Characters or Character

I have found great comfort in life from some very simple pleasures. Movies based on the books of Jane Austen being one of these pleasures. I believe Jane Austen to be one of the most brilliant authors in history, and one able to speak not just to those of her age, but to all ages. Her words and conversation resonate with women two centuries removed from her own life.

Austen knew people. She studied them, understood them and could transport them from a three dimensional life onto the written page. We can still see the world through Jane’s eyes. Customs, clothing, language may change, but human nature never does. People love, hate, laugh, cry, and live in the same way today that they did in 17th century England.

Jane wrote people in their real form, as they were not as they would like to be seen, and always with a hint of humor directed at herself. There is a line for any given situation from any one of her books.

Sense and Sensibility is one of my favorite movies. It's phrases ring in my ears as I walk through life. When speaking to my husband in the most tender moments or when hearing from a friend who has deeply touched my life I can only think, their “friendship has been the most important of my life.”

On Saturday morning, I had a Jane moment. As I walked my dog, I prayed for an opportunity to meet one of my neighbors. When I returned home, the same neighbor I had prayed to meet was standing in her front yard. Now, I am not one to come up with pleasant conversation quickly nor easily, but this day I thought to speak of the coolness of the air and the lack of heat that usually is prevalent at this time of year. My neighbor agreed with my assessment of the weather. We held a short but very comfortable meeting.

While walking away, I smiled to myself as I thought of young Margret Dashwood’s (youngest daughter in Sense and Sensibility) instructions from her mother as to how to hold a conversation when there was little to say. Mrs. Dashwood admonished Margret by telling her that if she did not have anything proper to say she should keep her remarks to the “weather or the state of the roads.” Well, the roads were fine on the morning I spoke to my neighbor, so I kept my comments to the weather.

Now, I know that Austen is no replacement for the Word of God. But on the pages of her books can be found real women to be admired. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), realized that she was wrong in her judgment of Mr. Darcy, and she willingly let go of her pride and actually humbled herself. She found a loving husband once she moved past her own ideas.

Marianne Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility), allowed her passions to carry her into a relationship that threatened to ruin her reputation. Her sister Eleanor attempted to warn her about her inappropriate behavior but Marianne rolled her eyes, until she was misused by the man she was warned about. Once she realized her own failure, comparing herself to her sister Eleanor’s reserved and respectful behavior, she knew she needed to change. She confessed her arrogance to Eleanor and found a modesty she had previously lacked.

Even the immature Emma (Emma), learned from her mistakes. She tried to be a matchmaker and caused her closest friend a great deal of pain. She was surrounded by wise, caring friends but not until she decided to listen to them did she stop acting the part of busy-body.

None of Jane's characters are perfect, all have failings that needed to be addressed, but all learning in a very human and real way how to correct those failings. Each one hurt those they loved, and each one was hurt, but all humbly found a better way to act and live. They all restored those relationships that they had injured themselves, because they were willing to lay down their pride and ask for forgiveness.

They are not just Characters; they are women of Character.

A WOMAN OF NOBLE CHARACTER, WHO CAN FIND? SHE IS WORTH FAR MORE THAN RUBIES. Proverbs 31:10