The alt-right has tried to appropriate Jane Austen. Their readings are alternately hilarious and horrifying.
Tag Archives: Pride and Prejudice
Why the Alt-Right Austen Takeover Will Fail
Bannon: Deconstructionist or Con Man?
When Steve Bannon said that he plans to “deconstruct” the administrative state, it sounds vaguely impressive but maybe just be a pretentious way of saying that he’s planning on gumming up the works. A discussion of deconstruction is in order.
Chelsea’s Books and Female Ambition
Chelsea Clinton revealed that she talked to her parents about Madeleine L’Engle’s “Wrinkle in Time” and watched the mini-series of “Pride and Prejudice” with her mother. Both feature strong heroines but also show these heroines to be confined to traditionally female roles.
A Cosmic Theory of Literature
My attempt at an overarching theory of literature and its place in human history and human progress.
Can Lit Also Be a Force for Evil? A Debate
The classics are capable to doing great good but can they also do harm? Even as they powerfully open up the mind to new possibilities, can they also close it down? A debate.
10 Memorable Poetic Pick-Up Lines
10 memorable pick-up lines from poetic greats. Try them at a bar near you.
Austenland, a Game for Janeites
At the end of each fall semester, we have a “fall festival” where the first year seminar students present a project to the community that shares some of what they have learned. This year my Jane Austen class invented a board game for the occasion, which they are calling Austenland. In the past, my Austen […]
Inviting Jane into Your Life
Once again Jane Austen has stepped into the lives of my students and enriched their lives immeasurably.
Who is the Worst Rake in Jane Austen?
A ranking of jane Austen’s rakes. Who is the most objectionable?