A Responce From Mrs. Elton

Miss Elizabeth Bennet is hosting a lovely Period Drama Advice Event at her blog Elegance of Fashion. She has posted some lovely tips about writing as Period Drama characters and this week posted the first challenge letter for which advice letters can be written. 
All week I've been trying to find time and inspiration to write a response letter. Here is my "silly sad" attempt at a response. It's not terribly interesting but if there are characters I know very well it is Jane Austen characters! :)

Here is Miss Elizabeth's letter from Jane Eyre asking for advice:

"Dear Period Drama Advice Column,

I am the governess at Thornfield Hall, the home of Mr. Rochester. When I first met him, he seemed to be very harsh, eccentric, and unconventional, but I now find myself falling in love with him. He has been the only person who I could talk to as an equal. I had not intended to love him: I tried to fight it. He made me love him without looking at me, but he is to be shortly married to a Miss Ingram, a beautiful but subconscious person. I cannot help but love him. I've said that my pupil, Adele, should go to school and that I should seek a new situation, but I cannot bear to leave Thornfield: I have not been trampled on there; I have not been petrified; I have not been buried with inferior minds, and excluded from every glimpse of communion with what is bright and energetic and high. What shall I do?

Sincerely,

Jane Eyre"

And now for my response to Jane Eyre's letter from a character we all know and loathe. :)

 My dear Miss Eyre, 
You silly sad girl! I feel sorry for you but the truth must be told: gentlemen such as Rochester do not marry their governess even though I dare say he teased you a great deal. If Rochester is to marry then you must be on the look-out for a new situation - and quickly for here is April come and soon it will be June! My dear you cannot begin too early! Are you very aware of the difficulties in procuring a desirable situation? I assure you that the best places soon have hundreds of applicants for the spot. Why a cousin of my brother-in-law at Maple Grove, a Mrs. Bragge, once had as many as thirty applicants for the post of governess, but then there are wax candles in the school-room so you can imagine how desirable it is! 
  I know what a modest creature you are, and what humble ideas you have of yourself, but I am not so nice. I shall personally be on the look-out for a situation such as your superior talents deserve. Do you play? I used to play but have quite given up music, as so many of my married friends have. When one is married there really is little time for music! I had thought of forming a musical club but the ladies of Highbury seem hardly equal to it. 

  Now my dear Jane, I will begin to make inquiries for you directly. I shall write to Mrs. Partridge and give her strict instructions to be on the look-out for anything eligible. She moves in the first circles and will know of the best situations in Bristol or Bath. I shall also make inquiries with dear Mrs. Weston for I feel certain that she will very soon be in need of a governess at Randalls for dear little Anna. Randalls is a fine house, though not at all in the style of Maple Grove - but such a superior style is rarely met with. The Westons are very genteel people which surprised me at first for Mrs. Weston was herself governess to Miss Woodhouse - the present Mrs. Knightley I should say. Mr. Weston is a great friend of Mr. E. and I must do my caro sposo the justice to say that he need not be ashamed of his friends. Dear Mr. E. is much respected here as the shepherd of his flock, which phrase always puts me in a mind to carry pink ribbons on my basket! 

  My dear the last part of your letter quite surprises me! All this talk of being "trampled on" and being "petrified" sounds like you mean to make a fling at the slave trade and if that be the case I must tell you that Mr. Suckling was always rather a friend to the abolition! You must take care of yourself! Aye, never fear, before I rest you must and shall be delightfully, honourably and comfortably settled. A line from me to any number of my friends will settle it all.

  I will write again when I have any news but now I needs-must attend to some matters and will probably be closeted up with my housekeeper for the better part of the afternoon. My dress for the ball next week is also in need of new trimming - though I have quite a horror of finery - but I am to lead the way at the ball. I must say I am quite ashamed of always leading the way!

Your's etc., 

Mrs. Augusta Elton

Vicarage, Highbury, Surrey

Here are some photos that were of great inspiration to me!

 

Thank you Miss Elizabeth for putting together this event! It was fun writing this letter but I hope next round to have a bit more time on my hands.

Thoughts on Mrs. Elton's letter? 

Too many quotes and ideas from the book?

