TEACHING LITERATURE THROUGH MIND MAPS

https://www.dsastudymaps.it/category/inglese/

MY SUNDAY MOVIE - CLUELESS

I have just discovered this 1995 American  comedy film  based on the novel  Emma.

Jane Austen might never have imagined that her 1816 novel could be turned into a brilliant and satirical look at rich teenagers in a Beverly Hills high school. Cher  and Dionne, both named after "great singers of the past that now do infomercials," are upper-class girls who care less about getting good grades than wearing the right clothes and being as popular as possible. But Cher, who lives with her tough yet warm-hearted lawyer dad and  sensitive stepbrother, also has an innate urge to help those less fortunate - like the two introverted teachers she brings together ("negotiating" herself improved grades in the process!) and new friend Tai, who starts out a geek and ends up a Cher prodigy.  Cher also has her own sensitive side … she is looking for the perfect boyfriend, and she ends up finding him where she least expected! 

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/clueless/

https://fsharetv.co/movie/clueless-episode-1-tt0112697

ENJOYING EMMA

"A few minutes were sufficient for making her acquainted with her own heart. A mind like hers, once opening to suspicion, made rapid progress. She touched - she admitted - she acknowledged the whole truth. Why was it so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr. Knightley, than with Frank Churchill? Why was the evil so dreadfully increased by Harriet's having some hope of a return? It darted through her, with the speed of an arrow, that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself! Her own conduct, as well as her own heart, was before her in the same few minutes. Till now that she was threatened with its loss, Emma had never known how much of her happiness depended on being first with Mr. Knightley, first in interest and affection."

Here you  can download and read the eBook of Jane Austen's Emma; you can also listen to the full audio-book.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MISS AUSTEN!

Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775. Today would have been her 238th birthday, but no doubt she is timeless! We still learn a lot about family, love, friendship, and what it means to be a woman from reading her enchanting novels of manners. We still enjoy the plots, characterisations, and settings as well as the polished and elegant style of her novels  which  are deservedly considered literary classics, proposing a balance between reason and feelings, bridging the gap between romance and realism. 

What better way to celebrate her birthday than to listen to Sense and Sensibility and Emma audio books? A very special treat for these freezing autumn evenings!

And don't forget to read this article  about Jane Austen's  attention to women’s issues!