Why do women like Pride and Prejudice?

[calgal]

Kevin and Ruben:

I may just be a woman but I would say Persuasion would be the movie that impacts the "man points": No swordplay but a very good chick flick. I watched Persuasion with some married friends a number of years ago. We women were on the edge of our seats laughing, crying and cheering while the male in the room fell asleep!

Yes! Persuasion and Emma...definite chick flicks!

Yup. Although I appreciate zombies and even watch Ice Road Truckers with DH.

 

[OPC'n]

In my book, he failed in both attempts. Laurence Olivier will always be Heathcliff to me...

YouTube - Wuthering Heights - Re-issue Trailer 1939

While I'm very happy with the age that I am now, I do sort of wish that I hadn't been born way too late to have, uh, appreciated Laurence Olivier as a contemporary. (My mom was of an age to appreciate him; she was a "teeny-bopper," so to speak, in 1940, and she told me about him.) Olivier was one of a kind. He will always be Heathcliff and Mr. Darcy to thousands upon thousands of other classic movie fans and that's likely why "Pride and Prejudice" keeps getting remade. No other "Mr. Darcy" could ever hold a candle to Laurence Olivier, though.

Margaret

This clip of Wuthering Heights is absolutely nothing like the book. There is actually a modern version movie of Wuthering Heights which is more like the book and is pretty good. I had it a long time ago.

 

[Prufrock]

Well Ruben, I guess that you have a hard time accepting humor, which would speak less about masculinity or femininity as it would other issues.

However, I will speak seriously with you at this point. The reason that sitting around and reading novels by a 19th century proto-feminist does not score "man points" with either myself or others is because of (what should be) the normative situation regarding most men. They should have family responsibilities and jobs that engage them in the serious issues of life, with relationships regarding which they provide oversight and care, and really should not be spending their time sitting around being bookish, and especially not being bookish with works by someone like Austen. However, until you have children of your own, and/or are engaged in things more serious than moderating an online forum, I will not expect that to be understood.

You all may go ahead and satisfy yourselves by rattling your literary/theological/satirical sabers now, I will be outside teaching my boys how to shoot...

This is wholly uncalled for; the irony of taking time to criticize one of spending their time moderating the very webforum in which you level said criticism is baffling, frankly. Implicitly stating that one is neglecting one's duties as a husband because he has taken the time to read a book pushes the boundaries (if it does not shatter them entirely) of respectable speech and begins to resemble slander. Please do not engage in such activities here.

 

[Theoretical]

Stop trying to defend your loss of man points - it is an exercise in futility

Real men don't worry about man points. Kevin, that can serve as my answer to you as well. Women are not the only psychological novelists.

Spontaneity looks different when you have developed stock responses and also have rhythmic patterns of speech. That's why Dr. Johnson's conversation was so smooth - the work of smooth and balanced prose had become instinctive. We don't train ourselves to think evenly and respond smoothly, but you can see the same cultivation of stock responses and a certain pattern of speaking in comedians who learn to ad lib - they've developed the habit. Presumably if comedians can do it, almost anyone can. Especially if the stock responses you want to develop to proclaim your manliness consist of grunts.

Well Ruben, I guess that you have a hard time accepting humor, which would speak less about masculinity or femininity as it would other issues.

However, I will speak seriously with you at this point. The reason that sitting around and reading novels by a 19th century proto-feminist does not score "man points" with either myself or others is because of (what should be) the normative situation regarding most men. They should have family responsibilities and jobs that engage them in the serious issues of life, with relationships regarding which they provide oversight and care, and really should not be spending their time sitting around being bookish, and especially not being bookish with works by someone like Austen. However, until you have children of your own, and/or are engaged in things more serious than moderating an online forum, I will not expect that to be understood.

You all may go ahead and satisfy yourselves by rattling your literary/theological/satirical sabers now, I will be outside teaching my boys how to shoot...

That's one of the most uncharitable, callous responses I've ever read on the PB.

