In which I discuss literary heroines.

It's that time of year again...Kellie is hosting her annual Literary Heroine Blog Party! I never miss a chance to talk about books, and there's a pretty amazing giveaway going on, too. This is my third or fourth time participating, so forgive me if some of the answers seem familiar. I tried to change things up a bit, but some of the answers never seem to change. :)

 

 The Questions

 

1. Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

 

I'm Kristin. I'm a twenty-two year old bookworm and classic movie enthusiast. I'm also a fan of Doctor Who and Sherlock (I know that will probably be important to some of you :), and tons of other BBC shows and mini-series. I love being creative: I sew, embroider, knit, spin, and dye yarn. You can read more about me here.

 

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

 

A true heroine is godly, kind, clever, humble, loving, and honest. But goodness, she can't be too perfect or we won't be able to stand her! :) She has to have some flaws that I can relate to, but she should be able to recognize them and hopefully work past them.

 

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

 

a) Jane Eyre. When I reread this book last year, I was struck by how much I felt like I knew Jane. She's such a wonderful character! (See question number 5 below.) Not only that, but I could relate to her in a lot of ways: I tend to keep my emotions to myself instead of speaking them or showing them outwardly, I'm a people pleaser, etc.

b) Elinor Dashwood. Out of all of Austen's heroines, Elinor is my true kindred spirit. We're both quiet introverts who need to open up with other people a little more. We end up listening more than we talk. She's wiser than I am, though. :)
 

c) Anne Elliot. I'm quite stubborn about my opinion when it comes to important matters. But in trivial matters, I sometimes find myself being swayed by a seemingly good argument. Then I'll suddenly realize how ridiculous it is and think to myself: don't be like Anne Elliot! :) Honestly, though, Anne is a lovely character. She allowed people to mislead her in the past, but she ends up being stronger and more confident in her own decisions. Also, even though her dad and sisters are completely awful, she still treats them in a loving, respectful way and she's very patient and long-suffering.

 

4. Five of your favorite historical novels? 

1. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
2. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
3. Persuasion, by Jane Austen
4. Emma, by Jane Austen
5. The Tutor's Daughter, by Julie Klassen (I guess this counts, because while it was published last year, it's historical fiction in a very Austenish setting. It seems like this list never changes much, so I decided to add in a newer book. I absolutely loved this one! You can read my review here.)

 

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite major character and why? 

 

Last year I said Elizabeth Bennet. This year I'll go with Jane Eyre. With the way the book is written, you really get inside Jane's head and understand her. I love the passionate nature that's hiding beneath her quiet and calm façade, how she really just wants to be loved, the fact that she's rather plain instead of gorgeous, how smart she is, and how she's strong enough to do the right thing. She was able to move past a horrific childhood and become a wonderful person. Basically, Jane is awesome.

 

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 

My answer to this question never changes: Mr. Collins. He's ridiculous, awful, awkward, tactless, and prideful. And hilarious. :)

 

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

My dream vacation, if money and time were no object, would be a tour of Europe. Most of the time would be spent in England, but I'd stop in France, Scotland, and Ireland, too. Most of my favorite books and favorite authors are English. So I would visit all of the places associated with them. The country estates where my favorite Austen adaptations were filmed, Jane Austen's house, the pub where C.S. Lewis and the Inklings met, Platform 9 3/4, Beatrix Potter's home, etc. I would shop for books in London and find the TARDIS and 221B Baker Street. I would wander through the Yorkshire moors, see the Loch Ness monster, read in an English garden, tour ancient castles, and probably cry when I saw the Eiffel Tower.  

 

8.  What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? 

I love to read about just about any time period and culture! I am a bit obsessed with murder mysteries set in 1930s England. :) In general, I love reading stories that take place in the years between 1920 and 1960. As far as classics or historical fiction go, I like to read Regency era and ones set in late 1800s-early 1900s America.

 

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? 

None of the above. I'd rather work behind the scenes. :) I can't carry a tune in a bucket and I'm so awful in front of groups of people that I would immediately forget my recitation. I would possibly provide a comedic moment when I fainted and had to be carried from the stage...

 

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

Probably Elinor Dashwood.

 

11.  What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? 

It is my one weakness. *ahem* (Name that period drama!) I love it too much.

 

12.  Favorite author(s)? 

Absolute favorites are Jane Austen and C.S. Lewis. Roald Dahl, Shannon Hale, Gail Carson Levine, Julie Klassen, Kate Dicamillo, and Deeanne Gist are some other authors whose books I have read most of (or all of) and enjoyed.

 

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? 

My journal, a camera, books, and my knitting. :)

 

14. In which century were most of the books you read written? 

Probably the twentieth century. Followed by the 21st century, and then the 19th century. I don't think I've read any books written before then (except the Bible).

 

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 

Mr. Darcy would be a classic answer, because Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book and I really do love his character. But in real life, I think I would prefer a Mr. Knightley type. He's kind and loyal and always there. He's not blind to your faults and when necessary, he'll correct you. But that's probably the best part: he sees your flaws and loves you in spite of them. :)

 

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

A typical old southern farmhouse. The house is two stories, with a wrap-around porch and a tin roof. There's a little orchard off to one side (I just love that most old farmhouses had an orchard), and a tire swing hanging from a tree in the front yard. Plenty of huge, ancient trees on the property. Inside, all of the walls are painted lovely colors, and they display a hodgepodge of embroidery, photos, and quirky artwork and prints. There would be a yellow and green kitchen with one of those gorgeous 50s dinette sets. All of the furniture is sort of old and mismatched, and there's a record player in the living room. And there's a library that is every bookworm's dream: wall to wall built-in bookcases, complete with a rolling ladder.

 

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

I don't know that I have a fashion style, but here goes: Comfy, natural, handmade, and sort of Penelope-inspired, but with a bit more of a vintage feel. :)

 

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? 

Maybe Klaus, the brother in The Series of Unfortunate Events. I like the sisters' names (Violet and Sunny) and their last name. But Klaus...it reminds me of Santa.

 

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

I don't know. I don't exactly read a lot of books full of dastardly villains. :)

 

20. Three favorite nonfiction books? 

1. My Life in France, by Julia Child
2. Paperdoll, by Natalie Lloyd
3. Boy, by Roald Dahl

 

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

Reading, watching a favorite movie, knitting, and enjoying some ice cream.  

 

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

I like cloches, but not on me. I desperately want to be a hat person, but so far I don't actually wear them often. Except to keep my head warm during winter walks...

 

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

I became an aunt! My sweet little niece Stella was born back in October. :) And much more insignificant, but still exciting, was the fact that I got a spinning wheel last May.

 

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

 I think this is the same one that I chose last year...but it still applies. :)