Mansfield Park Read-Along: The End

Hello!

I have finally arrived to say my thoughts for the final part of Amber's Mansfield Park Read-Along! It definitely was an interesting read, and it is always fun to read Jane Austen, because she is hilarious!

Make sure to read Amber's thoughts for this week.

Spoiler alert! If you haven't read Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, please do not read this as I will be talking about the ending of the book.

Mansfield Park Volume III: Chapters 6-17

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

'The novelty of travelling, and the happiness of being with William, soon produced their natural effect on Fanny's spirits...'

'It was really March; but it was April in its mild air, brisk soft wind, and bright sun, occasionally clouded for a minute; and everything looked so beautiful under the influence of such a sky...'

'What animation both of body and mind, she had derived from watching the advance of that season which cannot, in spite of its capriciousness, be unlovely, and seeing its increasing beauties, from the earliest flowers, in the warmest division of her aunt's garden, to the opening of leaves of her uncle's plantations, and the glory of his woods...'

General Impressions:

"Tell me the real truth, as you have it from the fountain-head."

Fanny and I differ on one point, and one alone: She is more of a poetry fan than I am. And, she is a little nicer than me. 'She was always so gentle and retiring, that her emotions were beyond his discrimination.'

I was a little disappointed in her family. They don't really care for her as much as Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram do. At first I wasn't convinced that taking her from her family was for the best, but now I am sure. 'But he was the master at Mansfield Park. When he had really resolved on any measure, he could always carry it through...'

Edmund finally came around. Thank you, very much, Edmund. Everything you need is right in front of you.

I do feel that I am also like Susan, as she is just trying to get things done. I really like this paragraph about her: 'She acknowledged her fears, blamed herself for having contended so warmly, and from that hour Fanny, understanding the worth of her disposition, and perceiving how fully she was inclined to seek her good opinion and refer to her judgment, began to feel again the blessing of affection...'

William is just a sweetheart, and I hope that he ended up happy.

I pity Julia, and I find Maria unbearable. I also pity Mr. Rushworth.

This might be the most accurate sentence of the whole book: 'In their very last conversation, Miss Crawford, in spite of some amiable sensations, and much personal kindness, has still been Miss Crawford, still shown a mind led astray and bewildered, and without any suspicion of being so; darkened, yet fancying itself light.'

And... Henry remains "messed up guy". He was getting better (though he couldn't get Susan's age straight), then he just went and blew it all. There was fault on either side, though. "What a difference a vowel makes!--if his rents were but equal to his rants!--"

But: 'Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can, impatient to restore everybody, not greatly in fault themselves, to tolerable comfort, and to have done with all the rest.'

'With such thoughts as these among ten hundred others, Fanny proceeded in her journey, safely and cheerfully, and as expeditiously as could rationally hoped in the dirty month of February.'

Discussion Questions:


1. Do you think Fanny's home and family had changed a lot since she left when she was a girl, or do you think Fanny was the one who changed the most?

I think both. Fanny showed that she was used to more grand things, but I also feel like her family had changed. I think Fanny was better off living at Mansfield, but things might have been better at home had she stayed.

2. Just for fun: What sort of conclusion would you give to Susan's story if you were to write a sequel/epilogue for her?

This is a hard question! I would have that she learned so much, and that she and Lady Bertram enjoyed each other's company. (I know, that is a very lame answer. Please write a better one.)

3. Which character's growth or consequences (as described in the last chapter) brought you the most satisfaction?

Mrs. Norris. She got a taste of her own medicine in the end. :)

Okay, okay, I like Tom's growth. I think one day he would make a very fine master of Mansfield.

Final Questions:

Of the Jane Austen books you've read so far, how would you rank them in order of preference?

1. Pride & Prejudice
2. Sense & Sensibility
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Emma
5. Sanditon and The Watsons
6. Mansfield Park.
These are not definite, as I change all the time.

If you've seen an adaptation of Mansfield Park, which one(s) did you see and how did you like it/them in comparison with the book?

I saw the 1999 version, but I definitely liked the book better.

Thanks for hosting this, Amber! I enjoyed it a lot! Have you read Mansfield Park? How long did it take you? Did you like it?

MovieCritic

Movie Review: Hook (1991)

Hello!
Crystal at In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood, and Gill at Realweegiemidget Reviews, are hosting a Robin Williams blogathon, and as he is one of my favorite actors, I had to participate!

Do remember all the way back in November, when I reviewed Peter Pan, and showed you my Halloween costume? I absolutely love Peter Pan, and I will try any and every version or story about it. I saw this for the first time several years ago, but I hadn't seen it since I actually read the book. I was shocked, it held so many themes that were in the book! It was such a pleasant surprise.

Andddd.... apologizes for being so late all the time. Man, blogging has not been my thing this year. I promise I'll get better in April.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless it says so.

Anyway, enough chit-chat, here is....

