps her away from temptation or depression. Young girls have always invested their emotions into relationships and what others think of them, and this could lead to negative reactions and retaliations. Any young woman (and man) can learn from Elinor's actions on how to let some things go, pick your battles, and accept that some things happen for a reason.
It lets you relive the long process of romancing
While some people may prefer the fast-paced technology based method of wooing that people experience with texting, social media, and dating apps, there are some that can appreciate and long for the traditional act of sending a bouquet of flowers, love letters, and making time to meet each other rather than constantly talking to each other via cellphones.
If there's one thing that's always present in a Jane Austen book, it's a hunky and dedicated male lead that will definitely have you wishing that type of dating was the norm of today.
Anyone who's ever read (or even watched) 'Pride and Prejudice' will be lying if they said they didn't fall in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy by the end. His tough exterior paired with his dedication for one woman and his way with words definitely had women swooning.
The importance of family values
It doesn't matter which Austen novel you are reading; a key theme that runs in every one of her books is the importance of family. Sisterly love is a key idea that Austen uses as a way for characters to laugh, cry, and share emotions with each other as well as the readers. Wether it's the immature Bennet sisters that are all unique and adorable in their own ways or if it's the responsible older Dashwood sister to keep the younger street smart and emotional Marianne in check.
As it is with modern day families, Austen characters are not without conflicts with parents and differing views. Mr. Woodhouse's overly-attentive concern for everyone's health and criticism with daughter Emma's romances and prospect of marrying off his precious daughter is a theme that will probably ring true to many modern young girls.
But at the end of the day, wether it's in the 1800s and in a fictional world or the 21st century, family is family and definitely something that shouldn't be taken for granted.
While there are many more things that we could say will influence you and will benefit in giving one of Miss Austen's books a read, what everyone takes away from the same story differs. So we recommend setting out an evening to relax with a nice cup of anything warm and diving in.
Some precautions: Once you start one, you'll want to read them all. And finally, get ready to have your expectations in love and life exceed everything you've ever set for yourself. And how rightly they should be! That's another lesson to take away from this post and any Jane Austen book (or movie) you're about to consume; nothing's too high or impossible of a goal if it's what you really want and you're willing to work for it.