Jane Eyre (2011)

Click to visit Amazon's page

My dad pre-ordered Jane Eyre (2011) for my birthday and I watched it with my family almost as soon as it arrived in August. It's taken me a while to get around to reviewing it because the story's interest has rather worn out for me. But this is a very beautifully done film and this is much to interest the viewer.


Note: This review will contain some spoilers because I assume that most of my readers will already know this classic tale. So if you don't wish to know the story line and ending you can skip to the My Recommendations part at the end.

Jane Eyre disciplined by Aunt Reed

Story: When orphaned governess Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) arrives at imposing Thornfield Hall, she's intrigued by her brooding wealthy employer, Rochester (Michael Fassbender). His dark moods and the strange occurrences in the house lead her to discover a terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever. - from Amazon.com

Young Jane Eyre and Mr. Brocklehurst

Script: The story is fairly faithful to the nature of Charlotte Bronte's original work but I'm unsure of whether she would have approved of their treatment of her most popular work. The film is written in a series of flashbacks. In the first scene we see Jane running from Thornfield Hall (which takes place at least half way through the book) and it isn't until she's wandered on the moors and found safety at the Rivers' house that we begin to see bits of her harsh childhood as though they were mere memories. Her time at Thornfield Hall is also shown as a longer flashback mingled with scenes of where Jane is "now" taking a teaching position offered by St.John Rivers. A lot of the original dialog has been either cut out or reinvented.  Some of Jane Eyre's private thoughts are expressed verbally to various characters.

Mr. Rochester and Jane at Thornfield Hall

Scenes: Dark and dreary for the most part, twinged with earthy shades of brown and beige instead of the traditional black and gray, evening scenes have a golden light to them. Sets are filled with great props and details, sometimes almost too many things are cluttered around. Thornfield Hall is rather amazing with all of it's grandeur and spaciousness but still dark and mysterious. There is a wildness about the outdoor scenes and a winter just turning to spring feel as well which adds to the romanticism and idea of hope dying and then springing new.

Jane Eyre - newly made

Costumes: Although I'm not that knowledgeable about early Victorian costumes they did seem to suit the time era with lower waists on the gowns, tighter corseted bodices and lovely tucking details to the sleeves and bodices. All of Jane's gowns have a homespun feel to them and are in plain but respectable prints of black, gray and eventually brown. Her hairstyles are plain but very interesting and unfortunately not terrible becoming to the actress' face. I find Mr. Rochester's vests and hats a bit fanciful but they are I suppose suited to his wealth and station. Other characters are dressed according to their status. The one outfit I was very disappointed with was Jane's last outfit which is rather too fine for her, even though it's after her new found wealth has been discovered, it just doesn't suit her personality very well.  

Jane Eyre at Thornfield Hall

Music: The soundtrack was composed by Dario Marianelli the same talented gentleman who composed the beautiful Pride & Prejudice Soundtrack for Pride & Prejudice (2005). The tracks are completely period and use the sometimes heart-wrenching but amazing music to add to what Jane is feeling and the atmosphere of scenes throughout the film. On the DVD there is a lovely extras interview with the director and composer where they explain that the exquisite violin music is specifically to represents the caged bird within Jane Eyre's soul and what joy when that bird is released and her spirits fly high! I'm really hoping to add this soundtrack to my collection some day!


Music Video: A selection from the official soundtrack, no photos.



This is a selection from the Official Jane Eyre Soundtrack. This is my favorite track called "Yes!" which is a very happy moment for Jane and the violin here is used to represents her inner feelings soaring. Video not owned by me but was uploaded by YouTube user MistressFreya.

Cast of Jane Eyre (2011)

Actors In Their Roles: An all-star cast of up-and-coming actors fills the well known roles. This is one reason why I wanted to see this film and followed it's filming progress with interest.

• Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Reed - I was sure that the lady who had once played heroine Anne Elliot of Jane Austen's Persuasion would not be convincing in the role as Jane's rich and mean aunt - and I was right. I'm sorry to say that Sally Hawkins is too "pretty" to be Mrs. Reed and too affected in her speech to be believed. 
• Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax - Although I adore Dame Judi in her many acting roles I'm still uncertain about her portrayal of this character and indeed the casting of her in this role. She is of course very capable but to my eyes more suited to the fine lady of a country house than to a hardworking housekeeper. She puts on a bit of a northern England accent which is fine, but when she says some of her lines you can tell that it's not a careworn housekeeper you're watching but an actress who has an infectious sense of humor underneath.
• Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre - I'd never seen Mia in a film before but I have been impressed because her talent has been raved about by so many. Her performance was not disappointing just different in some ways from what I had read of the character. Mia holds the character very well and captures the emotional depth, strength of character and intelligence which Jane Eyre possesses. She really is a little bit of a young woman but with such great talent that translates well to the character. Unfortunately the copper hair they gave her was not very becoming and her facial features don't say "Jane Eyre" to me. Not my favorite Jane Eyre but the actress has a wealth of talent! 
• Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester - I had only seen Michael in one other film and although he's talented I didn't really like him that much and again in this role he was talented with a lot to like but I didn't really like him. By casting Michael Fassbender they chose a face that is similar to the description of "not handsome" which Jane gives in the book but his rather slight frame and facial features don't resemble Charlotte Bronte's description of Mr. Rochester. 
• Imogen Poots as Blanche Ingram - When the news of a true-to-the-book dark haired Blanche Ingram reached most fans they were quite elated by the news. Having enjoyed Imogen Poot in Miss Austen Regrets I looked forward to her portrayal of this character and was only slightly disappointed because of the shortness of her scenes. She did an excellent job playing the stuck up miss who tries to entrap Mr. Rochester. 
• Jamie Bell as St.John (Sinjon) Rivers - I've only seen Jamie Bell in a few other smaller roles so I wasn't sure how he would fit into the role but he actually did very well. As I watched his character interact with Jane Eyre and his sisters Mary and Diana I found myself liking him more and more. I've always liked Sinjon's character and his story even though it's a sad one. He is such a hard working and devout man but with a strictness that is sometimes dangerous. Jamie Bell did a great job in the role and *big spoiler*I almost wish Jane had chosen him over Mr. Rochester and that they had gone to India as missionaries.*end of spoiler*
• Tamzin Merchant & Holliday Grainger as Mary & Diana Rivers - I was particularly interested in these two young ladies and I greatly enjoyed their portrayals, fresh, sweet, friendly and very kind just like sisters to Jane. Tamzin you may remember from her role as Georgiana Darcy in Pride & Prejudice (2005). They added light and good humor to the film and I only wish they had more scenes!

Mr. Rochester plays with Blanche Ingram

My Thoughts: Overall this film was just so-so. It's really not long enough to really develop the story and particularly the relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester, which really needs to be done because they are such an odd match. When there isn't that time to develop their friendship then their attraction becomes very much a physical. Jane Eyre's childhood is run over very very briefly, her time at Thornfield Hall is barely begun before Mr. Rochester comes and seems to be immediately attracted to her and make demands on her time and almost on her person. *spoiler*After their engagement is official Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre do quite a lot of kissing which I found unnecessary.*spoiler*  Mr. Rochester's past history and that of Adele's is so briefly run over that if you blink you'll miss it. Characters such as Richard Mason, Blanche Ingram and the Rivers are barely given time to have their stories understood. There are a few interesting conversations between Jane and Mr. Rochester (and also between Jane and St.John Rivers), some of which provide a bit of humor but on the whole they are re-invented dialog instead of quoted from the book. I would watch it again (I've watched it twice so far) but it's not my favorite adaptation.

Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester 

My Recommendations: I would not recommend this film for younger children because it is a sad and hard story. It's rated PG-13 for "thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content". The "nude image" is a painting of an undressed woman which Jane Eyre sees briefly once and then runs her candle nearer for a longer look. For any one who has read and enjoyed the book you probably won't appreciate all the changes they've made and scenes they've excluded, but other fans won't want to miss this beautifully done period drama.

Trailer:


More Photos:

 

 

 



Have you seen Jane Eyre (2011)? 
If you've seen it, what did you think of it?


Very Truly Your's,

Reading Jane Eyre

"Do you read you Bible?"
"Sometimes."
"With pleasure? Are you fond of it?"
"I like Revelations, and the book of Daniel, and Genesis and Samuel, and a little bit of Exodus, and some parts of Kings and Chronicles, and Job and Jonah."
"And the Psalms? I hope you like them?"
"No, sir."
"No? Oh, shocking! I have a little boy, younger that you, who knows six Psalms by heartL and when you ask him which he would rather have, a gingerbread-nut to eat, or a verse of a Psalm to learn, he says 'Oh! the verse of a Psalm! angels sing Psalms,' says he; 'I wish to be a little angel here below;' he then gets two nuts in recompense for his infant piety."

