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| from Persuasion (2007) |
Hello everyone. Please watch parts 1-5 of Persuasion (2007) on You Tube before Tuesday's class. This portion of the movie coincides with Book I of the text. Please do NOT watch parts 6-10. I want you to read the book first because there are significant differences between the two and I want the written text to be your first and primary encounter with the narrative. We will watch parts 6 and 7 on Tuesday, and parts 8-10 on Thursday, after the quiz.
For this post (because I've changed the movie viewing requirements, your comments will be due at the regular time of Tuesday, 9 a.m.) please discuss one of the major differences between the visual and written text of Book I. It can be a specific scene, a specific character's development, or any other aspect that lends itself to written comments. After briefly summarizing the difference (in just a few lines), explain how the movie adaptation alters your understanding and interaction with the original written text, and then comment briefly on whether you believe the adaptation does justice to the original narrative. As always, include textual evidence with page references.
In the first few pages of Persuasion we are introduced to Sir Walter Elliot and his descendants via an entry in the Baronetage. Austen goes on to give her readers the briefest of snapshots of specific individuals. Sir Walter, for whom "vanity was the beginning and the end of...character" (6); his deceased wife, "an excellent woman, sensible and amiable" (6); Lady Russell, "of steady age and character" (7); Elizabeth, "very like [her father]" (7); Mary, who had "acquired a little artificial importance" through marriage (7); and finally, Anne--Anne who is "nobody" in the eyes of her father or sisters...Anne, who is "only Anne" to her immediate family...Anne, whose "bloom had vanished early"...Anne who is, well, just Anne.
And yet we suspect that this is not entirely true. We suspect that Anne is somehow much more than what we are first shown. (After all, this is her story, and you can't have a story about "nobody.")
As you read, be on the lookout for moments that hint at Anne's true identity and character, whether that be through her actions, her words, or her thoughts and observations, which often (but not always) reflect those of the narrator.
Who is Anne Elliot, really? Are your initial impressions confirmed throughout Book I, or do they change? If so, why? As always, be sure to include page number references. And remember that blog comments are now subject to grading. Write substantively and proofread carefully.
Happy reading.
Reminder:
Wednesday, Oct 13
3:30-4:30
Heavilon 320
C.S. Lewis Society
Discussing Out of the Silent Planet
You can earn 10 EC points by attending the discussion group and submitting a 1-page response paper.
As a Fall Break Gift to you, there will be NO blog post this week. Read the three Canterbury Tales as assigned (Miller, Reeve, Wife of Bath) and start diving into Persuasion.
Enjoy the long weekend!
