That time, we were talking about Jane Austen heroes and to be specific, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. And for those who do not know this complex, fascinating and misunderstood character in literature, he is the chief character in Pride and Prejudice who with his unwavering self confidence and ultimate willingness to grow, made women swoon and leave men in contempt.
What I’m talking about is this. Males seemed a little frustrated with the inexplicable female fascination with Darcy for he is an idealized “fictional” character and therefore, no realistic model of a flesh and blood, breathing human male.
Well, I think the thought is that males feel the same way women feels against magazine covers – that they aren’t actual women but are based on them. It’s like being compared to an unrealistic ideal, and just as some men need to understand that not all women are magazine cover super models, and so neither are men.
In short, Mr. Darcy sets high ideals for women – ideals that are way out of proportion.
But, truth be told, I am “in love” with Mr. Darcy, Colonel Brandon and Mr. Knightly. And this is the part where I’m going to justify the crime.
Reading her books tastes like junk food. Imagining the trails of her narratives, is like imagining myself the “damsel-in deep-crapshoot” intent on being the mistress of an estate. My being not an expert in relationships, should I just take Rother’s advice and just forget the example of Darcy?
I don’t think so. No dudes. Darcy, though rich and extremely “agreeable” as what they call him, is neither like Edward Cullen nor a walking shallow Hollywood celebrity. As for myself, it’s not about Mr. Darcy that I love but what he did. DID.
What he did was two things. First, the steadfastness of his affection. Indeed, Jane Austen never married but she actually is an expert in alluring and capturing the lady’s heart. Women, today especially are lonesome people. So I think, the unwavering love is the most convincing modus operandi to captivate her. I mean, when the girl is in her tough times (and I’m not referring to PMS), he should be there. Just be there. Simple. Unless she wants to talk, then of course, you must respond. Haha. Kidding.
Second, is the inspiration of good. I really am not adept to explain this but it’s like this - one of the desires of a female heart is…to inspire the dude to be a better man.
Okay, though a total feminist myself I shall admit that males are generally better…I mean, waaaayyy better than the females. This is not a girl = angel / boy = demon-who-must-be-fixed situation. Nope. Anything but definitely not the Twilight syndrome. Haha. Mr. Darcy changes through the course of the novel, and attributes his improvement to the verbal tongue-lashing by Elizabeth, the heroine.
But I think the girl should pretty much not exercise the “tongue lashing/nagging” part. I mean girls want to inspire men to be better but, ata girl, should you sound like his mother? Forget it. There is no need of lecturing.
See, Darcy is not necessarily what a girl wants…or a girl like me wants. It’s the steadfast mushy heart thing and the willingness to mature. There is no need to be in contempt with Darcy. He’s just a character, and you’re REAL. Flesh and blood.
P.S.
Gals, especially you Carol. As what Kate Forster said in the “The Lake House” movie, “Life is not a book, Alex.” You should probably put away the book after you read it and take a look around. You never know what you’ll find.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave me a comment.