Let me start by saying that as a literary freak (You used the term first), you are probably not going to like the book I’m going to connect with. That being shared, the character I connect with is Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. (See, that’s the part you’re probably against). I believe the book is of literary merit because it can slowly bring readers into the style of classics.

            I’m not exactly sure what Elizabeth was like in Ms. Austin’s actual novel, but in this gory parody she’s amazingly strong and willful; she does what she believes to be right, not what society generally expects of a women her age. She doesn’t get caught up in the silly fantasies that young women are prone to. Elizabeth goes after what she wants even if it’s not what others around her think she should want. She knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid of hurting people’s feelings to tell them that they didn’t fit her lifestyle.

            Elizabeth is prone to upsetting her mother by speaking her mind. This often results in the loss of “perfect” opportunities. She fights zombies instead of looking for a husband, she runs after deer instead of worrying about the latest fashions. Elizabeth’s opinion differed from her mother’s just like any teenage girl’s opinion will do.

I’m like this too (minus the awesome zombie slaying part, though if the dead ever do rise, I’ll be all over that). My mother and I disagree about many things in this world. She’s into the latest trends (or at least what she thinks are the latest) and I couldn’t be comfier than when I’m avoiding school dances, reading my favorite books in my newest Hot Topic tee. Mother and I don’t always see eye-to-eye but I do realize that she’s just trying to look out for me like a mother should.

            Family was a top priority for Elizabeth. She cared for their feelings and wanted the best for them. Elizabeth’s usually ran into action to come to the aid of her family; evident in the way that she comes to watch over her sick sister Jane when she gets stuck at Netherfield after a storm. This is where our personalities tend to split; I love my family very much but I tend to spend more time with friends. I would, of course, also do anything for my family I’m just not as perhaps devoted to spending every moment with them as she’s accustomed to do.

At one point in the story, however, Elizabeth did imagine smiting off her youngest sister’s head, but only after being in a cramped space while she prattled on about seemingly nothing for hours. That just shows another way that Elizabeth and I are alike; I love my family but usually they drive me crazy enough to lop off a few limbs. (I’m absolutely kidding about that last part!).

Elizabeth Bennet is a strong-willed girl who has her priorities covered and her interests at heart, but not in a bad way. If I had to connect with any character in the literary world I’m glad I was able to connect with her. I think being able to see how she stood for her beliefs and ideals gives me hope that I can be the same way and show other people that I know what’s best for me and I don’t always need their opinion or permission.

I hope that my blathering on about Miss Bennet gave you some insight on how my mind works, though I’m sure that it really is just blather. I hope you’ll also forgive me for referencing a parody of the great Jane Austin’s, especially since I know how you love the original work.