Monday Madness Mondays “Becoming Jane”
Hello all JessicaF here! I am really new at this, so forgive me for being a bit nervous. One of my New Years resolutions was to be brave and put myself out there. So, here I am! The movie we’ll be reviewing tonight is Becoming Jane, which is a biographical snapshot of the early years of Jane Austen’s life.
I chose this movie because I felt that it really relates to all of us in some aspects, and it also relates to many of the positive things that Girls By Design encourages us to do- to be inspired, to be creative and artistic, and to follow our dreams/passions. Plus, the love story of Ms. Austen is the center of the entire film! (Yay, love story!) Most importantly though, Jane Austen is one the most influential female writers in history, publishing world renown books like “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility”. *WOOT* Talk about some girl power! In fact, some of you lucky GBD members may be currently reading her novels in your high school English classes. So let’s get out our feather pens, ink wells, and old English dictionaries, as we take it back a few centuries!
This movie focuses solely on Jane as the main character. It starts off in the late 1700s where we find Jane writing away, of course. She is living with her parents and elder siblings Cassandra and Henry. Upon Henry’s return from school, a huge party is thrown at the Austen residence in honor of his graduation. During the party, the family requests that Jane reads a piece of her work.
In walks Mr. Tom Lefroy, who is the nephew of an invited guest. Tom enters upon Jane’s reading, making a scene and unintentionally catching Jane’s attention. He then has the nerve to fall asleep by the end of her reading! Jane is furious and its love at first sight (although they aren’t aware of it yet, and figure out as the movie goes on)!
It takes some time before Tom successfully courts Jane. They start off with the type of love/hate relationships you find in middle school classrooms. When they finally get together, it makes your heart melt. (gush alert!) But, the journey of their relationship is neither easy nor perfect one. Twists and turns lurk at every corner. Different factors and people in their lives try to tear them apart. Jane even gives up an arranged marriage with a wealthy suitor for her love for Tom. When Jane finally decides to do what makes her happy, she is forced to make an adult decision that will tremendously affect her future. She must choose between what she wants vs. what is right.
It is because of her own love story that Jane was able to write and publish such memorable novels. In an era where obedience is valued over independent thought, where arranged marriages are the norm vs. marrying for love, she defies all the rules. Jane Austen took the all of the realities of her life, whether pleasant or destructive, and used everything as inspiration for her pieces. After seeing this movie, I am truly inspired to pursue more hobbies in my life!
I wanted to end with a few questions to think about or to discuss on this blog:
- What are some hobbies or activities you are extremely passionate about?
- What activities do you use as a creative outlet for your emotions, whether good or bad?
- How far would you be willing to follow your dreams/passions in life?
- What would you be willing to give up love or your own happiness for?
Thanks so much for reading this! I hope it was enjoyable! Have a great 2009 people!
<3,
Jessicaf
Yeah, I’m pretty shy when it comes to putting my own thoughts and stuff out there, but i love to encourage others! 
taylor nikole
January 5, 2009hobbies and activities.
id have to say reading and writing
and acting!
activity as a creative outlet…. ummm writing most def.
how far would i be willing to go to follow my dreams? pretty damn far
I would be willing to give up my own happiness and love for my family… if they needed me to do so…
i don’t know… they are important to me
and jessica! yayyy i told youuu!
I’m glad you got to write
i loved it