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So we all know Mr. Collins’ visit to Longbourn in Pride and Prejudice and his attitude when things don’t go according to plan. His little “mission” to secure a Bennet sister as his wife doesn’t work out quite as he intended and I thought it was a funny modern translation of his entitlement and complete inability to read the room. He arrives at Longbourn with a single-minded goal, which is to “make amends” for inheriting the Bennet estate by marrying one of the Bennet daughters. I guess in his view, this would be an act of generosity so a “win-win”. However, his proposal to Elizabeth Bennet is a disaster. Elizabeth rejects him outright (rightfully so), despite his insistence that she will change her mind, and the whole scene exposes his inflated ego. Even more ironic, is at the end of it, HE feels slighted, as if the Bennets have somehow failed him, when, in reality, it’s his behavior. To him, marriage is a practical business arrangement, devoid of romance or emotional connection. But our lovely Miss Elizabeth feels very differently, showing Austen’s way of objecting to the absurdity of the norms back then. His rejection by Elizabeth is a moment of triumph for her character, as it shows her refusal to settle for anything less than a marriage based on mutual respect.

Though I will say, Mr. Collins did have a pretty quick recovery, rather than dwelling on Elizabeth’s rejection, he immediately turns his attention to Charlotte, who accepts his proposal out of pragmatism. So while Elizabeth rejects Collins’ superficial offer for love, Charlotte sacrifices romantic ideals for financial stability.

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The rivalry between Julia and Maria Bertram during the Lovers’ Vows play in Mansfield Park is such sibling squabble. I mean the meme perfectly showcases Maria’s entitlement and need to be at the center of attention. I feel like the play became a way for Austen to reveal her characters' true natures under the disguise of the performance. Maria and Julia’s rivalry over roles is really a show for their deeper competition for Henry Crawford’s attention. Maria, despite being engaged to Mr. Rushworth eagerly uses the play to flirt with Henry, while Julia grows increasingly resentful. Maria claiming to be both the “princess” and “queen” roles shows her tendency to dominate and take what she wants, regardless of her sister’s feelings. With Sir Thomas away, Mansfield Park transforms from a place of order into a more chaotic stage where boundaries are blurred. The Bertram family quickly loses their moral grounding when parental authority is absent, hence the squabbling, though funny, foreshadows the larger consequences of Maria’s reckless behavior later in the novel. Maria uses the  role in the play as an excuse to act on feelings she otherwise couldn’t express openly, which adds a layer of irony to the whole situation. Austen uses this moment to show how fragile the Bertrams' sense of propriety really is. They were given the smallest opportunity to break the rules, and they completely fell apart. It’s both cray cray and pretty brilliant, and Maria’s actions during the play set the stage (literally and figuratively) for her eventual downfall.

#couldneverbeme

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So I knew right when I saw it that I wanted to do this meme because it pokes fun at one of the most awkward aspects of Mansfield Park, which is Fanny Price ending up marrying her first cousin, Edmund Bertram. I mean we can all agree is a bit *grossss* but I get that marrying your first cousin feels very weird today, but in Austen’s time, it was perfectly normal, especially for wealthy families trying to keep everything in the family (quite literally it seems). Austen seems to make it perfectly clear throughout her books that marriage wasn’t just about love, it was about survival, property, and maintaining social standing, and blah blah whatever whatever. Fanny Price, as the quiet heroine, ends up as the “ideal” wife for Edmund, even if we can’t help but cringe a little. I guess though compared to Henry Crawford’s flirty schemes and Maria Bertram’s affair, Fanny and Edmund’s marriage is supposed to represent "moral stability." The irony though it too good, Edmund spends most of the book head over heels for Mary Crawford, who’s charming but lowkey shady, and only realizes Fanny is “looking very nicely indeed” when things fall apart with Mary. It’s almost like Fanny was his backup plan all along, which makes their relationship feel a little less romantic and a little more convenient. But I guess we can’t always expect the sweeping, passionate ending. 

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Okay, not gonna lie, I really did struggle trying to find a meme on this book, but I saw this post on tumblr and really enjoyed it, so I thought I would touch on this some more. So one, I love new girl, so it was so cool to see how it was compared to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with Ibi Zoboi’s Pride. So we see Winston (labeled as Darcy), getting advice from Coach (Georgiana) and Nick (Bingley) on how to approach a girl, only to mess it up spectacularly. The punchline, “Your family is embarrassing, marry me,” is such a perfect show of Mr. Darcy’s cringe-worthy first proposal to Elizabeth in Austen’s novel. It’s also a moment that resonates even more in Pride, because of its modern context and teenage dynamics.