-Mr. Brockelhurst interviews Jane, 

from Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre', Chapter 4

I've been reading Jane Eyre lately as a title on my 2011 reading list and in anticipation of the newest screen adaptation of the novel.

In re-reading this book I have three hopes:

1. To compare film adaptations as I read and see how all existing film adaptations match up with the text.
2. To see how much faith and Christianity the authoress included and how that matches up with God's Word.
3. To compare Charlotte Bronte's writing with Jane Austen and see why Charlotte seemed to not like Jane Austen's work.

"Why do you like Miss Austen so very much? I am puzzled on that point. ...I should hardly like to live with her ladies and gentlemen, in their elegant but confined houses. These observations will probably irritate you, but I shall run the risk." 

- Charlotte Brontë, January 12, 1848

I've only gotten through the first few chapters so far because I'm also trying to read a few other books at the same time. I had forgot how truly dark and depressing the story is! But it's a compelling story at the same time because you want to keep reading and hoping that Jane's prospects will improve. I know things are going to get worse before they get better, poor Jane Eyre!

From the photos and trailer I've seen of the new Jane Eyre adaptation my interest is piqued. Even if it's not a faithful adaptation it will be a beautiful period drama! I am pleased that Thornton Hall isn't painted as a Gothic mansion but seems to be lighter and brighter than in previous adaptations.

You can watch the trailer here. I've also created this video with promo photos from the movie, just some lovely eye candy!





Have you read Jane Eyre? If so what was your opinion? Are you looking forward to the new adaptation?


Very Truly Your's,

Goals for 2011

I don't usually make official New Year's resolutions but this year I was making some lists and thinking of some goals and things I hope to accomplish in 2011. I tried to make a list of 10 things and I wanted to share those with you.

My Goals for 2011:

1. Be more faithful in my Bible reading & prayer
2. Follow God's leading for work (I have work possibilities to look into on Tuesday!)
3. Keep my heart with more dilligence
4. Get my driver's license
5. Sewing & crafts (sew 2 handbags, 2 cross stitch projects)
6. Write more (I want to finish 2 stories, write 1 new story and write 3 poems)
7. Finish reading 3/4 of the 30 books on my reading list
8. Blog more & more often (I'm making up lists of films to review and other delights to post!)
9. Practice the piano more
10. Cook & bake more

And for fun here's my reading list for 2011:

-20 Fiction & Non-fiction Books:

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (re-read)
• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
• Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
• North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (re-reading, I will have to buy my own copy)
• Deadly Disclosures by Emily Cave
• The Shadowed Mind by Emily Cave
• The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis (re-read)
• The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
• Villette or Shirley by Charlotte Bronte
• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
• another by Charles Dickens such as The Old Curiosity Shop
• The Young Visiters by Daisy Ashford (re-read)
• The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliff
• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (re-read, after reading Udolpho)
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• Jane and the Wandering Eye by Stephanie Baron
• The Sonnets by William Shakespeare (poetry)
• Thomas Hardy by Claire Tomalin (biography)
• an Agatha Christie novel for fun, probably re-read Tuesday Club Murders

-10 Spiritual & Christian Books:

• Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris (re-reading)
• Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman
• Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham
• The Measure of a Woman by Gene & Elaine Getz
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (I hope to buy my own copy)
• Dating Mr. Darcy by Sarah Arthur
• God's Priceless Woman by Wanda Kennedy Sanseri (Bible study)
• For Such A Time As This by Lisa Ryan (re-read)
• Passion & Purity by Elisabeth Eliot (or another book by her, I'd have to buy my own copy)
• The Secret Keeper by Dannah Gresh (re-read)

Both of the Gaskell novels I'll be reading between January 1st - June 1st for the Gaskell Reading Challenge.
My goal is to read at least 3/4 of the books on this list. I'm not a great reader, sometimes it takes me a while to get through long books, so I'm going to stick to reading only the books on the list and try not to read other things. I'm really looking forward to getting some reading done and am enjoying Deadly Disclosures by Emily Cave which was a Christmas gift.

