Recently I spent several hours of my life—over five actually (yes, again)—watching the famous BBC miniseries of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ from 1995. The one starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. I think this was actually the third or fourth time I’d seen it in full. The first screening was all the way back in high school. It was either 2001 or 2002 during my senior year, when I took my peer favorite ‘British Literature Through Film’ class. It was actually a pretty good class. Somehow they even managed to cram 'Braveheart' in the mix, which I didn’t like. Didn’t care for the movie back then and still don’t care for it even to this day. Not very historically accurate, I understand—far from it. Though, perhaps I should give it another chance. I do like Mel Gibson’s other famous movie (actually, there are a few... lol). Anyway, I’m getting off track here.

       I bring up ‘Pride & Prejudice’ because upon finishing this excellent miniseries, I spent some time thinking about the historical period in which it took place, and how those days were similar to Amish ways in many aspects. Granted, the miniseries (and book) takes place in the early 1800s in England. That’s when and where Jane Austen lived. I must confess, I’ve never spent a great deal of time studying English history after the time of the Revolution (except for some World War II stuff and of course, the times I have lived through. Prince William. Tony Blair). I guess one has to naturally study those earlier times during the period of the Revolution if one desires to understand what the Brits were thinking on their side. So, that certainly has taken place for me. But, ‘Pride & Prejudice’ then takes place right after the Revolutionary War.

       In looking strictly at the miniseries, we understand that period in British history to be pretty strong in Christian influence. That is, society I think, whether you consider the upper class, middle class, or even the lower class would have had pretty strong Christian sentiments. So, in that way, the natural society was much like the Amish society is today in that it revolved around the Christian religion. Morality was more in focus. A lot of people were on the same page. The dress may have been more extravagant, at least for the upper class, as was demonstrated in the series, but I don’t think it was that different. The idea was still the same. And, of course we know that the travel, a lot of the technology, and even the people’s interactions were quite similar to today’s plain ways.

       Obviously, the main narrative of the story is that the girls of the Bennet family are waiting to be married. The hope or ultimate goal is that be done out of love, if possible. But out of necessity is a consideration. This isn’t exactly the same as what we see with young Amish ladies, I don’t think. I mean, interestingly enough, I reckon they have more freedom in this area because they actually, in a way, seem to have more choice in the matter. Perhaps not, though. I guess it depends on the strictness of their individual church and the size and relation of their community. And are they allowed to date in other communities? Interestingly, I was speaking to Amish woman not too long ago who was in her upper twenties and still hadn’t married. She said that she was allowed to date Amish guys in other districts. But I know some may not be allowed.

       Whatever the case, courting seems to be the theme, back then and nowadays with the Amish. We know some Evangelical Christians even court in a few cases. Personally, I believe it is a good way to go about it. Though, dating works too. I like the structure of courting, and the understanding of more of a serious vibe from the beginning (I think). Anyway, the Amish women seem to have more freedom because at least in early 19th century England, I don’t think the women had as much power to refuse a man if he asked to see her. I suppose she probably could have, but it may have been frowned upon by family and whoever else. (I mean, who could bare that scene with Miss. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Collins? Terribleness).

       The Amish obviously don’t dance, a feature that was prominently displayed in ‘Pride & Prejudice.’ While they don’t get-together at balls, they do have something similar. That is the Sunday evening singings, where Amish young people gather to, you guessed it, sing. They sing I believe oftentimes more modern Christian songs with each other. Not in a ballroom of course but a word that starts with another ‘B’—a barn, or probably a house too. This is also the place, I understand, where guys can ask girls on a date. If the girl says yes, then the guy picks her up in his carriage and they head back to her house for the sit-around and talk date. I know, definitely different from the standard English date. But, this is the way it goes I guess. I presume a lot of English, interestingly enough, would be too immature to handle it this way. I know, but I said it anyway.

       I mean, can you imagine what this must be like for them? Actually constructive, intellectual conversation. Not going to a movie where you barely talk to the other person focused on a flick you may not even want to see. No sitting in an expensive restaurant burning a hole in the wallet. Sure, some English hit the coffee shop for the first date, and that’s good. And when this happens, I think it has the same idea that the Amish date has. That is, we are seeing if we are interested in the other person. We’ve already established some kind of attraction, unless the person is being met from online dating (God forbid, to use a Paul phrase), so it is more to try to understand the person better. To see if we are interested in their personality, and to see if it’s a person who shares common interests or with one of whom we click.

       It’s too bad that the old British ways or Amish ways do not really carry over into the non-Amish society. And it’s probably a good idea that we don’t try to force them too. We’d just end up in a lot of trouble. The last thing a guy wants to do, after all, is pull a Darcy—to tell a girl that he’s not even dating or courting that he’s madly in love with her. Miss. Elizabeth Bennet didn’t care for that whole thing that much. And rightfully so, for he hadn’t treated her the best and had pretty much insulted her in his proposal. She was caught totally off guard (perhaps). It wasn’t fair. And that’s the way it is when a guy spills his guts. He probably shouldn’t have even dived so head first into the whole thing before he had even been dating her. Guys can get way ahead of themselves (we all know that!).

