Jane Austen Vs. Hallmark (An Illustrated Guide)

When I was younger, I thought that Jane Austen’s stories were little more than soap operas- Hallmark-style cotton candy drama. This may in part be due to the fact that my primary exposure was through the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice, which- well, which was pretty much exactly that.

But, after marriage, my wife introduced me to some of the more faithful adaptations of Austen’s works, and I have had the sense and sensibility to be persuaded not to judge her works with such pride and prejudice.

Jane Austen is actually pretty based.

Jane Austen’s stories not only have good “morals” that are obvious- morals about pride, prejudice, sense, sensibility, and the stupidity of meddling in other’s business, for instance- but they are also saturated with a Biblical worldview. Behold, an illustrated list:

Unsubmissive, controlling, and contentious wives are a scourge, and no one likes them.

“It is better to live on a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.” - Pr. 21:9

A passive patriarch who will not rule his family well and who lets his wife and children run unchecked is a total failure of a man.

“And his father had never rebuked him at any time by asking, “Why have you done so?”” - 1 Kings 1:6

Women without strong male authority in their lives are prone to all sorts of excesses, most notably gossip, meddling, flirtation, and getting shnookered by bad men. It never ends well.

“At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.“ - 1 Tim. 5:13

Good men are protective, chivalrous, and kind, but also authoritative, conviction-driven, and unafraid to correct the women in their lives. They also readily acknowledge when they have done wrong, but do not cower to pressure when they are in the right.

“He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity…” - 1 Tim. 3:4

Good women are kind, gentle, caring, and quiet- but that doesn’t mean they lack personality or opinions. They are respectful to the men in their lives, and they accept rebuke and repent when they have done wrong.

“…rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” - 1 Pet. 3:4

Bad men are predatory and they are good at what they do. They know how to lead women astray and they know how to identify women who are vulnerable and unprotected.

“If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and sleeps with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife.” - Ex. 22:16

Those who live by society will die by society.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.” - Gal. 6:7

The happiest people are those who genuinely care about others and don’t care overmuch about the opinion of “society”, but who are also content with and realistic about their place in the world.

“The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.” - Pr. 29:25

The Hallmarks of Feminism

Let’s compare this to Hallmark movies for a minute. Hallmark films, much like Austen books, usually have a good “moral to the story.” But the modern feminist worldview is irresistibly palpable.

Gossipy, manipulative, busybody women are a normal fact of life, and it’s kinda cute (and oftentimes is actually productive and good). In fact, these women are usually the heroines… and attractive men find them irresistible.

Good women are “spunky,” independent, and don’t need no man (though they certainly don’t mind having him around if he’s cute).

Married men are housetrained and domesticated. The wife is the boss. He makes trembling suggestions and is silenced by her withering glare. The women will figure everything out eventually; he learns to just stay out of the way, play golf, give occasional good advice- or maybe engage in some manipulation himself.

The main character’s romantic interest, of course, is never like this, because passive men are not hot. He actually stands up for his opinions, and he usually has some sort of dream he is pursuing. (Unless his dream is the problem and he is going to learn that all he really needs is love.)

But his primary pursuit is her, and his primary job is to make her feel safe and happy and twitterpated.

If the relationship transitions into marriage or a long-term romance, he will be put in his place. Best case, he plays a cute, supportive role as her helpful buddy.

Hallmark says that girls rule the world.

In conclusion, these are two very different views of reality. It is worth asking which one is more reflective of Scripture- and which one is shaping the worldview of our wives and daughters.