Friday, February 17, 2012

Literary Heroines


Blog questionnaires, I never do them. I'm always curious as to whether or not anyone really want's to read my answers. But this one, well, this one is all about literary heroines. I couldn't help myself. It beckoned and called to me.  So here you are, 23 things that I want to share with you, about everything bookish, and literary heroine-ish. :/  Grab a cup of tea, please, keep reading.

 1. Introduce yourself! Hi, I'm Amanda. I read, a lot. I collect books, the older and mustier the better. I wish I could write like Dickens, instead, well... I like tea, I'm normally covered in cat hair due to my cat, and I really like to buy earrings. 
Confessions... sigh

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? A true heroine knows her weakness, a true heroine isn't afraid to lean on God and someone else for help. A true heroine has faith, love, and forgiveness. A true heroine stands up for what is right, even when she is scared to death. 

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. Esther Summerson (Bleak House) I love how sweet and gentle she is. She is willing to give up everything for others.  Meg March, probably not the first person you would think of, but she is a true heroine. Lastly, Eurie Mitchell, in Isabella Alden's Chataqua girls series. 

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?  Hidden Hand, Mr. Standfast, To Have and to Hold, Anne's House of Dreams, Bleak House.  (Do I have to stop????) 

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?  Hidden Hand- Capitola- I like a heroine who is not only heroical, but hilarious! 
Mr. Standfast- okay Richard Hannay is of course great, but I like Mary too.  
To Have and to Hold - can I choose the villain? He's like the BEST villain ever! Alright, Captain Percy, he is so.... perfect.
Anne's House of Dreams - Anne. :) 
Bleak House- Esther Summerson of course. :) 

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? Hidden Hand - Black Donald- Old Hurricane comes in close. 
Mr. Standfast - Peter Pienarr- His fortitude and trust in God. 
To Have and to Hold - Lord Carnal - okay, confession, I love good villains! (I mean bad villains, really bad villains!) 
Anne's House of Dreams- Sorry Gill, I have to choose Captain Jim. :/ I feel bad. 
Bleak House- Mrs. Jellyby- I know she's only a minor character, but hey, she's my favorite! 

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? London, buy books and drink tea.  

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? Victorian and Edwardian times. The Mid-evil is close, and WW1, and the "modern age" of America, and ancient times and...

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? Comical Recitation. 

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? Anne. That would be fun. :) 

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? Firmly decided. Chocolate is necessary to health and long life. I am positive Anne would agree. 

12. Favorite author(s)? Too many really- Dickens, Montgomery, Southworth, Stevenson, Verne, Alden...


13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? A friend. Adventures are always better with a friend. And lot's of extra suitcases for all the books returning home with me. 

14. In which century were most of the books you read written? 19th

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is... Captain Ralph Percy. Not only does he have every attribute necessary: gentleness, love, strength, protectiveness, courage... He's also the best swordsman in the colonies, Plus he is pretty good at acting like a pirate. Can't beat that. 

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place. A tiny fairy-tale house, with lots of little nooks and crannies, a plethora of windows, a stone fireplace, and an English cottage garden. 

17. Sum up your fashion style in five words. Haven't found it yet. (I did it in four words! :) Okay really, whimsy, accessories,  casual, dark colors. 

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? Yep, in a child's book I used to read, one of the main character's was named Cecilia.I couldn't pronounce it, so reading it was almost painful. 

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...  Oh boy!  I love Villains! :) James Carker- from Dombey and Son. 

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?  Elements of Style- Strunk and White,  Literary Taste: How to Form it,  Tremendous Trifles. 

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? Outside in a flower strewn meadow. Laying out on the grass, with a picnic basket, some good books, a journal, and maybe even a friend. 

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.  A floppy yet stylish sun hat, something that reminds you of the 50's (or was that 60's?)  Perhaps a bit of ribbon around it. 

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. Going through one of life's biggest trials, the loss of someone very near and dear. 

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently. Isaiah, the promises of God's faithful love are enough to take your breath away. 

Fine Print: Images Not mine. Linking to Accordion to Kelly for the Literary Heroines. Had much fun. Going to find the episode that Lucy and Ethel go to London, didn't know they had done that too. All the books I site are not exactly recommendations, some have to be taken with a grain of salt, a few with  a black permanent marker. 


14 comments:

  1. I, for one, enjoyed reading your answers immensely. :)
    I LOVE what you'd bring on a voyage to a foreign land! A friend. How perfect is that? =)
    Blessings,
    ~Tasha~

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  2. I love your dream home! And your disclaimer at the bottom made me smile. :)
    Lovely to meet you!

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  3. Wow, we are so much alike! I love your blog title! (I definitely have Abiliophobia, and suffer from it tremendously when my stash runs out!) *BIG smile* YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB ON YOUR DESCRIPTION OF A TRUE HEROINE! I completely and totally agree! I love Meg too, I relate to her probably the most out of all of the March sisters! (Beth is a close second though!) I love "To Have and To Hold"! Lord Carnal is SUCH A GOOD VILLAIN! I should have thought of him in my post! I confess to musty books, reading, and earrings too! They are addictive! *sigh* I chuckled at your chocolate answer!

    I'm so glad you joined the party! LOVED YOUR ANSWERS!

    Have a blessed day in Jessu!

    ~Miss Purity

    @ Keep thy Heart with all Diligence

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  4. Just checked my blog. Thank you so much for following me! I'm sure you will love "The Scarlet Pimprenel" and the whole series! I LOVE YOUR BLOG!

    ~Love Your Sister in Christ, Miss Purity

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    1. You are welcome! Your blog is lovely, I can't wait to get to know you better!

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  5. Brilliant answers! Anne Shirley and movie adaptations were my absolute favorite growing up. I was determined I was moving to PEI after seeing it. *sighhh*

    I think books are genius. A library in one's own room, necessary. Chocolate to eat, while indulging in said books, a definite requisite. :))

    I loved finding out more about you through your fun answers, thanks for sharing!

    Jeanine

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  6. Very good Amanda! Kept my attention. ;-) Loved your answers.

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  7. I'll be that friend when you go to London. ;-P I'll carry all your stuff and dive into the depths of some deliciously musty old bookstores with you. Hee-hee...

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  8. Oooo, earrings, I'm like Gollum when it come to pretty baubles of that nature,!! ;-)
    I did read and very much enjoyed your answers, and the disclaimer was rather fun as well! I think I need to tag along when you have your afternoon off, it sounds remarkably like my answer!

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  9. Oh, and I love the tittle of your blog! I am totally overcome with that fear as well! ;-)

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  10. Hello deary,

    As I was stopping by to return the kindness you payed me earlier today, this post caught my eye, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it when, all of a sudden it ended. *hee-hee* I loved reading your answers. I too LOVE Miss Summerson from Bleak House; such a beautiful character, she has.

    Abundant Blessings,
    --Johanna
    serving tea and scones @ www.theoldfashionedgirl.com

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  11. Oh, I loved reading this! I love the character of Anne girl, too. :)

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  12. Fabulous post, Amanda! I really need to read Bleak House... Esther sounds like an acquaintance I need to cultivate:)

    I'm sending hugs your way for your great loss this last year. Your blog and your presence on mine are such a blessing!

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