Becoming Jane and Janeite!

“A novel must show how the world truly is, how characters genuinely think, how events actually occur. A novel should somehow reveal the true source of our actions.”

-Becoming Jane 

I started this blog in result of the ideas I had for a research project evolving. JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) offers a grant for their International Visitor Program (Click to read more about JASNA and IVP). I had so many ideas I wanted to write about in regards to Jane Austen. I narrowed down the list and chose Feminism. What the movement is, where it began, what Jane’s role was and still is.

As I began my research, I got to thinking about just how many opinions and thoughts I had. Not only on Feminism (such as: its real meaning as opposed to “Man-hater”) but Jane Austen herself. Why not take it further than one singular topic? If I was to jump, it might as well be down the rabbit hole of Jane Austen where I’d gladly reside.

So what’s the big deal? Well, this grant chooses one international visitor every year. This visitor gets to visit, work and stay in Chawton, Hampshire. Specifically Chawton House Library and…..Jane Austen’s House Museum. WHAT?! For any Janeite this is quite literally a dream come true. It is something many of us have on our bucket list but likely won’t be able to check off.

The quote listed above is from the movie Becoming Jane, where Anne Hathaway plays the part of Jane Austen. Although I may not be received  with open arms on this, I love the movie (even with the all of liberties taken). The movie follows a young Jane Austen on her destined path of becoming a published author. I found it to be one of the most refreshing takes on Jane herself. We’ve seen so many new novels based off of her classics (Zombies, Sequels etc.). Some fans are more receptive to renditions or movies like Becoming Jane. The name and meaning behind this blog were influenced greatly by this movie. I should not just write as Jane would, I should write as I would, as life is now.

I took this path initially in hopes of getting the chance to see and envelop myself in Jane’s home (which of course I still very much want!). Now, I realize this is just the beginning. I’ve connected with so many other Janeites throughout this process, read so many interesting Jane blogs/commentaries. I will be forever grateful for JASNA’s influence, in pushing me to pursue this dream and finally be a part of this tight-knit group of Jane admirers. I ‘ll take Jane with me, connecting her world with mine wherever this journey leads and maybe one day I will live by my pen.