9 Comments

Oh goodness, I feel I must go through and reread all of Jane Austen to decide who I am. Who are you? This was such a fun read!

Expand full comment

I’m trying to think who you are and the only person that comes up is Liz Bennet! But you need a character more driven with their work/passions and who likes people more. Maybe a bit of Captain Harville? Actually yes, definitely some of Harville in you.

I’m most definitely an Anne Elliott. The angsty, retrospective middle daughter longing to feel important. She loves her nieces and nephews and is struggling a bit with her health. It’s a dead ringer. 🎯

Expand full comment

I’m not sure who I am. I definitely worry like Mary Bennet but am shy Jane Bennet. Who do you think I am from her novels, Camilla?

Expand full comment

Ooooh, this is fun! I had to think about it for a bit, but I think I see some of Fanny Price from Mansfield Park in you. She's very sweet, kind and shy, but she also has big feelings and loves her family deeply. She has strong convictions and a good sense of people's true characters. I learned she's a controversial figure, primarily because she's so kind and sensitive, and that's seen as weak by some readers, but I don't understand that view, as she holds to her opinions while staying compassionate, which I think is very difficult to do. I think her kindness is a strength. She also loves writing and nature, which fits you as well!

Expand full comment

Oooh. I must be Fanny! I love the way you described her. She sounds like me. I never read that one, but will add it to my list along with Persuasion.

Expand full comment

Okay, this (as with all your posts) c'est magnifique! I've always related to Anne Elliott and Elinor Dashwood the most. Anne, because I've definitely walked painful roads in life largely due to not knowing my own mind when I was younger (or rather, knowing it, but lacking the courage to speak up and act upon it). It has taken some brutal lessons to work through my people-pleasing ways. But the silver lining to learning from those experiences is now having a firm grasp on what's truly important, and being true to who you are and what you want! And then Elinor, as an eldest child and protective big sister. Also, being more private and reserved in personality, I've carried hardships in secret while still needing/wanting to be there for others. These two characters in particular always made me feel seen!

Expand full comment

Ali, I love this answer and how fitting these two characters sound for you. When I was younger, I always felt a bit jealous of Elinor and her ability to control her outward emotions. I didn’t love Marianne’s character, but I related to her more (NOT that I wanted to). But with maturity, I’ve seen behind the curtain for some Elinor’s in my life, and realized how lonely and overlooked those that hold it together are. You’re often not asked the if you’re OK, because everyone assumes you are. You bear more responsibility because when others fall apart they automatically think you can handle it. It’s actually incredibly unfair when I think about it. I’m kind of tearing up as I write this. I don’t know what you’ve carried but I care and see you! Thank you for sharing so thoughtfully, I love reading what you have to say!

Expand full comment

You’re so sweet, Camilla! Honestly, the Elinor’s need the Marianne’s and vice versa. My mom raised me on Austen books and movies. When I first saw Sense and Sensibility, I wanted to be more like Marianne! Free to act on my passions and express myself so openly. There’s a price to both personality types. I also think Marianne is such a precious example of how so many of us are before we experience heartbreak. The most brutal of teachers!

Expand full comment

Loved reading this! I've fallen behind in wanting to keep up with reading Persuasion, but I know Jane A will always be there for me when I need her! I guess I've always most resonated with Elizabeth Bennet, P&P being my first beloved JA novel. I've needed convicting of my own pride, and prejudice too, and those words have always helped me see that! But I adore Emma too. Thanks for inspiring me to dive back into this beloved world!

(And yes, here's to staying beautiful at 29+10 and beyond! ;) )

Expand full comment