Hook (1991):

"Only you can save your children."
Peter Banning is definitely "grown-up". As a lawyer, he is busy all the time and barely gets to spend time with his family. They go on a trip to London to visit the woman, Wendy, who got him adopted.

While they are there his children, Jack and Maggie, get kidnapped! A mysterious note is left, signed by Captain Jas. Hook. Wendy tells Peter who he really is, so off and away he goes to Neverland, to try to remember how to fly.
"You're doing it, you're using your imagination!"

Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Length: approx. 142 minutes.
Costumes: 7, they are all so good, but there are times when they are a little short, and where people are not wearing shirts.
My favorite: I mean, it's obvious, right? I dressed up like him:

Script: 6, there are a few bad words.
"I've just had an apostrophe."
"I think you mean an Epiphany."

Crew:
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Produced by:
Kathleen Kennedy
Frank Marshall
Gerald R. Molen
Written by:
Jim V. Hart
Malia Scotch Marmo
Jim V. Hart
Nick Castle
Based on: Peter Pan (Also titled: Peter & Wendy) - by J. M. Barrie

Starring: "Who's the shrub?"
Robin Williams as Peter Banning, "Peter, you've become a pirate."

Dustin Hoffman as Captain Jas. Hook, "You're a bad man."

Maggie Smith as Wendy

Caroline Goodall as Moira Banning
Bob Hoskins as Smee

Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell

Dante Basco as Rufio

Amber Scott as Maggie Banning, "I've made you a hug."
Charlie Korsmo as Jack Banning

Arthur Malet as Tootles

Isaiah Robinson as Pockets
Jasen Fisher, Raushan Hammond, James Madio, Thomas Tulak, Alex Zuckerman, and Ahmad Stoner as Lost Boys

"Hold that happy thought."
Cinematography by: Dean Cundey

Music: 8
Music by: John Williams
Quotes: 9, "Hook's afraid of time, ticking away."
Notes: This movie is so sweet, it will make you cry, and it will make you laugh.

Storyline: 6, there is some suggestive things, kissing, smoking, and death.
"You need a mother, very badly."
Good For: All Peter Pan fans.
Overall Score: 7.5

And I got carried away with the pictures. Sorry about that...

Have any of you seen Hook? What did you think of it? Thank you so much to Crystal and Gill for hosting this!

MovieCritic

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 3

Hello!
I can't believe that I am so late, I am so sorry that this happened, I have been really bad about being on schedule this year. I am here to put my thoughts down for Amber's Mansfield Park Read-Along!

Click HERE to read Amber's thoughts for this week.

SPOILER ALERT! If you have not read Mansfield Park, please do not read this.

Mansfield Park Volume II: Chapters 7-13 and
Volume III: Chapters 1-5

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

'Fanny had never known so much felicity in her life, as in this unchecked, equal, fearless intercourse with the brother and friend, who was opening all his heart to her, telling her all his hopes and fears, plans, and solicitudes...'

'An affection so amiable was advancing each in the opinion of all who had hearts to value anything good.'

'...and was actually practising her steps about the drawing-room as long as she could be safe from the notice of her aunt Norris, who was entirely taken up at first in fresh arranging and injuring the noble fire which the butler had prepared.'

General Impressions:

Fanny is such a sweet heart. I am enjoying reading about her. I found a funny thing:"Her eyes should be darker, but she has a sweet smile...", Jane Austen was very picky about her characters eyes. I wonder if Fanny's are "...brightened by the exercise."

And... her brother, William Price, is no different! I would love to get to know him.

I'm still unsure of what I think of Lady Bertram. She is sort of nice to Fanny, but sometimes she doesn't appreciate Fanny. "I feel quite stupid. It must be sitting up so late last night. Fanny, you must do something to keep me awake, I cannot work. Fetch the cards--I feel so very stupid." I feel like this all the time.

This is the perfect description of Mrs. Norris: 'Sir Thomas, indeed, was, by this time, not very far from classing Mrs. Norris as one of those well-meaning people, who are always doing mistaken and very disagreeable things.'

I am so glad that Edmund went through with being ordained. I was worried that he wasn't, but I am glad that he was consistent. But, right now I have no clue what is going through his mind.

Sigh. I guess I must put my thoughts down for who my sister and I call "messed up guy." At the beginning of this section I actually did agree with Mary for once: "The truth is, that she was the only girl in company for to notice, and you must have a somebody." I told my sister when we were discussing "messed up guy", that his is pretty much him exactly:

Isn't it though? I think his "love" for Fanny is still a challenge to get the only girl who doesn't like him, to fall in love with him. But, maybe he is nicer/better when he loves Fanny? Messed up guy is making me messed up.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which character do you feel most strongly about at this point—in either a good or disapproving way? What makes that character especially stand out to you?

I've already said that I really like Fanny, so I'll go with someone else.

