How Fiction Can Change Reality - Jessica Wise' Response

Give an example of how a book really challenged the way you thought about an issue, society, an individual, or a group of people.

     Game of Thrones  drastically altered my expectations from literature (and indirectly, my worldview). In books, the protagonist is often a handsome figure who is impossibly strong (if not physically, in some other significant way). They are an invincible figure, and no matter how dire their situation, victory is always ensured in the end. However, Game of Thrones completely shattered my notions of a "hero". In Game of Thrones, everyone is flawed, and although some may be "better" than others, there is no glistening hero ready to save the day. 
     After reading Game of Thrones, I began to realize something about human society. Nothing is ever as black and white as we may think. Even the most "evil" of men is often a hero in his own eyes, and the men we put upon a pedestal are often found to be the most flawed. All hope should never be pinned on a single "hero", for even the greatest hero is tragically flawed. Instead, God should be the hero of our story, and following his legacy the greatest display of heroism.

“Life is not a song, sweetling.
Someday you may learn that, to your sorrow.” 

- George R.R. Martin

Austen Thoughts

Would you like to have lived during this time period? Why or why not?

Although there are many time periods that would have been far worse to live in, I don't have any particular desire to live in the 19th century. I'm accustomed to my lifestyle, and I think it would be very difficult to suddenly find myself in a time with completely different social customs, fashion, and technology. To be perfectly honest, I still haven't even deciphered the social protocol of my own time. 
Also, the Bennet's are a wealthy family (Does Mr. Bennet even have a job?), and the comfortable life that they life isn't shared by most of the residents of England in this time period. The rigid, monetary hierarchy of the 19th century defines their society, and finding a suitable husband seems almost impossible. One man makes too much to even consider you as a potential wife, while another man is too poor to be worth your interest. How on earth is anyone expected to get married? Even their chauvinistic views toward women can't compare to this stupidity.
I suppose the previously mentioned topic of marriage was what bothered me the most. Besides that, I can't find much wrong with the way they live. I enjoy the way they talk, it sounds so sophisticated! I can't even imagine being expected to sound so refined and elegant during normal conversation. I'm not quite sure if my mind could keep up with them though. I often find myself rereading particularly challenging bits, so I suppose I'm content admiring their language from afar.
  All in all, I wouldn't be too thrilled if I was suddenly required to live during the time of Pride and Prejudice. I do, however, admire various aspects of their culture, and I wouldn't be completely opposed to living there.

(Also, they have these side-burn curls...)