Jane Austen's 250th Birthday Bash
Meet 18:00 to share Christmas food and drink
When you decide what you will contribute, let me know and I will post it here for all to see.
(Hover the mouse over the image).
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Sweets
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Pete
and
Chris
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Gwynneth
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Andrew
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Drinks already in the cupboard:
- Tonic Water
- Red Schloer
- White Schloer
- Fizzy Schloer
- Fairtrade White - Chenin Blanc
- Fairtrade Red - Cabernet, Malbec
- Random Prosecco
- Peroni
Discussion Notes:
The backdrop to life at the turn of the 18th century included:
- The Napoleonic Wars
- The French Revolution
- The invention of the steam engine
- The creation of the metal-based printing press
And her personal situation:
- Seventh child of eight born to a clergyman
- Six brothers, one sister
- 7 miles away from Basingstoke, a further 50 from London
Whilst the individual books elicited a Love it or Hate it response, the chronological positioning of Jane's work between the early realistic fiction of Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Pamela (1740) with
the likes of Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870) and Charlotte Bronte (1816 - 1855) is interesting.
The later authors will have read her works, perceived the creative process and format and applied it in their social and moral setting to their own writing.
There is a vast difference in the space of one generation.
The individual books elicited a Love it or Hate it response.
- Gail and Rosie: Sense and Sensibility, 1811.
Neutral, not inspired to read more.
- Sue: Pride and Prejudice, 1813
Loved it.
- Andrew: Mansfield Park, 1814
Loved it, it harmonised like a symphony.
- Chris: Emma, 1816
Hated it.
- Gwynneth: Northanger Abbey, 1818
Enjoyed it.
- Cath: Persuasion, 1818
Not impressed.
- Anne: Lady Susan, 1871
Interesting.
To be followed by "mutual entertainment".
Read a poem, tell a story, sing a song, play a tune, or just enjoy yourself.
It should be mince pie season by then.
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