In the original Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy’s first proposal is just a mess of awkwardness and arrogance. I mean he is basically saying that he is lowering himself to marry her but honestly Darcy you personally can’t get lower than that, so how low are we really trying to go here. So I feel like the meme captures the energy really well of Darcy admiring Elizabeth (or Zuri), but his pride and social awkwardness turn his confession into a disaster. What makes it even more fitting for Pride is how teenage-like Darius Darcy feels compared to Austen’s Mr. Darcy. Darius’s relationship with his siblings, Georgiana and Bingley (who are actually siblings in Pride and Prejudice) just makes it funny because this would totally be something that would happen with my siblings. So unlike Austen’s adult Darcy, Darius doesn’t quite have the refined awkwardness of a man of wealth, he’s more of a relatable teenage boy who would absolutely roll his eyes or face-palm when things don’t go his way. Anyways this isn’t the best writing on this but I really enjoyed seeing these two, or three really pieces get tied together particularly because I love both new girl and pride and prejudice so much.

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Alright, so I have created (#secondmemeinthemaking) this meme to capture the unexpected twist Lost in Austen gives to George Wickham, the infamous villain of Pride and Prejudice. In Austen’s original novel, Wickham is a little lying, villainous snake who deceives Elizabeth Bennet, *tries* to ruin Darcy’s reputation, and elopes with Lydia, endangering the Bennet family’s honor. He’s charming but morally bankrupt, but in Lost in Austen, Wickham defies expectations and becomes Amanda Price’s unlikely, chaotic ally leaving us a little stunned (and maybe a little charmed).

I love how Lost in Austen played with audience expectations. We go into the series ready to hate Wickham because we “know” him from Austen’s novel. However, the show flips his character on its head, forcing us to question our assumptions. By making Wickham helpful and insightful, Lost in Austen explores the complexity of Austen’s secondary characters and how they might look from a different perspective. I mean it tapped into Austen’s own irony that if Wickham was always skilled at deception, maybe he’s not entirely as bad as he seemed. We also touch on the marriage plot because in Pride and Prejudice, Wickham’s role is to throw obstacles in the way of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship. Yet in Lost in Austen, he becomes a sort of fixer for Amanda as she slips through Austen’s world, making him an ally rather than an enemy. The meme kind of reflected on how Lost in Austen thrives on this kind of playful subversion, like what if the villain isn’t the worst person in the room? Ultimately, the humor here lies in Wickham’s unexpected redemption arc. He’s still a rogue, but one we can (reluctantly) root for. By turning him into Amanda’s ally, the series gives us a Wickham who is less a snake and more a surprisingly decent partner-in-crime.

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Glad to know I wasn’t the only one with that reaction of Elizabeth Bennet’s complete disbelief when Charlotte Lucas announces she’s going to marry Mr. Collins. The facial expressions literally say it all. Charlotte’s calm pragmatism and Elizabeth’s shock and borderline horror perfectly sum up their contrasting views on marriage. While Elizabeth sees marriage as something that should involve love and respect, Charlotte treats it as a practical arrangement, a way to secure financial stability and avoid being a burden on her family. Her reaction here feels extra personal too considering she just got done rejecting Mr. Collin’s herself.

This moment ties directly into Austen’s critique of the marriage plot.  In this time, marriage wasn’t just about romance, it was about survival, especially for women. Charlotte’s decision might seem shocking to Elizabeth (and to us), but it’s a realistic choice given her situation. At 27, Charlotte is considered “on the shelf,” and her chances of finding another suitor are slim. Marrying Mr. Collins, while unappealing, guarantees her a stable home and financial security. Through Charlotte, Austen explores the sacrifices women had to make in a society that offered them so few options. Though, I love how this also shows more of Elizabeth’s independence and her willingness to push back against societal norms. While Elizabeth respects Charlotte’s choice, she can’t imagine making the same decision herself. Her reaction shows her deep discomfort with the transactional nature of many marriages in her world. Elizabeth’s refusal to settle, even when it risks her own future security, is what makes her such a compelling heroine. #livelovelaughelizabeth

