Interview with Dr. Mark Schenker, Associate Dean of Yale College - A conversation on Jane Austen & Sense and Sensibility:

Dr. Mark Schenker. Assoc. Dean of Yale College

ABOUT Dr. Schenker

Dr. Schenker, who has been at Yale College since 1990, is currently an associate dean and dean of academic affairs. Born and raised in New York City, he received his PhD in English Literature from Columbia University and has taught at Columbia, New York University, and Trinity College (Hartford). He was the recipient of the 2001 Wilbur Cross Award for Outstanding Humanities Scholar, presented by the Connecticut Humanities Council.


 I was delighted with my conversation with  Dr. Mark Schenker, Assoc. Dean of Yale College about Jane Austen on the topic:  "Sense and Sensibility: How the 18th Century Meets the 19th in Jane Austen's Novels". Dr. Schenker's scholarly and brilliant analysis of Jane Austen's work and the influence of history on her novels is a real treat for anyone who loves fiction and history. Dr. Schenker often speaks at local public libraries on various literary topics, including his annual analysis of the Shakespeare play of the season produced by Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton.   

Jane Austen

Kate Winslet as Marianne in Sense and Sensibility

                                        

                                                        Emma Thompson as  Elinor in Sense and Sensibility

Our conversation about Jane Austen naturally found it's way into other Austen novels including Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. 

Dr. Schenker spoke about Dickens depiction of

the economic and historic influences of his time.

Mark commented on the enduring popularity of Jane Austen's work evidenced by the numerous films and series of her novels, her many fan clubs and her many ardent readers of today. Like Shakespeare, Austen's writing is still relevant and doesn't seem to be threatened with any hint of future obscurity.

 Elinor and Edward in Sense and Sensibility

                                 Sense and Sensibility

Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility

Dr. Schenker's favorite Austen novel is Emma

Most of Austen's Novel's have been produced in Hollywood films and BBC television series 

Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma          

Emma dismayed at Mr. Knightly disapproval

Luxurious interior

  Emma on the BBC played by Romala Garai

Mr. Knightly BBC Production played bu J

                                                               PRIDE & PREJUDICE

 

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by the BBC

The Bennett Family

 

  Elizabeth Bennet  played by Jennifer Elhe and Mr. Darcy bu Colin Firth

                                                                                        

Lizzy in Pride and Predujice is not dismayed when she discovers the extent of Mr. Darcy's   considerable wealth when visiting his estate, Pemberly. Since women of that period

could not inherit family fortunes and could not have careers they were left to try

to marry well.  Lizzy was fortunate to truly fall for a man who had a lot to recommend him.

Opulence of  Pemberly in Pride and Prejudice

Opulent interior 

 

                                                              More modest  interior of Jane Austen's real home

                                                                                       Jane Austen's House


We discussed the  question about the authentic portraits of love that are central in Jane Austen's novels and whether her perceptions and understanding of true love came from experience or her imagination.

                                                                  Captain Frederick Wentworth,  Persuasion

                                              Grandeur in a street in Bath depicted in Austen's Persuasion

                                                             Captain Wentworth writing the  famous love letter to Anne Elliot


                                                                              "You pierce my soul. I am

 half agony, half hope.

I have loved none but you"

Jane Austen - Persuasion









Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot
                                                                             

 Fanny and Edward  in the BBC Production of  Austen's Mansfield Park

played by Johnny Lee Miller and Frances O'Connor