On April 1, 2017, six members from JASNA Greater Phoenix traveled to the Tucson Botanical Gardens to attend a Jane Austen Day, sponsored by the Southern Arizona Region.
Program Highlights
- “Seeing and Being Seen in Northanger Abbey” by Dr. Timothy Erwin
Dr. Erwin, Professor of English at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the 2017 JASNA Traveling Lecturer, will suggest a parallel between the exaggerated humor of Austen’s most whimsical novel and the sudden flourishing of caricature and comic prints from the 1770s forward. Using images from Thomas Rowlandson, James Gillray, and other comic artists, he will show how Austen’s punch lines often reflect the visual culture of her day. - “Shakespearian Comedy and Austen’s Emma: Some Explorations” by Dr. Peter Medine
There are similarities but also great differences between Shakespeare and Austen, and Dr. Medine, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Arizona, Tucson, will compare two aspects of Austen’s novel and The Bard’s plays: the plot structure, which is comedic but also highly nuanced, and the development of the comic heroine. Medine will explore them mainly with reference to Viola in Twelfth Night and Rosalind in As You Like It. - “Janne on Jane” by Dr. Janne Irvine
Music was important to amateur pianist Jane Austen, and she often commented on the musical skills and tastes of her characters to convey information about them. Dr. Irvine, pianist and musicologist, will entertain us with a recital featuring music from Austen’s era, interwoven with conversation about her novels. - Explore the Tucson Botanical Gardens
We will set aside time for attendees to explore the Botanical Gardens and two special exhibits: Butterfly Magic and Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life, a blockbuster exhibit on loan from The New York Botanical Garden until May 31, 2017.