Approaching the Sublime

Is it spectacle or awe that draws readers to Jane Austen's works?

To start, some definitions need to be understood. When I say spectacle, I don't mean the positive, exciting spectacle of a well-produced play or musical. I mean the spectacle that produces a "degrading thirst for outrageous stimulation" (Wordsworth). I mean the cheap spectacle of absurd stories and behaviors.

The term Janite is a name applied to the really hard-core Austen fans. Though often used negatively, many Janeites have adopted the term and created a culture around it. In the world of the Janeites, I see four different levels.

The first level: The usual adoration of film adaptations and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy common to most females who enjoy Austen.

The second level: The Republic of Pemberley is an online chat room/website devoted entirely to the discussion of Jane Austen's novels. Participating in this chat room is almost an initiation to the world of the Janeites, though most of the discussion revolves around superficial information regarding characters from the novels. Little of Austen herself is ever discussed.

The third level: A large group of extremely devoted Janeites attend the yearly Jane Austen festival in Bath. At this festival, they dress in authentic 19th Century costumes and attend balls and reenactments.  The Netherfield ball itself costs almost $100 to attend.

The fourth (and I believe most absurd) level: This virtual world video game revolves around the premise that gossiping is a woman's most powerful weapon. That this idea is associated with Austen's characters shows how far popular culture has strayed from her actual themes and ideas.

To many, the Janeites and their obsessive interest in Austen's world is unbelievable. But so what? Why does it matter and what does it mean?

I think it means that the author is dead. And with the death of the author comes the rise of reader response.

It's true that Austen's novels are full of spectacle: Mrs. Bennet's poor nerves, Lydia and Wickham's abrupt affair, and countless other examples of scandal and spectacular happenings. But this spectacle isn't just to be spectacular and stimulating,  Austen was writing satire.

So how does the death of the author fit in here? What does satire become when an author's intent is no longer taken into account?

This seemed fitting. A link to the actual meme: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/35et2u

Like I said, the Janeite phenomenon is not a bad thing in my mind. I think it is great that people develop a love for literature and stories, even if it may be in a silly way. Though I do cringe a little knowing that some of Austen's brilliance is lost of many of her fans, this is something I can get over.

Who doesn't love a good spectacle every once in a while? Mrs. Bennet IS hilarious, and Mr. Darcy--well, he IS all he's hyped up to be.

But if this spectacle just really isn't your cup of tea, don't just write Austen off!

Not only can you find awe in Austen's few sincere moments and sincere characters, I think there is also awe in the brilliance of her craft and the perfection of her satire.