Here’s my second word find puzzle for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! This time I focused on place names, though some of them are merely mentioned in the book and don’t feature prominently at all. It’s time to grab your highlighter and get going!
Simply click on the link below and either print, or save it to your computer and then print. Enjoy!
Here’s my second word find puzzle for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! This time I focused on place names, though some of them are merely mentioned in the book and don’t feature prominently at all. It’s time to grab your highlighter and get going!
Simply click on the link below and either print, or save it to your computer and then print. Enjoy!
I had the genius idea the other day that it would be fun to start developing word puzzles based on literary works and posting them for others to use on my blog. Of course I had to start with one of my absolute favorite books — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
I’m a big fan of word find and crossword puzzles, but for the first one I wanted to keep it simple and start with a word find. It highlights the main characters in the book. In future I will probably do other puzzles which feature place names or some other aspect of the book.
Simply click on the link below and either print, or save it to your computer and then print. Enjoy!
I had the genius idea the other day that it would be fun to start developing word puzzles based on literary works and posting them for others to use on my blog. Of course I had to start with one of my absolute favorite books — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
I’m a big fan of word find and crossword puzzles, but for the first one I wanted to keep it simple and start with a word find. It highlights the main characters in the book. In future I will probably do other puzzles which feature place names or some other aspect of the book.
Simply click on the link below and either print, or save it to your computer and then print. Enjoy!
This post contains affiliate links.
I’m trying to catch up with these movies! The pile of Jane Eyre adaptations really threw me for a loop! Well, today we’re talking about Northanger Abbey
I was not wowed by any of the characters in this movie. They all seemed lacking in one way or another. Catherine was young, naïve and happy. At times her emotions were not nuanced enough and came across as shallow. Henry Tilney didn’t get a lot of screen time, and when he did it was difficult to discern his feelings and motivations. I think they wanted him to come across as somewhat of an enigma, and in that they thoroughly succeeded. Isabella Thorpe was silly, simpering, flirtatious, shallow, and constantly seeking flattery. Her method of speaking was inane. John Thorpe was creepy and lecherous.
There were a couple of characters whom I liked. Elinor Tilney’s acting was natural, which made it a wonderful relief. General Tilney’s character was strange, but well-played. I like how Robert Hardy gave him a very distinct manner of talking and behaving. He was more eccentric than forbidding.
This adaptation added a character who was a bit strange–General Tilney’s friend from France and her young servant. If you watch the movie, you’ll see exactly what I mean about her being like a neon light stuck in a film about table lamps. You just want to say, ‘Huh?’
The look of the movie was alright, but there were a few things that were off. Look closely at the ball scenes–there is a profusion of tall feathers. I think it was a little overboard. You can also see the 80’s style enter into some of the hairstyles and clothing. And please don’t get me started on the cheesy 80’s music. Oh Mylanta–saxophone music and mermaid singing! Are you kidding me?
The beginning of the film is rather strange–starting with Catherine’s daydream of a Frankenstein-like villain preying on a young, helpless heroine. Catherine’s dreams continue throughout the movie, changing as she meets new characters. They are melodramatic and feed right into her overexcited imagination, which has been fueled by sensational gothic novels. The end of the film is not quite to my liking. I take issue with Henry and Catherine having a make out fest before he has even proposed to her. Not realistic at all.
In closing, I don’t recommend this film to anyone. View it at your own risk and be prepared to laugh heartily or groan as appropriate.
I’m curious now to get my hands on an authentic gothic novel to see if they are really that sensational. Let me know if you have any recommendations!
Possible Objections:
Rated: NR
Until next time…
Lori
OTHER NORTHANGER ABBEY POSTS:
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It took me two nights to finish the last Emma
Godwin was technically a decent Emma. She recited all of her lines well and had great enunciation. She also had the air of a lady about her. However, there was an aloofness to her character which I thought didn’t fit Emma well. The numerous instances where she was downright rude to her father were so out of character. It also seemed like Godwin was a bit old to play Emma. Carson was a respectable Mr. Knightley. His behavior, language and manner all fit. I just wish his character had been a little more charming, or something that would make the viewer care about him. He also seemed a little old to me.