 

[SarahB]

Ahhh...I love P&P! Even my husband loves it and he's very manly..ya know, Star Trek, motorcycles, and welding. He is, many times, the one who says "let's watch P&P" We even analyze the different portrayals of characters from the 3 different movies. "well, I like this Mr. Collins because of..." or "I can't stand this Mr. Bingley..." We have so much fun sitting together, drinking a cup of tea, and watching the A&E version of P&P. It's a good life! Paul is even reading through, albeit slowly, the book. His choice!
Pride and Predjudice is like comfort food. You know the story so well, that you can quote lines, come in at any time in the movie and still know what's happening... it comforting! Colin Firth as Mr.Darcy is just wonderful; he can pull of the aloof attitude and still come off looking good. And the transformation the he goes through is reassuring and hopeful. I love this story and I love the characters. They have become like old friends to me
If you like P&P, try reading Pamela Aiden's Mr.Darcy trilogy. It takes P&P from Mr. Darcy's point of view and it is an excellent series! Very well written and worth reading...even the Rev.Whitefield is mentioned Seriously though, I really recommend the books.

 

[OPC'n]

Stop trying to defend your loss of man points - it is an exercise in futility

Real men don't worry about man points. Kevin, that can serve as my answer to you as well. Women are not the only psychological novelists.

Spontaneity looks different when you have developed stock responses and also have rhythmic patterns of speech. That's why Dr. Johnson's conversation was so smooth - the work of smooth and balanced prose had become instinctive. We don't train ourselves to think evenly and respond smoothly, but you can see the same cultivation of stock responses and a certain pattern of speaking in comedians who learn to ad lib - they've developed the habit. Presumably if comedians can do it, almost anyone can. Especially if the stock responses you want to develop to proclaim your manliness consist of grunts.

Well Ruben, I guess that you have a hard time accepting humor, which would speak less about masculinity or femininity as it would other issues.

However, I will speak seriously with you at this point. The reason that sitting around and reading novels by a 19th century proto-feminist does not score "man points" with either myself or others is because of (what should be) the normative situation regarding most men. They should have family responsibilities and jobs that engage them in the serious issues of life, with relationships regarding which they provide oversight and care, and really should not be spending their time sitting around being bookish, and especially not being bookish with works by someone like Austen. However, until you have children of your own, and/or are engaged in things more serious than moderating an online forum, I will not expect that to be understood.

You all may go ahead and satisfy yourselves by rattling your literary/theological/satirical sabers now, I will be outside teaching my boys how to shoot...

Why are you so angry about a fictional book? Today's movies/tv are so much worse than Jane Austen's books. Do you watch movies/tv? If so, you are engaging in worse behavior than if you were to read her books. If anything taught feminism or taught how to break God's commandments without a blush, it is today's Hollywood.

 

[LadyFlynt]

Though some may "claim" Austen to be their proto-feminist, they are seriously missing the core of her books.

Her books, as far as lingual and writing skills go, are quite excellent to imitate.


My jaw about hit the floor over your last post, Adam. That truly was an ungracious thing to say to Ruben and really presumed upon his character.

 

[Idelette]

Kevin and Ruben:

I may just be a woman but I would say Persuasion would be the movie that impacts the "man points": No swordplay but a very good chick flick. I watched Persuasion with some married friends a number of years ago. We women were on the edge of our seats laughing, crying and cheering while the male in the room fell asleep!

I didn't think much of the screen adaptation, but that is Austen's best book.

I agree! I absolutely love the story of Persuasion.....one of the best literary works ever! But unfortunately the screen adaptation was not quite as good as the book. Personally, I think they should make another version of it!

Also, for those of you that are Pride and Prejudice fans....I highly recommend North and South based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell! It is another one of my favorites.... an incredible story! I actually think that men would enjoy this one much more! Just my

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q40sVEDkAXA&feature=related]YouTube - North & South Trailer[/ame]

 

[py3ak]

Well Ruben, I guess that you have a hard time accepting humor, which would speak less about masculinity or femininity as it would other issues.

However, I will speak seriously with you at this point. The reason that sitting around and reading novels by a 19th century proto-feminist does not score "man points" with either myself or others is because of (what should be) the normative situation regarding most men. They should have family responsibilities and jobs that engage them in the serious issues of life, with relationships regarding which they provide oversight and care, and really should not be spending their time sitting around being bookish, and especially not being bookish with works by someone like Austen. However, until you have children of your own, and/or are engaged in things more serious than moderating an online forum, I will not expect that to be understood.

You all may go ahead and satisfy yourselves by rattling your literary/theological/satirical sabers now, I will be outside teaching my boys how to shoot...