May the Lord richly bless you in this New Year!

The Delightful Amanda Root

Ever since the first time I watched Persuasion (1995) I have become a big fan of actress Amanda Root who was perfectly delightful as Anne Elliot. I've enjoyed her appearances in other period dramas, each acted out with the same attention to detail and talent.

She was a very kind and encouraging teacher for Jane as Miss Temple in Jane Eyre (1996). Her Persuasion co-star actress Fiona Shaw (Mrs. Croft) was also in this adaptation as a very snooty Mrs. Reed.




As Mrs. Davilow she was a tender and thoughtful mother to Ramola Garai's Gwendolen Harleth in Daniel Deronda (2002).

A couple other appearances I had forgotten about:



In the BBC's 2002 miniseries The Forsyte Saga, and it's 2003 follow-up The Forsyte Saga: To Let, Ms. Root played a bit of a spoiled and frivilous young lady Winifred Forsyte-Dartie, fondly called Freddie by her spendthrift husband Monty.

Amanda Root also shone as Alice Hoschedé in The Impressionists (2006) alongside Richard Armitage who played Claude Monet. If I remember Alice and Claude were in love and lived together but never married. I don't recommend this miniseries but I found it interesting that she got to act with "Mr. Thornton"!

Now onto what made me think to do this post! I recently saw Ms. Root's appearances in two TV movies: Poirot: Mrs. McGinty's Dead and Midsomer Murders: A Talent For Life. She was lovely in both and I was able to get some screen captures from each.



In Mrs. McGinty's Dead Amanda played Sheila Rendell, a country doctor's wife who is quite a recluse, scatterbrained and nervy.

I really enjoyed this scene where Hercule Poirot is interviewing Mrs. Rendell. The lovely Amanda Root and the incomparable David Suchet - two of my favorite actors in the same scene!

She didn't have a huge appearance but she was delightful as always! In this scene burning letters to protect her husband's reputation.



She had a few lovely 1930's outfits, pretty curly hairstyles and a beautiful string of pearls! Sheila Rendell's husband is no Captain Wentworth though. It was so lovely to watch this film again, I had really forgotten Amanda's role in this mystery!

Oh, and I loved this scene from the end of the film, a young couple's blossoming romance to cheer the heart after a horrible murder. This scene reminded me of the below scene from Persuasion:

A sea Captain and his sweet lady! Lovely!

Lately I've been watching quite a few Midsomer Murders and I've been very surprised by the number of "period actors" who keep popping up in many of the episodes. I'm so used to seeing Amanda Root in period dramas that when she popped up in A Talent For Life I couldn't help but stare!

Ms. Root plays Ruth Scholey the wife of a chef who's husband is an extremely jealous and suspicious man. This episode was filmed in 1997 not too long after Persuasion and Ms. Root is as lovely as ever. I forgot how beautiful she actually is with her large dark eyes and gentle smile!

One scene I found particularly interesting was this shot of Ms. Root fixing her hair and make-up infront of her vanity because it reminded me of the below scene from Persuasion:

Darling Anne Elliot!

Another funny thing - James Hazeldine a former Mr. Weston from Emma (1996) played Ruth Scholey's old flame who re-enters her life after her husband is murdered.



Remember this very gallant father of Frank Churchill? He's probably my favorite Mr. Weston.



There was another actor who was in this particular Midsomer Murder and I didn't recognize him until halfway through the episode. Who is he? Philip Franks was the faithful and gentle servant Tom Pinch in Martin Chuzzlewit (if you've never see that miniseries it's highly recommend it!). It was funny because he turned out to be the murderer but I had this sense all through the episode that he was actually a really nice guy, obviously I was thinking of the Tom Pinch character!

She was lovely in this as always, though the character was not always the most forthcoming. I don't always recommend this modern murder mystery series but there are some interesting stories and characters.



Amanda Root is very versitile but most of her characters seem to have that underlying sweetness that comes from the actress's own personality in delivering the lines. Her smile is the loveliest and she carries herself with elegance. I hope to see Ms. Root in many other period dramas in future, she has a lot of talent and I just really enjoy her!

Thanks for bearing with me through this little ramble on one of my favorite actresses. Who are your favorite period actors and actresses?

Hope you're having a great week as we near Thanksgiving!

Very Truly Your's