Latest Articles by Sarah Canice Funke
Last night, we had a girls-in-the-church Austen fest, meaning to watch Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility back to back, but only getting through Persuasion. Truth be told, Persuasion is not my favorite Austen. I relate to bratty heroines who are constantly misjudging people, complaining about foolish and tiresome acquaintances, running (and ruining) other people's lives, and firing away withering remarks at the men they will eventually marry. This is why I love Emma best and Lizzie Bennet next. Furthermore, Captain Wentworth moves me little; Mr. Knightly and Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, can dish everything right back. Yes, the ability to engage in fantastic verbal gymnastics is extraordinarily sexy to me. This is why Much Ado About Nothing is my favoritist Shakespeare ever. This is why Lord Peter Wimsey is the man of my dreams. This is why I firmly believe that Casablanca should be No. 1 and not No. 2 on the AFI list. Once, a friend and I were shopping for shoes, and being somewhat bored, I called one of our mutual friends to ask his opinion on whether flats or heels were a better choice (mostly because I knew he would be somewhat annoyed, caring as he did very little for "girlie stuff"). We ended up getting into a largescale fake argument over metaphysics instead. At the time, my girl friend had taken it upon herself to set me up with someone, so in order to add to the Qualifications and Requirements List, she asked afterwards, "Is that important to you? Bantering?"
And so I thought about it: "Yes. I suppose it is."
At any rate, wit is certainly the fastest way to my heart.
*Disclaimer*: Anne Elliot is certainly a better role model than Emma Woodhouse. But I am just saying that it is easier to relate to someone with faults. It certainly gives me hope.
You have a very well-developed gift for banter. I remember "meeting" you several years back when one of your emails arrived in our family inbox. I think you were responding to something Vincent had written. You must have clicked on 'reply to all'. Your zesty wordplay was quite a treat; especially so in a day of careless, lazy communication. I'm convinced that creative respect for language should mark the followers of Christ. Our leader is called the Word. Our book is called the Word. Our words should distinguish us as image bearers. They have great power to bear meaning, bring delight, and convey truth. You, Funke(one), are Exhibit A.
Posted by: Damien at 8.07.06 12:59So, what did you think of North and South? Is she bratty enough for your liking?
Posted by: Patsy at 8.07.06 13:18To Mr. Howard: I remember that introductory email. I clicked "reply all" little suspecting that Vincent had included more than his fellow students on the address list. And so you joined the game. The thread that ensued was one of the chosen few I managed to salvage from my covanant email account post-graduation. Once in a blue moon, I reread old emails and that one always makes me smile. Thanks for your thoughts in words. Thank you for your thoughts on words. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
To Patsy: Yes, she was. Quite. In fact...I think I liked Margaret Hale better than Molly Gibson.
Posted by: funke at 10.07.06 23:42