Adam, the humor had been accepted and was being returned - at least that was the intention.

Now to the task at hand. Calling Austen a proto-feminist is a needless concession to the flawed literary criticism of the feminists. Austen's heroines do not attempt to usurp the role of men. On that point you might enjoy my wife's review of a movie about Austen's life.

 

[LadyFlynt]

Calling Austen a proto-feminist is a needless concession to the flawed literary criticism of the feminists. Austen's heroines do not attempt to usurp the role of men. On that point you might enjoy my wife's review of a movie about Austen's life.

 

[kvanlaan]

Ruben, I'm still in the humor vein here, but don't expect much: "Real men don't worry about man points," is the International Girly-Man Association slogan (but sounds great to women). Please tell me you eat steak whenever it is available, and eat it blue-rare. Throw me a bone, brother. If your reply includes something about preferring fish with a delightful chardonnay, I will petition the administrators to deny you access to the Tool Shed. It's just not right.

That being said, though I find Mr Bennet a spineless shadow of a man, the scene following Elizabeth Bennet's rejection of Mr Collins is one of my favorite parts: "An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. -- Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do." A faint glimmer of hope for Mr Bennet's manliness...

 

[calgal]

Ruben, I'm still on the humor here, but don't expect much: "Real men don't worry about man points," is the International Girly-Man Association slogan (but sounds great to women). Please tell me you eat steak whenever it is available, and eat it blue-rare. Throw me a bone, brother. If your reply includes something about preferring fish with a delightful chardonnay, I will petition the administrators to deny you access to the Tool Shed. It's just not right.

That being said, though I find Mr Bennet a spineless shadow of a man, the scene following Elizabeth Bennet's rejection of Mr Collins is one of my favorite parts: "An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. -- Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do." A faint glimmer of hope for Mr Bennet's manliness...

That was an awesome moment. Note that Jane Austen had a big problem with spineless men.

 

[py3ak]

Kevin, I will throw you a bone with one hand and take it away with the other. The only fish I ever eat is tuna out of a can. But if steak isn't well-done it's fit only for slavering beasts. However, you will not bring me to believe that a real man is such a pathetic creature as to constantly need validation from the rest of his tribe. Have you not heard about fine, manly independence?

Of course, as a courtesy, I shall not raise the subtle point of your remarkably manly ability to quote the dialogue verbatim. However, it bears pointing out that Mr. Bennett is placed into the ranks of inferior men. He is not, of course, a bounder like Wickham or a fool like Collins; but when Elizabeth calls Mr. Darcy the best man she has ever known, her father is ranked below that height. Although that line and his serene resumption of his reading was excellently carried off.

 

[kvanlaan]

Kevin, I will throw you a bone with one hand and take it away with the other. The only fish I ever eat is tuna out of a can. But if steak isn't well-done it's fit only for slavering beasts. However, you will not bring me to believe that a real man is such a pathetic creature as to constantly need validation from the rest of his tribe. Have you not heard about fine, manly independence?

Of course, as a courtesy, I shall not raise the subtle point of your remarkably manly ability to quote the dialogue verbatim. However, it bears pointing out that Mr. Bennett is placed into the ranks of inferior men. He is not, of course, a bounder like Wickham or a fool like Collins; but when Elizabeth calls Mr. Darcy the best man she has ever known, her father is ranked below that height. Although that line and his serene resumption of his reading was excellently carried off.

I did have to google that quote, you know.

Yes, continually required validation from the tribe does more to put one into the International Girly-Man Association than anything. However, I still appreciate members of the less-fairer sex to retain certain neanderthal traits. For instance, mincing or prancing with any sense of familiarity to the activity or sashaying of any sort should never be seen at any time in any male subject for any reason. It is an undefendable position. Flouncing too.

 

[py3ak]

No argument about the sashaying: when men move in a sideways fashion it should always be a deadly glide or a sort of sidewinderish step.

 

[Southern Presbyterian]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lUjhEHlh7s]YouTube - Robin Hood: Men In Tights[/ame]

 

[LadyFlynt]

You all DO realise that you are bickering over what how manly a man must be and what the proofs should be of it, right?



(oh the drama...this is funner than watching catty women one-up each other!)

 

[calgal]

You all DO realise that you are bickering over what how manly a man must be and what the proofs should be of it, right?