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Alright, so we are just seeing more of the awkward disaster Mr. Darcy’s flirting is in the early part of Pride and Prejudice. His social skills are, let’s just say, lacking. His infamous first proposal to Elizabeth, where instead of expressing love in a way that might actually win her over, he spends most of the time insulting her family and reminding her how much he’s lowering himself by proposing. Classic Darcy. I thought the meme put a funny modern spin on it because like roasting is the epitome of a gen-z term. His “love” does come across as arrogant and clumsy. It’s like he genuinely thinks telling someone, “I love you, even though you’re beneath me,” is romantic. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Elizabeth’s fiery rejection of him is one of the most satisfying moments in the book because she sees right through his pride and calls him out for it. 

I thought it tied really well into the use of free indirect discourse. While Elizabeth is rejecting Darcy’s proposal, the narrative gives us a glimpse into his internal conflict. His words might sound arrogant, but Austen subtly shows us how vulnerable Darcy is underneath all that pride. For instance, Darcy reflects that he “had no doubt of a favorable answer.” The narrative subtly mocks his confidence, even as it reveals his vulnerability. The use of FID helps readers see that while Darcy is proud and judgmental, he is also struggling to reconcile his feelings for Elizabeth with his class values. Though, I do think Darcy’s awkwardness makes him human. Austen doesn’t just write him off as a jerk. She uses his blunders to show that love, especially in a world filled with class expectations and social rules, isn’t always smooth or perfect. His growth after this moment is what makes him one of Austen’s best characters. He learns to set his pride aside and actually listen to Elizabeth, which leads to his eventual transformation. #darcyforlife

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Okay so like get it Elizabeth because it would be her to use his own “insult” against him. This meme is such a good picture of the dynamic between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. It draws on their most iconic battle of wits: Darcy awkwardly tries to engage Elizabeth in conversation, asking her about what might “encourage affection,” only for Elizabeth to turn his earlier insult back on him. Her line about dancing with someone “barely tolerable” is like a mic drop moment, and how Darcy is clearly outmatched. The final frame, with Darcy reacting like a defeated Snape, makes the moment even funnier especially since I think he kinda looks like him lol. 

The moment is also a great example of how Austen is using dialogue to build tension. Darcy’s question is his awkward attempt to connect with Elizabeth. It reveals that he’s starting to admire her, even though he’s still struggling to admit it to himself. Elizabeth’s response, however, is a demonstration of her sharpness and independence. We see that Darcy’s pride makes him socially awkward and judgmental, while Elizabeth’s wounded pride pushes her to misunderstand him. However, moments like this set the stage for their eventual growth. Darcy’s reaction, kind of wounded, yet intrigued, shows that Elizabeth’s quick wittedness is one of the things he admires most about her, even when it’s directed at him. Also, the irony in this is just *muah*. Elizabeth turns his own words into a critique of his pride. Darcy is used to people fawning over him because of his wealth and status, but Elizabeth refuses to conform to these norms. #iconic

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This meme perfectly shows why Colonel Brandon was such an underrated man in Sense and Sensibility. So you’re telling me he gets rejected by Marianne over and over again, raises another guy’s kid, helps Edward Ferrars when he’s in trouble, and still somehow stays humble and kind. And yes… he isn’t even Willoughby. Brandon isn’t the dramatic, flashy guy Marianne falls for, but he’s the one who actually shows up when it matters. At first, it’s easy to overlook Brandon, just like Marianne does, I mean even I did. Willoughby is charming, passionate, and sweeps her off her feet, while Brandon is older, quieter, and doesn’t seem like the “romantic” option. But as the story goes on, Austen flips the script. Willoughby turns out to be selfish and irresponsible, while Brandon proves that real love isn’t about big, dramatic gestures, it’s about showing up, being dependable, and actually caring about someone else’s happiness. Which is like ughhhhh to die for right now. Anyways :) reading this, I couldn’t help but start to root for Brandon. He’s the guy who would text you back right away, help you move, and remember your favorite coffee order, while Willoughby is the guy who ghosts you after making a bunch of promises. Austen uses Brandon to remind us that kindness and stability are way more attractive than they might seem at first glance.

