Capturing the classics on film is no easy task.

These next four movies demonstrate what happens when the directors hit their mark: solid casting, skillful pacing and immersive cinematography come together in perfect synergy.

This 2011 version of Jane Eyre featuring Mia Wiakowski and Michael Fassbender is a poignant and haunting telling of the classic tale.

Jane’s life has never been easy. Somewhat of an orphan, Jane grows up with her aunt and cousins where she endures their unending physical and mental abuse. When she takes up a position as a governess, Jane is given her first show of kindness and attention from the master of the house, Mr. Rochester. Their growing friendship eventually turns romantic, and everything seems to be looking up for Jane – until a treacherous secret is revealed and Jane’s fairy-tale ending is threatened forever.

Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles is another classic story rich with human interest and intrigue. Tess is your prototypical tragic protagonist – ethereally beautiful and chaste. When Tess’s father finds out his family might descend from royal lineage, the fateful news changes Tess’ life forever, leading to her employment with the wealthy family of her namesake. It is here she encounters the tempestuous son of the elderly Mrs. d’Urbervilles, a hotheaded libertine who sets his sights on the naive young girl. This BBC mini-series will have you glued to the TV screen, enrapt with the compelling performance of Gemma Arterton and the stunning cinematography that BBC does best. Unfortunately, you’ll have to visit another public library for this gem (VPL does not own a copy). I found my copy at Brampton Library.

A tale of deceit, poverty and redemption, Dickens’ lesser known classic begins with Amy Dorrit, a humble and obedient young woman who stands behind her selfish family to a fault. Like many tragic heroines of the Victorian era, Jane bears her misfortunes with calm grace and moral fortitude. When the wealthy Arthur Clennam returns home to find the homely Dorrit working as a seamstress for his mother, something about her presence unsettles him and he embarks on a quest to find out the truth behind his mother’s silence and secrecy. A clever satire on government and society during the period, Little Dorrit has a little bit for everyone: romance, comedy, drama, mystery and plenty of shady, sinister characters!

Last but not least, Anna Karenina, the hauntingly beautiful story by Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. In this sumptuous film adaptation, the charisma between Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) and Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is palpable. Theirs is a passionate, although ill-fated affair. Anna, married to the esteemed Karenin, is torn between her attraction to Vronsky and her own indecision regarding her precarious marriage. The cinematography, music and costumes underscore the poetic sadness and desperation of Anna as she is torn between love, responsibility and her own growing hysteria.

Visit your local library branch and check out these classics today!

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of our Vaughan Reads pick The Tale-Teller by Susan Glickman and join the online discussion!

Genre:
Classic, English Fiction, Realistic Fiction, 19th Century Fiction, Social Life and Customs

Summary:
An educated young woman takes on a job as a governess when her family falls on hard times. Hired by the Bloomfields, Agnes aspires to make a positive impact in the lives of her pupils. But she soon discovers there is little she can do to befriend and mold her unruly students.

After being unjustly laid off, she’s hired by the Murray family. Hopeful for a better situation, it’s not long before she encounters the same petulance, vanity and cruelty in her young charges.

Lonely and despondent, Agnes finds little solace in her situation. Her only hope for the future lies in the new local curate, Mr. Weston, whose sober yet radiant compassion gives her the hope she needs to keep moving forward.

My Thoughts:
Drawing on her own experiences as a governess, Anne Brontë’s first novel is a telling glimpse into the desperate position of unmarried, educated women during the Victorian era. Governesses were often treated as little more than hired help. Their efforts to influence the minds of their pupils were carelessly thwarted by indulgent parents obsessed with status and outward appearances.

In Agnes, readers will find a firmly resolute character. When life keeps knocking her down, Agnes persists. She complains little and bears her unfortunate situation with calm grace and moral fortitude. She is both a pitiable and admirable character.

As I read Agnes Grey I found myself shocked by the downright despicable behaviour of the children in Agnes’ care. From animal cruelty to blatant disrespect for authority, these young delinquents would have been a nightmare for even the most patient and skilled of tutors.

Learn more about the Victorian era and the challenging role of the governess. Borrow Agnes Grey from your local Vaughan Library today!