Literary quote of week 11

"The bar is in full swing and floating rounds of cocktails permeate the garden outside until the air is alive with chatter and laughter and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot and enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each other's names."

F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby

When I read this sentence in the book, I just had t stop and reread it a few times, for I think it perfectly captures the spirit of the whole book (and the whole time period) in just a few words.

 

Reading and history

Have you ever thought of how much history you learn simply by reading classic literature?

Well, until recently I hadn't really considered it. But just think of it.

I love history and I'll admit I found my history teaching lacking at points and oddly repetitive at other points, but let's not dwell on that.
My point is that all my knowledge of several time periods and historic events I have solely from the fiction I  read that takes place in that time.

Let me take an example.. French history was something I didn't learn a thing about in school, so I depended completely on books set in France, to help me learn anything. And here is what they taught me:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame taught me of medieval Paris, and Louis the XI.

The three Musketeers taught me of Louis the 13. and the 15. century France.

A Tale of two Cities and The Scarlet Pimpernel taught me about the French Revolution.

Desiree taught me about the Napoleonic times.

Les Miserables taught me of the restoration, and that there has been more than one revolution in France (it would have taught me even more, if I had read the unabridged version, but sadly I couldn't get my hands on one)

That was just one example, and I'm sure I could go on for long if I listed all the books I've read through the years.
So thanks to all those authors who unwittingly taught me all what school didn't.

Literary quote of week 10

"No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine. Her situation in life, the character of her father and mother, her own person and disposition, were all equally against her. Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard — and he had never been handsome. He had a considerable independence besides two good livings — and he was not in the least addicted to locking up his daughters."

Jane Austen - Northanger Abbey

Last week was the ending - this week it's the beginning. Just because I like to do things backwards.

  

Period Drama Fashion Week Tag

 

So many blog parties to attend - so little time...

Yes, I found another blog party that i simply had to participate in. It is hosted at For the Beauty of the Earth and is just an extravaganza of gorgeous period gowns.

Well, here are the questions for the tag:

1. Tell us five random things about yourself.

1. My movie collection consists mainly of period dramas and musicals.
2. If I hear a good song/instrumental piece in a movie, I just have to find the sheet music and play it myself.
3. My favourite colour is red.
4. I love hairstyle tutorials but rarely have the patience to try them on.
5. I am a BBC fangirl. 


2. What are some of your favourite dresses from period dramas? Pick three.

This dress from Emma 

 

The coronation gown from The Young Victoria

This dress from State Fair

3. How would you describe your own style?

Casual and simple with a bit of inspiration from the 50s.


4. List (up to) five of your favourite period drama wardrobes.

Emma Woodhouse in Emma 2009
Queen Victoria in The Young Victoria


5. What are some of your favourite fashion eras?

Regency, Victorian, Edwardian and the 1950s


6. What are five things that make you happy?

1. Playing the piano
2. Walking in the nature
3. Being crazy with my friends
4. Spring flowers
5. Drawing


7. Do you like to wear hats?

I like the idea of wearing a hat, and I wish it was something we all did today, but I don't actually wear hats - I feel it would attract too much attention.


8. Do you have a favourite fictional character who has the same name as you?

No.


9. What is one of the ugliest dresses you've ever seen in a period drama?

That must be this one:

It's not that the dress in itself is ugly, it is just too much pink and frill at one place.


10. What is the most-worn colour in your wardrobe?

Black - not that I like the colour very much, but it's practical and goes with everything colourful.


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

Tea is a luxury I would find it hard to live without. I especially love peppermint, chamomile, green tea and all kinds of mixed herbs tea.


12. Do historical inaccuracies bother you?

That depends...if it is a minor inaccuracy I probably won't mind. But faults in social manners and etiquette - especially in the Regency period, will be mercilessly pointed out, and will annoy me immensely.


13. What are some of your favourite eras of men's fashions?

I don't have any definite preferences, but I like everything older than the 50's, in particular the 19th century.


14. Have you ever read any books on historical fashion?

Maybe for a school assignment long ago. But I have read several websites on the topic.


15. If you could pick just three fictional characters to have over for tea, who would you invite? 

I would invite Anne Shirley, Elizabeth Bennet and Jo March. 
The conversation would be anything but boring.

   

Literary quote of the week

"I leave it to be settled, by whomsoever it may concern, whether the tendency of this work be altogether to recommend parental tyranny, or reward filial disobedience."

- Jane Austen - Northanger Abbey

I just watched Northanger Abbey the other day, and was reminded of this great quote. It is by far my favourite ending sentence ever.