Like how I used the British spelling? I thought you might. So I hope that before reading this you watched the little video I put together of the DUEL at the Jane Austen Festival (from here on out to be referred to as the JAF2010). I had so much fun with that!!! I used Windows Live Movie Maker which is VERY basic. But it did the trick. And honestly, if it had been any more complicated I would have had no idea what I was doing and it really just would have been a complete mess. As it is I couldn’t use the exact part of the 1812 Overture that I wanted (the middle) but I think the timing worked out pretty well. I like how it’s kind of somber during the duel and then really picks up at the end. And it’s period correct. Let me know what you think (keep in mind I had really no idea what I was doing).
But speaking of honour…
I kind of like to think that this is what happened to Wickham later in his life after Lydia was fed up with him and his children (scary thought – Lydia + Wickham = little impetuous/impulsive/reckless/greedy babies) had realized how worthless he was (but maybe they’re the kids who turn out okay despite everything - maybe). Because if this had happened in Pride and Prejudice at some point, where would we all be? One of the most beloved characters of all time – because really, who else can you think of that you love to hate more than Wickham? – would have died in a duel and Lydia would have never run away and Lizzie wouldn’t have thought she had completely lost Darcy and Darcy wouldn’t have been able to prove just how much he had learned and grown from knowing Lizzie so even if they had of gotten married it wouldn’t be as great a thing as it is! (Don’t worry, there will be a post about why Lizzie and Darcy are the greatest couple ever). And there would have been no nail-biting (I know I’m not the only one) for readers as they approach the end of the novel! How will this all turn out? Will Lizzie ever get Darcy? Will he be able to look at her ever again? What about Jane and Bingley? Will Lydia ever learn her lesson? Exactly how many drawing rooms does Pemberley have? Is the fishing really that great there? These questions would either never be answered or worse, never asked! That’s one of the best parts of P&P! The commiseration and agony we experience with Elizabeth leading towards the well deserved happy ending. I think most people would agree that an Austen staple is that people get their come-uppance. Wickham and Lydia get each other. Jane and Bingley get each other. Lady Catherine and Loneliness also get each other (poor loneliness). And of course – Darcy and Elizabeth and the polluted shades of Pemberley. J So thank God that no one called Wickham out on his lack of honour. And thank you Jane for your creation of this delightful love to hate character.
Another note: The Duel was awesome. There was a woman yelling about how the men were dueling in their pajamas and the accuser yelled back that women technically weren’t allowed at duels. Also, I don’t think the misfires were supposed to happen – but the men really thought on their feet and it turned out splendid.
Next Week: NORTHANGER ABBEY!!!! I am so excited for this one! I’m still not sure exactly what I’ll do. I might do the most recent version of the movie, possibly the book (I have one with a lot of footnotes!), or I might just go on and on about how Henry Tilney is the greatest thing before sliced bread. Or maybe something else. Check back next Thursday to find out!
Love it!
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