Do Men Read Jane Austen?

Like millions of other readers around the world, I enjoy reading Jane Austen. The only problem? I’m a guy. Now I cannot be the only male fan of Austen’s work, but it certainly feels that way.  I’m 19 year old, college sophomore, who enjoys playing sports, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. I’m not supposed to read Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion. As a student in college, I know that men don’t read chick lit, or if you’re like me, you do and don’t tell anyone. The stereotypical Pride and Prejudice enthusiast is a woman. And like most stereotypes, I think this is a little off-base. Sure, the majority of Austen addicts are female, but there has to be quite a few male readers as well. I feel that sometimes perceptions take the place of reality. But then I received a message from a facebook stalker (whom I had never met), who saw that some of my favorite books were Jane Austen novels. She could not believe her eyes, and she wanted to verify that Pride and Prejudice really was one of my favorites. This message really started to make me wonder. How many men do read Jane Austen? I’m I really such an anomaly? So now I ask, how many men (if any) do you know who enjoy reading Jane Austen?

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Lizzie’s Endearing Faults

     Many question why Pride and Prejudice is still popular almost two hundred years after its original publication in 1813. This question has a simple answer; it is still relevant. The novel’s themes of love and marriage are eternal, as are its characters. Elizabeth Bennet is considered one of the best literary characters ever. Anyone, male or female, young or old, rich or poor can identify in some way with Lizzie. She is an intelligent, quick witted young woman, possessing many other talents. Her loving nature and her overall kindness add to her appeal. But the most endearing qualities that Elizabeth possesses are her faults. Her pride and her prejudices, not to mention her occasional incivility, keep Elizabeth relevant today. These faults are universal and timeless. We have all had our own experiences with these imperfections of human nature. We identify with Lizzie’s shortcomings, and we learn that it is okay to rebel against social norms.The character of Elizabeth Bennet gives the reader self-confidence.

     The best characters in literature are ones you can see yourself in. When you put yourself in the character’s shoes without knowingly doing it, when you become invested in a character, you no longer care if the ending is realistic. All you want, all you desire is that character’s happiness. This is why Lizzie’s happy ending is embraced. It may border on the trite and predictable, but it works because of Lizzie. It works because she deserves a happy ending, and because the reader will accept nothing less. It all comes back to her faults. Without them, Lizzie ceases to be realistic and the reader ceases to become one with the character. With them, Lizzie takes her place as one of the best literary characters of all time. When it comes down to it, Elizabeth (and Pride and Prejudice in general) is liked for her strengths, but loved for her faults.

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Northanger Abbey

     I am hitherto convinced that Pride and Prejudice is Jane Austen’s finest work.  Having now finished three of Ms. Austen’s novels, I can say that P&P is head and shoulders above Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey.  My first experience with Austen was P&P, and I loved it.  I loved it enough to pick up S&S a month later to continue my journey with Austen. I was however, disappointed.  It was a good read, don’t get me wrong, but it didn’t come close to equaling P&P. The characterization just isn’t as strong. Elinor and Marianne aren’t Jane and Elizabeth.  Edward Ferrars isn’t Mr. Darcy.  The beauty of P&P is dependant on the characters, and they are excellent.  S&S just isn’t the same. 

     Northanger Abbey is a little different than the previous two Austen novels I’ve read.  It is a satire on the Gothic novel.  I enjoyed it more that S&S, but it still does not live up to the excellence of P&P. Catherine Morland is a lovable character, but she is no Elizabeth, and Henry Tilney is no Darcy.  These observations are not however, the sole basis for my opinions.  The plot, and the storyline just aren’t as good. The end of the novel is a letdown. Yes, Henry comes and lives happily ever after with Catherine, but I felt an injustice was done to General Tilney. He had been so good to Catherine, and then you find out that it was all for money!?  The end just doesn’t feel right.  It is rushed and utterly unfulfilling.  The ending aside, I really enjoyed NA.  The plot flows along nicely, and the false assumptions Catherine derives from her Gothic novels (i.e. General Tilney murdered his wife), provide some comic relief.  I enjoyed the first 224 pages out of 236, but the fact that so much happened in the last 12 pages disturbs me.  We didn’t even get to read the actual scenes, they were just narrated to us.  I just feel like Austen could have done better.  No, scratch that.  I know Jane Austen could have done better; she showed me that in Pride and Prejudice.

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