By Elizabeth Jewell
The initial discussion was, not surprisingly, the very warm weather we’ve had lately. Because it was a smaller group than usual (17 participants), we skipped the breakout rooms and got into discussing the recent JASP (Jane Austen Summer Program) in New Bern. Elizabeth Jewell spoke enthusiastically about the experience, which combined strong scholarship with fun times; she especially treasured the time spent with close friends. Others spoke about the ball and the dance master, known as “Charles Steplively,” who did an excellent job leading those who attended the ball in the dances. Meanwhile, those in the game room played whist, surprisingly easy to learn.
JASP also featured academic speakers and context corners (smaller discussion groups). One speech mentioned, given by Sarah Marsh, the new director of JASP, was “The Constitutional Safeguard of a Flannel Waistcoat,” which examined Colonel Brandon’s supposed age and infirmity (according to Marianne’s initial assessment of him). Marianne’s danger was analyzed, given that she accompanies Willoughby to Allenham without an invitation from Mrs. Smith, so she is, in a sense, trespassing. When Marianne is ill at the Palmers’ home, Willoughby turns up to explain his feelings to Elinor, again trespassing as the Palmers did not invite him. One speculation made is that Colonel Brandon visits Mrs. Smith and is the reason that she learns that Willoughby is the father of Eliza’s baby.
Another talk mentioned was the one on household books, collections of recipes and housekeeping tips, with mention made of Martha Lloyd’s household book. Denise Williams mentioned the embroidery workshop; two were given, one to make handkerchiefs and one to make pincushions. The program was held in New Bern instead of Durham this year because a grant was received. Next year, it will be held in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, at Seton Hill University, on June 11-14, 2026.
Discussion turned to the movie, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, which is not the same story or author as the novel, Jane Austen Ruined My Life, although Elizabeth Jewell pointed out that there were some similarities, as both featured a female leading character who had two possible suitors but decided to focus on her writing instead. In the film, the woman worked at an English bookstore in Paris, but goes to England on a writing retreat named for Jane Austen (but not much connected to Austen, really). The film was in French; the main character was half French, half English. Several of us who went to see it were expecting the book we’d read. Vikki Silverman didn’t enjoy the movie, but Mary Morrison did.
There is a new Sense and Sensibility movie being made soon, made by the same team that made the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie. So far, casting is just beginning, with Daisy Edgar-Jones selected to play Elinor Dashwood. For those who’d like to see the 1940 film of Pride and Prejudice, with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, the film is available for a fee on Apple-TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and YouTube.
We then discussed the PBS miniseries Miss Austen. This generated a lively discussion of color-blind casting, with some viewers liking it or not minding it, and others finding it distracting and unbelievable. Among the ideas presented that viewers liked was the possible explanation for why Cassandra never married after her fiancé died and the idea that Jane’s letters were destroyed because they showed that Cassandra wasn’t stoic when she learned of her fiancé’s death. The show also presented the idea that Jane accepted a marriage proposal and then took back her acceptance the next day because she realized she’d never have time for her writing if she married. Elizabeth Jewell noted that she didn’t think Jane’s relationship with her family was presented accurately; we know that she shared her wit and her writing with her family and they enjoyed it, although the miniseries presented her as being mostly at odds or distant from her family except for Cassandra.
Next month, there will be fun and games, with prizes. In August, we’ll discuss Persuasion.
Sara reminded members to sign up for the waitlist for AGM if they didn’t make the initial signup date; it’s sold out now, but the planners are trying to get more hotel rooms so more can attend. Another option is to sign up for the virtual AGM experience; even people planning to attend in person might like to do that so as to have access to sessions you’d otherwise miss. Sara will attempt to connect all the AGM attendees from our chapter before the conference so they can make plans to meet there.
Finally, it’s the 30th anniversary of Clueless, the movie based on Emma but set in modern times (well, 1995 modern times).