► welcome ◄

Happy Thursday, everybody! 

I'd like to take a small moment to welcome you all to the official blog of  Wilson Hill Academy's Jane Austen summer class. 

Basically, we're a class of literature nerds who a) love to learn, b) love anything and everything Jane Austen related, and c) love our teacher (seriously, he's pretty amazing). 

The class covers the novels of Jane Austen, as well as things regarding her personal life, her views on relationships, and the things that we need to learn as high-school students for present and future experiences. 

Every week we participate in lively interactive discussion boards outside of class time, which thoroughly enriches the experience inside the classroom. 

We plan to post recaps of these discussions, quotes & opinions from the actual books, our opinions tied in with the lessons taught by Ms. Austen & Mr. Etter, and perhaps some posts by the author herself (you never know...). 

Jane Austen lived in SUCH a critical time period of the development of mankind. She was born at the tail-end of the enlightenment and experienced the first few decades of the Romantic era. Between the differences in society and social graces of pure tradition, Jane's world was quite different from the world we see today. 

So... Why should we read Jane Austen? 

The answer isn't a certain thing to put into specific words... But here are some of our responses: 

"Jane Austen’s many books are not simply romantic stories which have no great significance. Austen gives us a glimpse into 19th century England including its culture, language, and arts of that time. In addition, Austen’s books can be viewed as character studies, since she brilliantly develops each character in her stories as well as their plots. By reading these books, people in the 21 century can learn not only about the history, culture, and language of that time, but also learn how to communicate with people, read people, and learn about humanity as a whole, and apply that knowledge to life."

 - Evangeline. 

"Jane Austen's novels, although fictional, provide an interesting almost personal insight into the 17-1800s in the United Kingdom.  Although, in today's world, the expectations are very different than in the 18th century, her novels help us realize that we can trust God to work in our lives, rather than trusting ourselves to make all the right decisions based on the expectations of the world.  Even the decisions that seem the most wrong to us, he can work them out to amazing conclusions if it is in his will."

 - MaryBeth.

"Why read and study Austen? - In society today, people are more focused - than ever before - on dumbing each other down until we're nothing but tolerant animals. The very idea of disagreeing with someone is simply repulsive to the majority of our reality. One of my favorite parts of the Austen novels are the scenes of disagreement that she has written. No matter what the circumstances are, the characters always treat each other in a manner of civility... That being said, they aren't afraid to voice their own opinions. In the society that Austen wrote towards, disagreement was healthy. People attacked problems, instead of people; which is something that we all need lessons in."

- Petra.

"Jane Austen's themes are universal and stand the test of time.  Social interactions, including love, social status, duty, morality, economic situations and manners are still relevant.  Through reading Austen's novels, we become aware of our interactions with other people and how our actions affect those around us.  The characters also teach us to take accountability for our choices." 

- Ashlyn.

"Jane Austen's novels have claimed a place on the best sellers list for centuries.  Scholars have studied them, movies have been created about them, and students discussed them.  Austen's novels are eloquently written.  Her books prove to be thought provoking, but at the same time one can find themselves completely lost in her world.  The brain is studying as well as enjoying the read.  Her books are craftily disguised as romance novels, but it really provides a looking glass to different traits of human nature.  Austen's novels are the ultimate happily ever after story.  Before the Kardashians, people had the Bennets, the Woodhouses, and the Dashwoods."

- Elise.

"I think reading Jane Austen has many benefits, for one thing her books are considered classics and give important insight to another day and age. I also think it would be safe to say that Austen's novels shaped the novel genre. But most importantly Austen gives very important insight into human character. Decades may separate the 21st century from Austen's time but human nature is still the same. Austen can teach us to recognize the scoundrels of the world as well as the saints."

- Maddie.

"Among other invaluable lessons about life and love, Austen's novels provide us with great insight into relationships, their benefits and flaws, their triumphs and difficulties, overall providing her readers with knowledge about the human nature and the role it plays within relationships.  In today's world, especially in America, we have become a society that is very "me, myself and I" focused within our relationships with each other.  The divorce rate in America is at 50%, and one central cause for divorce nowadays is that one or both spouses are not "happy" within their marriage, they are tried of putting up with their spouse and long to have the "freedom" to find their own happiness again.  Thus, the lessons provided in Austen's work, such as sacrificial love, learning how to be content, and not allowing your feelings to run off with your better judgement, are all vital for us to study and take to heart in this modern age, so that we can become better fortified against falling prey the lies of society, such as that my happiness is my only concern, and overall learning how see the "we" not just the "me.""

- Meredith.

 "Many people think that Jane Austen is just about cheesy romances and her novels don't apply today, but that is not true for many reasons. Austen's writings show us many role models to try and live after, like Elinor, personality traits and attributes to obtain: kindness, selflessness, manners, and they also display attributes to look for in a spouse. There are also small life lessons you can learn also. Like becoming a person of substance, living a principled life, and to treasure your friends and family. Her faith is also reflected in her works, and her characters and novels provide good encouragement to people trying to live morally and godly in a corrupt and sinful world."

- Sarah.

Again, welcome to our blog and be sure to watch for more posts in the near future!