(oh the drama...this is funner than watching catty women one-up each other!)

I guess we know what is going on in the Tool Shed!

 

[OPC'n]

You all DO realise that you are bickering over what how manly a man must be and what the proofs should be of it, right?



(oh the drama...this is funner than watching catty women one-up each other!)

All that testosterone in one place!

 

[kvanlaan]

You all DO realise that you are bickering over what how manly a man must be and what the proofs should be of it, right?

Mesdames, it is indeed a ridiculous situation, but I think it can be traced back to the statement that "real men don't worry about man points". That sort of a statement can only mean trouble.

I'm sorry you had to see that.

 

[Wannabee]

You all DO realise that you are bickering over what how manly a man must be and what the proofs should be of it, right?



(oh the drama...this is funner than watching catty women one-up each other!)

I guess we know what is going on in the Tool Shed!

Actually, there are Craftsman tools and tractors in there too. And we never clean it.

C'mon guys, this is embarrassing...


.

 

[Beth Ellen Nagle]

This is quite an interesting thread...

 

[kvanlaan]

And we never clean it.

Once in a while we do spray enough Right Guard around to cover the odour. Calvin's 500th is coming up; that sounds like a grand enough occasion. (Occasion, that is, to spray again.)

 

[Southern Presbyterian]

And we never clean it.

Yea, and we mean NEVER!


...and there are Vikings

in there too!

 

[LadyFlynt]

You all DO realise that you are bickering over what how manly a man must be and what the proofs should be of it, right?

Mesdames, it is indeed a ridiculous situation, but I think it can be traced back to the statement that "real men don't worry about man points". That sort of a statement can only mean trouble.

I'm sorry you had to see that.

You all DO realise that you are bickering over what how manly a man must be and what the proofs should be of it, right?



(oh the drama...this is funner than watching catty women one-up each other!)

I guess we know what is going on in the Tool Shed!

Actually, there are Craftsman tools and tractors in there too. And we never clean it.

C'mon guys, this is embarrassing...


.

And we never clean it.

Once in a while we do spray enough Right Guard around to cover the odour. Calvin's 500th is coming up; that sounds like a grand enough occasion. (Occasion, that is to spray again.)

And now they are trying to prove it to the womenfolk of the board...since they've been busted for acting like a pack of boys

 

[Southern Presbyterian]

...and ....and

Knights...



...and

swords...

...and

tools. Lots and lots of tools!

Yea, that's the ticket.

 

[Wannabee]

And gunses, and bulletses, and lots of sharp pointy dangerous thingses. I'm tellin' ya, it's dangrus in der. STAY OUT!


Where's Bawb when you need him?

-----Added 5/30/2009 at 10:44:14 EST-----

And a huge wide screen with 7.1 surround sound and lots of really bloody war movies, karate movies, driving movies, football bloopers. We sit on metal chairs with no cushions. There's no heater, and no a/c, and..., Hey! What's this?! Anne of Green Gables?!?!?!?! Who put that in here?

 

[smhbbag]

To possibly redeem my reputation among the neanderthals who do not enjoy this movie, I will be purchasing this in the next week..... a Glock 30.

Has a standard 10-round mag....but lucky for me, the Glock 21's 13-round mag is interchangeable with it.

So, I will be packing 26 rounds (2nd spare mag) of .45 caliber hollow points wherever I go. Does this get my overall man-score back to even?

 

[willisadair]

Jane Austin has had more revival in interest in the 21st century then many orthodox Christian denominations. I think her characters are interesting and she shows that human relationships are far from easy or perfect.

-----Added 5/30/2009 at 11:11:11 EST-----

To possibly redeem my reputation among the neanderthals who do not enjoy this movie, I will be purchasing this in the next week..... a Glock 30.

Has a standard 10-round mag....but lucky for me, the Glock 21's 13-round mag is interchangeable with it.

So, I will be packing 26 rounds (2nd spare mag) of .45 caliber hollow points wherever I go. Does this get my overall man-score back to even?

Only if you don't carry it beside a dog eared collective works of Jane Austin.

 

[smhbbag]

Only if you don't carry it beside a dog eared collective works of Jane Austin.

Deal. I'll just make sure I undo all the dog-ears, and then I'll be in compliance