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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I feel like I'm betraying my beloved Pride and Prejudice as only rated that 4 stars. However, the movie is still far superior than either Emma adaptation. Anyhow, Emma was truly a great book. It read very smoothly, and though being very descriptive and at times hard to get through, I only had a good time. I felt a lot of the hard parts were necessary to the story and made it much more realistic. If I hadn't had to sit through 2-3 pages entirely full of Miss Bates' dialogue I may have been more upset that Emma was a jerk to her later on. However, those additions were necessary to understanding Emma. We experience almost every interaction and situation with her as if we were there ourselves. It makes for a truly transportive experience.
The main thing I want to talk about is Emma and Mr Knightley, so... spoilers!!
No adaptation could get Mr Knightley right. I would say the 2020 version is close, however aging him down didn't really capture the effect that his age has on the story. What I find so compelling about Emma and Mr Knightley's relationship is that they have known each other for so long. And that Emma's feelings of friendship slowly develop into something more which she herself is excruciatingly slow to realize. She is very oblivious to her own feelings and it is truly comical watching her rationalize her opposal to Mr Knightley being in love with Jane.
With Knightley himself (channeling my inner Mrs Elton) he has known his feelings for a while. What frustrates me about the movies is that they act as if it is some grand discovery, however Knightley as known he's loved Emma for a while. Of course it takes him time to discern those feelings from simple friendly care for someone, but he knows for the majority of the book. He loves her so much, in fact, he doesn't ever attempt to admit it because he wants what's best for her. He stomachs Frank for her benefit, he speaks honestly to her, and he humbles her. It is not because he views her as a sister and is simply annoyed at her arrogance and vanity, he wants her to improve. He wants her to grow because it is what's best for her. He can easily identify her faults which is exactly what makes him love her all the more. He truly sees her as she is. Not just some pretty rich girl, but a flawed human who, despite her flaws, finds it in herself to love and show kindness. Emma overcomes her biggest vices while not eradicating them, and Knightley loves her for it. It's truly beautiful.
On another topic: WHY DO NEITHER ADAPTATIONS REDEEM JANE OR FRANK?? I started this book with the 'foreknowledge' that both of them sucked, which confused me because it was a widely stated fact that Jane Austen named her most admirable and virtuous characters 'Jane' so I was thrown off by this particular Jane being so deplorable. However, I was simply befuddled by the movies which fail to mention the pages long letter Frank sends in explanation and apology, which leads to one of my favorite scenes of Knightley reading the letter and making commentary. Furthermore, the fail to add the scene where Emma visits Jane and they make up. So much of Jane and Franks actions are explained through the letter and the visit that the exclusion of them does a horrible injustice to the intricacies of the plot!
Anyway, I have to say that the 2020 version is preferable to me as the better ADAPTation. It translates the story to screen beautifully, however I still await the day when a film adaptation does Mr Knightley the justice he deserves.
The main thing I want to talk about is Emma and Mr Knightley, so... spoilers!!
No adaptation could get Mr Knightley right. I would say the 2020 version is close, however aging him down didn't really capture the effect that his age has on the story. What I find so compelling about Emma and Mr Knightley's relationship is that they have known each other for so long. And that Emma's feelings of friendship slowly develop into something more which she herself is excruciatingly slow to realize. She is very oblivious to her own feelings and it is truly comical watching her rationalize her opposal to Mr Knightley being in love with Jane.
With Knightley himself (channeling my inner Mrs Elton) he has known his feelings for a while. What frustrates me about the movies is that they act as if it is some grand discovery, however Knightley as known he's loved Emma for a while. Of course it takes him time to discern those feelings from simple friendly care for someone, but he knows for the majority of the book. He loves her so much, in fact, he doesn't ever attempt to admit it because he wants what's best for her. He stomachs Frank for her benefit, he speaks honestly to her, and he humbles her. It is not because he views her as a sister and is simply annoyed at her arrogance and vanity, he wants her to improve. He wants her to grow because it is what's best for her. He can easily identify her faults which is exactly what makes him love her all the more. He truly sees her as she is. Not just some pretty rich girl, but a flawed human who, despite her flaws, finds it in herself to love and show kindness. Emma overcomes her biggest vices while not eradicating them, and Knightley loves her for it. It's truly beautiful.
On another topic: WHY DO NEITHER ADAPTATIONS REDEEM JANE OR FRANK?? I started this book with the 'foreknowledge' that both of them sucked, which confused me because it was a widely stated fact that Jane Austen named her most admirable and virtuous characters 'Jane' so I was thrown off by this particular Jane being so deplorable. However, I was simply befuddled by the movies which fail to mention the pages long letter Frank sends in explanation and apology, which leads to one of my favorite scenes of Knightley reading the letter and making commentary. Furthermore, the fail to add the scene where Emma visits Jane and they make up. So much of Jane and Franks actions are explained through the letter and the visit that the exclusion of them does a horrible injustice to the intricacies of the plot!
Anyway, I have to say that the 2020 version is preferable to me as the better ADAPTation. It translates the story to screen beautifully, however I still await the day when a film adaptation does Mr Knightley the justice he deserves.
Jane's Austen's 'Emma' is truly a fine, delightful read. Although I had trouble understanding the classic sophisticated language, I got the gist of what was happening. And here I thought I understood sophisticated language enough to write like it. Clearly I was wrong.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF. I don't think I have the capacity right now to deal with the intricacies of this book.
I’ve tried to read this at least twice over the years. I just would get bored at the early set up to the story. Also, I’ve seen all the adaptations and I couldn’t see past the screenwriting into the description and dialogue of the actual book.
But, it got better the last third. I adore knightly. Emma redeems herself more gracefully in the book than the movies and it all wrapped up nicely into a pretty bow.
Persuasion is still my favorite. On to the others I’ve never read!
But, it got better the last third. I adore knightly. Emma redeems herself more gracefully in the book than the movies and it all wrapped up nicely into a pretty bow.
Persuasion is still my favorite. On to the others I’ve never read!
challenging
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one was not for me. I can see it’s well written but I just enjoy modern books so much more.