This meme also connects to the big theme in the novel: sense vs. sensibility, or reason vs. emotion. Marianne is all about emotion and she wants this passionate, whirlwind romance. Though, Austen shows us, through Brandon, that sense isn’t boring: it’s steady, reliable, and what you actually need in the long run. I feel like this meme got that across in a funny way, making you stop and appreciate just how rare someone like Brandon is, both in Austen’s time and today. And yeah, we could all use a little more Brandon in our lives.

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I thought this meme perfectly and quite funnily might I add captures Fanny Dashwood’s selfishness in Sense and Sensibility. Her reaction to Edward’s comment, basically—actually no literally brushing off the Dashwood sisters’ grief over their father’s death, is the perfect example of her cold, calculating personality. The "Yes, very sad. Anyway," format was pretty spot on because Fanny’s attitude is all about money. She doesn’t care about their loss or their struggles,  she’s laser-focused on keeping her hands on as much cash as possible, which the piles of money in the meme emphasize perfectly.

What makes this moment so frustrating (and funny, in hindsight) is how real Fanny’s behavior feels. She convinces her husband, John Dashwood, to break his promise to help his stepmother and sisters, leaving them practically destitute. Her arguments are logical on the surface, but they’re dripping with greed. Like I couldn’t help but roll my eyes while reading because her selfishness is just so obvious. Austen uses Fanny as a way to point out how obsessed people of her time were with money and class. It wasn’t just about being rich, it was about making sure you stayed rich, even if it meant being heartless.

I feel like this meme also did a good job of highlighting a big idea in the book which is the tension between money and human connection. Fanny is almost the exact imitation of someone who values wealth over people, and it’s easy to laugh at her because of how extreme she is. But Austen’s point isn’t just to make fun of Fanny, it’s also to remind us how unfair the system was, especially for women like the Dashwood sisters, who had no real way to earn their own living. Anywayssss even today, we all know or know of someone like Fanny—those who would rather hoard money than help someone in need. It’s funny, frustrating, and a little too real, which is what makes this meme such a great reflection of Austen’s wit.

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Catherine Morland’s overactive imagination is one of Northanger Abbey’s most satirical elements. This meme captures her tendency to prioritize gothic fantasy over rationality, as well as illustrating her flawed perception of general Tilney, a man she believes to embody the brooding villain archetype of her beloved books. It reflects Austen’s playful critique of both her protagonist and the broader cultural obsession with gothic novels. Austen uses Catherine’s exaggerated fears to satirize the literary trends of her time. Catherine also prioritizes her gothic fantasies multiple times throughout the book, one more being when she discovers an old chest and, driven by those gothic expectations, anticipates finding a sinister secret. Though yet instead, she is confronted with a boring laundry list (which honestly is kind of sinister in itself). This clash between expectation and reality mirrors how the meme is structured: the distracted boyfriend representing Catherine’s skewed priorities, as she overlooks the mundane truth (general Tilney as a strict but ordinary patriarch) in favor of her dramatic fantasies. Austen doesn’t use this exaggeration without purpose. She uses parody to poke fun at her characters, but also to reveal their weaknesses. Catherine’s obsession with gothic fiction and tendency to mix fantasy with reality shows her youthfulness. But does that make her world any less interesting? Her wild imagination could also be trying to teach us something important. Maybe her gothic fantasies let Austen critique societal expectations while also showing Catherine’s growth. Overall though, I thought this was quite a good use of this meme template and I made it myself. #firstmemeinthemaking

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Alright, I hope I am "memeing" right lol but I found this photo quite funny. My favorite movie is Pride & Prejudice so I have seen a lot of Mr. Darcy and know very much about his traditional reserve.

The meme humorously contrasts Mr. Tilney's more modern, irreverent humor compared to Mr. Darcy's traditionally reserved demeanor. The photo uses these personalties to play on the evolution of social manners and humor (which I had to do a deep dive on the time frames and manners of each before I wrote this lol).

After getting into Northanger Abbey, you can tell of the jump of Mr. Tilney's wittiness and humor with his playful teasing or banter. It seems as though this either wasn't exactly the norm of the time frame or at least a new way of conversing, enough so that in the earlier chapters, Charlotte is turning head away cause she's not sure whether to laugh.

I have not seen the Northanger Abbey movie but just look at that face and tell me it does not scream sassy! I loved it, so I will definitely be giving it a watch after I finish the book.