       Speaking of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and really not just him, but there was a lot of horse back riding that went on back then. It’s unfortunate that the horses aren’t as much in focus for use today anymore—seems like it would have been a fun way to ride around (I’ve haven’t done it yet, but it’s on my to-do list; perhaps it’ll even be a hobby some day). The Amish, though, the Amish do still use those horses, though I don’t believe there is as much horseback riding. At least, I haven’t witnessed it. I don’t know if I’ve ever with my own eyes seen an Amish person riding on the back of a horse. Trying to think hard here. Nah, I don’t think so. Of course, they pull their little carriages with usually a single horse. I’ve seen a lot of people by themselves in the carriages. Perhaps too worldly to go horseback?

       Stop and consider for a moment. If you had to ride horseback everywhere, you wouldn’t be able to listen to your car’s stereo. Recently the stereo/CD changer crapped out in my Mustang (lol) and I had to replace it. Took me a little longer than I thought it would. I was able to find the exact same unit on eBay and order it. CD part hadn’t been used that much in this one (that’s what I mostly use. Wait, not the radio? Ha...) and I got a good price for it. Better than I had been expecting. Anyway, I popped the old one out and installed the new one. Though I suppose if my Mustang was a real animal that I would have to use my mind more thinking about the things around me as I rode around. Since I couldn’t really listen to music, my time would be spent totally differently. Perhaps I would talk to people as they rode on their horses too. Ever think how that has been lost?

       Anyhow, we do know that once Miss. Bennet and Mr. Darcy decided on each other (really, once Miss. Bennet changed her mind) that the marriage would be for life. That’s the way it was in the ole’ British society and of course that’s the way it is with the ole’ plain way. That’s understood from the forefront. A great thing that is. And, let’s consider this for a minute. If two people originally loved each other in the beginning of the whole thing, then why can’t they in the middle, as time goes on, and then ultimately in the end? Why does it have to be that people change? Why do people need to change interests? Doesn’t seem right when it comes to love. If a couple loved each other once, can’t they continue loving? I suppose if someone did something really bad which violates the trust I can see it. But if the love between a man and a woman isn’t sacred once they marry, then what is?

       Spoiler warning here for the few. I must admit I was a little disappointed at the scene where Mr. Darcy tells Miss. Bennet for a second time. He tells her his feelings haven’t changed toward her. Yes, on the other hand, she has had a change of heart. The whole thing takes place along the gravel roadway as they are walking straightaway. Green fields on each side. No dramatic outburst from Darcy this time. No getting down on one knee and pleading. Nah, he just calmly and causally tells her. And, I think at that point she is happy and eager to tell him her feelings have changed. I just wish the whole thing had been more dramatic, you know? Well, it was very plain (lol). It is what it is. I guess that’s more like real life in a lot of ways. The glamour was missing.

       Anyway (and again spoiling), we all know that Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Bennet marry at the end of the lengthy and terrific journey. Fanciful, beautiful scene there at the church, along with the other Miss. Bennet (Elizabeth’s sister Jane) and Mr. Charles Bingley of course. Picturesque we might say. The dress of all parties top notch. Quite the deviation from what we would see in the Amish world. Definitely not the same. Consider that Amish couples marry in their houses, probably in the living room, and perhaps in a barn at times. Much plainer and less dramatic. The Amish way. No posh wedding dress and elaborate suit (at least, in comparison). So, in this way the two worlds part ways. Again, though, setting aside the outwards, the inwards probably were/are similar. The marriage is to be for life. There is no question about that. Divorce just won’t ever be considered, not in the slightest.

       Perhaps in a way, it is these ideals of the Amish that make them stick out to us so much. Sure, a lot of us would probably prefer the pomp and sophistication of the old English ways (but then again, surely not everyone), and yet at the same time we long for something deeper, something more meaningful when it comes to the internals. We want to know things, like marriage, matter. We observe a people that when they say “I do,” or “Ja,” that they really mean it. That they will stay together, and there’ll never be a question about that. Ever. Quite something to ponder. The light is shining before others now more than it ever has. That lantern glows brighter than a lot of the lights gleaming from the chapels across the country every Saturday. We know that the small flickering flame truly represents what it stands for.

       And so it is that, like the people of two hundred years ago, the Amish too ride away in a carriage waving at their family and friends, their community. Well perhaps... wait, actually, unless they stay at the house where they married at that night? Yeah, think that’s the way it works. Girls house? I believe that’s typically the case. Anyway, what I am trying to say is that family is emphasized, and it’s the strong ties with family, both actual and those of the community, one knows, just like in times of old, that they have a strong support structure. The people who came to see the vows exchanged will be those who will always be around. Always there to guide, to assist, to help, no matter what the need. To be brothers and sisters. To display that love that Christ so clearly emphasized. One example that will be modeled from one generation to the next, as it has for their over 300 years existence. It stays the same, and so does the fruit of it all.

- Daniel Litton

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