I really like Sir Thomas. Though he was a little harsh on Fanny (But, 'As a general reflection on Fanny, Sir Thomas though nothing could be more unjust, though he had been so lately expressing the same sentiments himself, and he tried to turn the conversation...'), just because he doesn't know her side of the story, I like how he stands by his word, and cares for his family. He is probably my second favorite character in this book. "Could we be all assembled, our satisfaction would undoubtedly be more complete, but the absence of some is not to debar the others of amusement."

I also feel strongly about Mary Crawford, why won't she just go away!? I am so tired of her.

2. If you were in attendance at the ball, how would you occupy your time? Would you dance the night away, or would you prefer observation and conversation?

I love to country dance, so I would definitely be a dancer.

3. What advice would you give Fanny in handling Mr. Crawford's pursuit?

Fanny, I agree with you completely. Just keep at it, and give him hard looks. "...Fanny, I know he will make you happy; but you will make him everything." Fanny, don't accept, but make him better.


Sorry is some of my sentences don't make any sense. I am really tired. Thank you to Amber for hosting this! Thank you for reading!

MovieCritic

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 2

Hello!
I am here (late) once again for Amber's Mansfield Park read-along!

Make sure to go check out Amber's thoughts for this week!

'...The buzz of discussion was high between Tom, Maria, and Mr. Yates...' Or, between Amber and all her readers...

There might be a few spoilers, so if you haven't read Mansfield Park, please don't read this post.

Mansfield Park Volume I: Chapters 13-18 and
Volume II: Chapters 1-6

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

'The aspect was so favourable, than even without a fire it was habitable in many an early spring...'

"How wonderful, how very wonderful, the operations of time, and the changes of the human mind!"

General Impressions:

"I suppose I am graver than other people." Once again, I think Fanny and I are very alike. She just doesn't want to do the wrong thing. I don't like how they think they can just order her around. She will do it, but it isn't nice of them. I don't like how they pressured her into reading the part. "Fanny is the only one who has judged rightly throughout, who has been consistent."

"Could it be possible? Edmund so inconsistent. Was he not deceiving himself?" My opinion of Edmund dropped way down. He was opposed to the play, then all of a sudden he is in the play because he is opposite Miss Crawford. This is just too much. Move on, Fanny.

Of all of the Jane Austen books I have read, I have two least favorite characters: George Wickham, and Mary Crawford. Mary is just so rude, mean, and selfish. She has said something terrible about pretty much everybody. I didn't mind her at first, but now, just no.

Mrs. Norris is also so annoying. Doesn't she know other people have feelings, too?

'Her heart was sore and angry, and she was capable only of angry consolations.' If there is anyone I pity, it is Julia. Though, when she was like this, and she was "lonely" why didn't she talk to and be with, Fanny?

"He is not a shining character, but he has a thousand good qualities!" I like Mr. Rushworth. I don't like Mrs. Rushworth (Maria). She is also inconsistent. "She is too good for him." WHAT? '"We see things very differently," cried Maria.' because I think HE is too good for her.

'She did not like him as a man, but she must admit him to be the best actor, and on this point there were not many who differed from her.' I do think that Mr. Yates is a little bit annoying.

"Where is my little Fanny?" That almost made me cry. I actually like Sir Thomas, even in the beginning. I am so glad that Fanny likes him now. I can see how when she was little he was intimidating, but I'm happy she got over that.

Discussion Questions:

1. If you were one of Maria's parents, what might you have said to her before the wedding?

Well, I would have been like Sir Thomas. Then I would have said, "Be happy with what you have, because some are not as lucky as you." 'Cause she is not that grateful, and she takes things for granted.

2. What are your thoughts on the friendship between Fanny and Miss Crawford? What would you recommend to improve their relationship?

Fanny was feeling very poorly, and Mary Crawford made her feel better, but it was just to get her to do the play in the long run. Fanny saw that, and appreciated it at the time, wouldn't call Mary her friend.

Then, Mary just had Fanny as her "friend" because she had nothing else to do. She didn't even care what Fanny said. If it were to be an actually "friendship" then Mary needs to listen and care about what Fanny says.

"My dear Miss Price, I beg your pardon, but I have made my way to you on purpose to entreat your help." I kind of liked Mary here, as she actually was asking Fanny's opinion, but it was for the purpose of impressing Edmund, so....

3. Consider Mr. Crawford's sudden interest in Fanny or Edmund's admiration of Miss Crawford. What makes them so attractive to these guys? What would you consider to be valid reasons for falling in love?

Well, once again with Mr. Crawford, I think it is more that he has nothing to do, that he talks to Fanny, than anything else. And, Miss Crawford doesn't respect Edmund's wishes for taking orders, so I don't think either of those are valid reasons.


With that: 'The house would close with the greatest eclat.'

Thank you so much for reading! And a big thank you to Amber for hosting this! Please tell me what you think about Mansfield Park!

MovieCritic