I don’t know why this should bother me, but I thought Harriet was much prettier than Emma. For some reason I think that Emma should be quite pretty. Emma’s sister was downright annoying–there really is no nice way to put it. Her voice was grating and I couldn’t take her character seriously. In fact, there were several characters who just didn’t seem to fit their intended role, including Mrs. Weston and Frank Churchill. Jane Fairfax was quite an enigma. Most of the time she seemed to fit, but there were a few instances when she had major emotional outbursts that were mystifying and ridiculous. Jane’s piano playing and singing were subpar, as well. I suspect that some of these acting issues stemmed from the use of stage actors who were perhaps unused to acting for TV.
Mr. Woodhouse was an interesting character in this version. He was quite active and sprightly, though worrying about everybody’s health all the while. Something that I thought didn’t fit is that he was largely ignored by Emma and Mr. Knightley. That simply isn’t true to the book at all.
The costumes were alright, though some looked chintzy. There were a few frocks trimmed with white feather boas that caused me some consternation.
The overall plot of the story was fairly faithful to the book, with only a few scenes left out or changed. The dialogue was also very similar to the book, though I did notice some additions.
Probably the biggest letdown was the scene in which Mr. Knightley declares his love to Emma. It was so devoid of real emotion that he could have been talking about what he had eaten for dinner that day.
So, I would not recommend this version unless you are one of the most stalwart Jane Austen fans on the planet. You’ll be bored. 😦
Rated: NR
Until next time…
Lori
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Last night I got to watch my first adaptation of Northanger Abbey
I really enjoyed Jones as Catherine. She did an admirable job of exhibiting the qualities that make Catherine Morland–young, naïve, romantic, overactive imagination, awestruck. Feild was a wonderful Tilney. He was likeable, playful, honorable, and looking for a young and unspoiled woman to love.
Northanger Abbey is a gentle parody of the genre of gothic novel. In the movie we get to see Catherine’s gothic daydreams–full of highwaymen, cruel villains, helpless women, and mysterious old castles. Her fevered imagination starts to have an effect on how she interprets real-life events, much to her own mortification when she suspects somebody of murder (but that comes later in the story).
In her everyday life, Catherine begins to get a taste of city life when she is asked to accompany her kindly neighbors to Bath. There she meets Henry Tilney, whom she begins to like. She also makes friends with Isabella Thorpe who is set on marrying Catherine’s brother (though only for his supposed money). When Isabella’s brother believes that Catherine will also inherit a good deal of money, he tries to snatch her away from Mr. Tilney’s company and influence. The final part of the movie has a quick ending and things end up well for both Henry and Catherine, as well as Henry’s sister Eleanor. Although it was anticlimactic, it was satisfying nonetheless.
I think that this adaptation is a very fair rendition of the novel. Since the book is relatively short and the plot fairly straightforward, it makes translating it to film a little easier. Some of the dialogue was changed, but I don’t think it detracted from the story at all. I would recommend this movie for teens and up because of some suggestive content.
Possible Objections:
Rated: NR
Until next time…
Lori
OTHER NORTHANGER ABBEY POSTS:
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Wouldn’t you know it, I watched another version of Emma? This one stars Romola Garai as Emma, and Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley.
Garai was a superb Emma! She was self-assured, lively, full of wit, charming, and knew how to get her way, as only Emma could. Miller was a very good Knightley. He was mature, thoughtful, warm, and genuinely concerned for the welfare of Emma and her father. In relation to Emma, Miller acts like a concerned older brother for much of the movie.
This movie had some very strong supporting characters. Mr. Woodhouse’s character was developed more than even the book does. We are shown the reason for his overwhelming concerns for the health of his family and friends. I also like how they added depth to Miss Bates’ character. Though she prattles, she is delicate and thoughtful. The suffering of both herself and her mother are shown, though subtly. Jane Fairfax is very likable in this adaptation, in my opinion. She is more warm and open, and enjoys a healthier relationship with Emma than in other versions (though opposed to the book itself). Mr. Elton is humorous in his affected gallantry. Miss Taylor/Mrs. Weston is wonderful in her ease and familiarity. Okay, I’ll stop now. I don’t really need to comment on every character, do I?
