Dear Jane, From Tasheena

Dear Jane,

              Why did I agree to this? The thought of writing a letter to my favorite author seemed like an easy feat that I could accomplish. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been thinking of what I truly wanted to say to you. I even wrote this letter a couple of times over. I could express how much your works have meant to me but isn’t that well…..obvious. And every time I tried to explain their importance to you it seemed to fall short. I’ll give it one more shot:

              About a month ago I had my heart broken. After the initial shock I thought “This must be what Marianne felt when Willoughby left”. I don’t know if my situation was at all like Marianne’s but I did notice that I often made comparisons to myself and your lead characters. Having a new understanding always changes how I see a character and makes the book new again. I think that is why after 200 years your books are still so beloved by many. The context and setting is so foreign from our own but the characters aren’t. As we grow older and mature we draw closer to Elizabeth, Elinor, and Anne in understanding.

              As I was writing I realized one other thought I would like to voice; I’m sorry you couldn’t have seen your legacy. I know that wasn’t why you were writing but I think you would have enjoyed watching all the movie versions of your books (the good and the bad). I have also secretly wondered who you would like more, Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen. Also the amount of sequels to your books would make your eyes cross. I guess people just want to know what happens to Elizabeth and Darcy after the wedding.

I hope many generations will be acquainted with Mrs. Bennet’s nerves, discover that Mr. Collins is a foolish clown, and fall in love with Mr. Darcy again and again.

Thank you,
Tasheena