Anne Elliott, Elizabeth Bennet & Emma Woodhouse
Admitting to how many times I have watched and rewatched the Jane Austin classics in every movie and television version is embarrassing. Whenever a new version comes out, I often hear the complaints of this new character portrayal or that new character portrayal not being nearly as good as its predecessor. The sad part is, I LOVE them all. Each time I rewatch a new or old version, they only get better and better. More Jane Austin remakes, please!
An unforgettable heroine is mentally strong, but also has flaws and faults that we can learn from. An interesting flaw is one that is born from strengths. Many, if not all of Jane Austin’s characters are memorable female protagonists who are mentally strong. My favorites are Anne Elliott of Persuasion, Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice and Emma Woodhouse of Emma. It is not lost on me that all of these heroines have flaws that exist because of their strengths.
In Netflix’s 2022 version of Persuasion, Anne, played by Dakota Johnson, has many characteristics of being mentally strong. She is optimistic compared to her younger sister Mary, who is constantly melancholy and dwells on perceived slights. Anne is caring and kind. Especially when she stays back at her sister’s house to be with her nephew after he is injured even though she knows that Captain Wentworth will be at dinner. She is levelheaded and practical. When Louisa Musgrove falls, Anne takes control of the situation. But her practicalness or logic leads to her flaw. She is persuaded by others and herself to follow her head instead of her heart. Only after she learns to listen to her heart is she rewarded with Wentworth’s love.
In the 2005 movie version of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth, played by Keira Knightley, is confident and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in including standing up to Mr. Darcy and his Aunt who are far above her rank and wealth. But confidence in her own discernment leads her to making mistaken conclusions. Only after she realizes the true nature of Darcy’s character does she find love.
In the 2020 version of Emma, Emma, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, is optimistic, clever and productive in her pursuit of making love matches for her friends and not afraid to say her mind. However, that latter trait leads her to showing her flawed selfishness and conceit. When Mr. Knightley admonishes her for her unkind words to Miss Bates, she pledges to better. To fix all of the zealous matchmaking mistakes she had made and win the love she deserves.