Are we in for another bout of Jane Fever?
The Scotsman.com, reeling from the news that Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh found inspiration in the works of Jane Austen, examines “Austen’s Art of Persuasion.”
Why does this woman who lived in a Hampshire rectory in the early 19th century, and who wrote just six novels, hold such an influence on our creative consciousness? Why are her stories still cinema blockbusters, to such an extent that one North American newspaper recently suggested it was time she got a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oscars?
Oooh! We’ll accept on Jane’s behalf! Do we get a former Oscar winner as our escort? (A lady can dream, can she not?) Dorothy, please call Vera Wang and ask her to reserve us a lovely gown.
One academic says that Mr. Welsh’s choice for a muse makes a lot of sense.
“In addition to reflecting a way of life, she analysed it and suggested improvements at the same time, which is also what Trainspotting does. Also, like Welsh, she took liberties with structure, she experimented, pushed the envelope, not just in what she said but how she said it. Those novels are nowhere near as old-fashioned as they look.”
We recommend reading the entire article. It’s quite good. And for the record, we look forward to a Second Age of Austen, though in the grand scheme of things the Age of Austen never really ends.
January 7th, 2005 at 11:17 am
Yes, pretty good article - thanks.
One amusing thing, though. The article mentions AMERICAN fans… ‘they call themselves “Janeites” - who re-read all the novels, every year, and who, if faced with a crossroads in life, ask themselves: “What would Jane have done?” ‘ Oh, those wild and wacky Americans! What will they get up to next! Presumably, no sensible BRITISH person would call themselves a Janeite, or reread the books every year!
January 7th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
The Scotsman.com seems to think so, at least.
You think maybe they saw my WWJD? category on Sick & Wicked?