The overall look of the movie was fantastic–really nice scenery, furnishings, and costuming! There were some dialogue changes, but I think they were meant to update the story a bit for modern audiences. I noticed that in this version there is much more interaction between Emma and Mr. Knightley than in other versions. I’m sure this is made easier because of the extended length of it. The dance scene was nice and lively–much more spirited than generally seen in movies depicting this time period. The final thing I’d like to comment on is the believability of the relationships between the different characters. It is easy to imagine their relationships and attachments to be real. I love that in a good movie!
In case you couldn’t tell, this is my favorite version of Emma. I would suggest it to all Jane Austen fans and those who enjoy a good romantic story. Happy viewing!
Rated: NR
Until next time…
Lori
OTHER EMMA POSTS:
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I watched another adaptation of Emma
Emma comes across as conniving and underhand in her dealings with others. She’s also thoughtless and unfeeling in how she treats Harriet. Mr. Knightley is a correct gentleman, but a little lacking in friendliness and warmth. He seems to be more of a taciturn and stormy character. I’m not crazy about how these two characters were portrayed in this movie, but this may have been the director’s vision for them.
Frank Churchill does an excellent job of coming across as a playboy–charming and completely insincere. I really like how John Knightley was portrayed in this film. His dry wit and sarcasm come through loud and clear in the few scenes in which he takes part. Mr. Woodhouse was also played excellently.
There were a couple of unique things in this version that I appreciated. The beginning and ending of the movie are tied together by the machinations of poultry thieves! It was also kind of fun to see a series of Emma’s daydreams about various people marrying, with the characters frequently changing.
The one thing that weirded me out was when Mr. Knightley was talking about holding Emma as a baby. That’s just creepy when you think about it.
I enjoyed this movie, but it’s not my favorite adaptation of Emma. I had a hard time connecting with Emma, which makes it hard to really enter into the story. For me personally, her character wasn’t likable enough. Because she has some major character flaws, there has to be something redeeming in her character to make me care about her. That’s where I think the movie fell short.
Check it out if you are a Jane Austen fan or like a good romantic movie. It’s probably a one-time view for me.
Rated: NR
Until next time…
Lori
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Taking a break from Jane Eyre last night, I watched Emma. This version stars Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma, and Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley.
I think Paltrow did a great job as Emma. She was sufficiently self-assured, snobby, impetuous, and conniving. At times her emotions seemed a little shallow, but it wasn’t awful. Although Northam wasn’t present as much as I would have liked to have seen him, he was an excellent Mr. Knightley. He is handsome, thoughtful and shows affection and concern for others. Basically, he’s a guy that any woman would want as her own. 😉
The supporting characters were also great, adding a richness to the story. Miss Bates, Harriet, Mrs. Weston, and Mr. and Mrs. Elton were all wonderful.
The movie follows the general storyline of the book, keeping all of the major events the same. I’d say it’s a very good representation of the book. They did, however, change a good bit of dialogue, making it seem more updated. For me personally, it wasn’t a big issue.
This adaptation has a very professional overall look. I’m not surprised by that, but after seeing some movies recently that looked less than professional, I appreciated the polish on this one. Another thing that I liked was that many of the shots were set up in unique ways, some adding humor to the situation, such as when Mr. Elton sits between Emma and Mr. Knightley to talk about Harriet’s sore throat.
The proposal scene between Emma and Mr. Knightley was very good. It started out awkward, then moved into an interview that was driven by care and friendship. I think that’s what is so satisfying about the relationship between Knightley and Emma–it is based on mutual affection and friendship which has spanned years. It’s lasting and based on a thorough knowledge of the other person.
I would highly suggest this movie to all the ladies out there!
Possible Objections:
Rated: PG
Until next time…
Lori
OTHER EMMA POSTS:
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Emma
While Emma isn’t my favorite Jane Austen novel, I still enjoy it. I suppose the reason that I don’t like it quite as much as the others is that this is probably her heroine who makes the most mistakes. The many social blunders that Emma commits can make for some uncomfortable reading at times. It’s not that there is anything really awful, it’s just awkward. It is nice to see her character mature and learn a few life lessons. The book is both a love story and a coming of age story. I’d recommend it for advanced teens and adults. The language and style are advanced.
Possible Objections:
Until next time…
Lori
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Book Buffoonery 