I was watching a movie this past week. It was a Jane Austen movie called "Northanger Abbey." It really is the tale of two heroines. The first young lady is named Catherine. Catherine is a simple girl who grew up in a non-descript home, with non-descript parents and a non-descript family. As she is growing up the dialog details how she isn't really into the fashionable scene and would much rather prefer playing cricket with her family. So of course, this being a Jane Austen film, Catherine is whisked away by her rich aunt and uncle to, you guessed it, Bath. Once there, Catherine is introduced to society and she is awed by the pagentry and sheer numbers of people there.
The other girl who is presented in the movie is much more fashionable and "in society". Her name is Isabella. Isabella is potrayed as much more aggressive and more interested in pursuing a husband (rich of course!). Isabella moves freely within the social circles and she is constantly watching and being watched.
The difference between the two girls is very interesting in that it definetly portrays a contrast in values. One is overawed by what is going on; the other is simply playing the field to her greatest advantage.
So as you watch the movie, which one is behaving in a modest fashion and which one isn't. Which one is dressing immodestly and which one is dressing modestly? Finally, can you determine which one you would most want to be or want to be with?
Interesting questions from a movie based upon a book written almost 200 years ago. I wonder what she would think about how the characters are portrayed today.
Jay
No comments:
Post a Comment