'Nice Boys Don't Kiss Like That...'

I have returned. A bit sooner than I had planned, but a rather severe case of procrastination has led me here. Despite having chosen some interesting topics for my numerous essays, such as the rebranding and retellings of fairy tales, and the classic exploration of feminism within the James Bond franchise, I have found myself more drawn to this blog.



Recently I wrote an essay on Austen’s popularity, and it’s led me back to classics. I am working my way through some disturbing/fantastic novels based upon Austen’s works. I mentioned in my last post that I had started Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and I am almost finished. But tonight I wanted to discuss the male characters within Austen’s novels. Beware, this will probably be the most shallow post ever and it is probably not worth reading. I am deeply apologetic.



So, Fitzwilliam Darcy and George Knightly are definetly among my all time favourites. Though aside from Austen, I have a slight weakness for the brooding Edward Rochester (though the crazy wife in the attic situation is a tad off putting).

Whether it be Fitzwilliam Darcy, or Mark Darcy, I am a hundred percent on board. Partly because of Colin Firth’s involvement. Partly because I find Darcy’s character amusing. Yes, I accept that he is both irritating and rude and I am very offended on Elizabeth’s part as he refers to her as ‘tolerable’. Then follows this by confessing his love, and yet expressing disgust at the fact he has feelings for her. The character should be intolerable. But regardless, I find him amusing. Particularly within the 2005 adaptation of the novel, starring Keira Knightly. However, I feel that Bridget Jones’ Diary replicated miserable, dry and yet amusing character very well with Mark Darcy!

I love that "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” became:

“Wait a minute…nice boys don’t kiss like that”

 “Oh yes they f*cking do!”

But what about George Knightly. Mr Knightly was a character I fell in love with instantly. Throughout Emma I was so very irritated with our protagonist for her total and complete ignorance! Knightly is older than Emma, and appeared to have been introduced as a figure of guidance. I was undeterred by this knowledge, and soon realised that Knightly is Emma’s long time best friend. Nobody, except for Mrs Weston, better understands Emma. Additionally, he is the only person that can recognise her as being flawed. He does not put her on a pedestal, and this makes her character more tolerable. However, he does take an awfully long time in which to confess his feelings for Emma.

Back to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies before bed...

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

So this week I started reading Seth- Grahame Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, alongside Jo Baker's Longbourn. I must say that I did not start the novel with high hopes. But I'll admit, that so far it's interesting.

 To begin with I was torn between being offended on the behalf of an Austen, and pronouncing myself a Janite, and appreciating the puns and funny additions. Anyway, my confusion between the two states began with Lydia’s crude confession that despite being the youngest of the Bennet sisters, she is undeniably superior with regard to the temptation of the opposite sex.

However, humour started to creep in with Elizabeth’s reaction to Darcy’s comment that she is barely ‘tolerable’. Her reaction is to reach for the nearest weapon! The comment that had me laughing the most was Darcy’s confession that his balls belonged to Elizabeth! Even more so the description surrounding the way his trousers cling to the ‘most English parts of him’. After reading these, regrettably, amusing lines I concluded that Grahame-Smith had made the novel more accessible to a younger audience. Perhaps I should appreciate this more than criticise it. I regarded it, then, as no different to Bridget Jones’ Diary and its treatment of Austen’s work.

The illustrations were strange and I did try to ignore them; I found them irritating. It was the captions that were funny!

Having not finished the novel yet, I'm not quite ready to confirm my opinions. However, at this point I am as shocked as Mr Collins when he finds out that the Bennet sisters had no ninjas whilst growing up.