This is the
first day of
Book Kaleidoscope 2014, the rewinding of bookish aspects of
books we have read this year. I did not find many perfect heroes this year;
most of the male protagonists were average. So, these are five of my best picks
for book boyfriends, and the actors who best played (or will best play) them:
#5. Edward Ferrars
in
Sense and Sensibility
Okay, maybe
Edward Ferrars is not a distinguished fiction character. I admitted that he is
here, more, because Dan Stevens plays him in the 2008 mini-series adaptation…!
*blushing* But an ordinary man as he is, Edward has quite an interesting side—quietly
interesting. Edward is not ambitious, but honorable. What distinguished him is
his principle to be fair and good to others. He is willing to sacrifice his own
happiness (to marry Elinor) because of his promise to Lucy. He doesn’t seem
quite strong, however he is brave enough to disobey his mother and reject
fortune. Shy, honorable, brave, humble; just an interesting combination in a
boyfriend, eh?
 |
Dan Stevens
(2008 – TV miniseries)
|
#4. Mr. Rochester
in
Jane Eyre
I don’t
think I would have liked Jane Eyre if
there was no Mr. Rochester! Now this is an eccentric man with strong
personality, whom you could hardly forget if he ever… ehm… enters your life.
Edward Rochester is not handsome, but has a vigorous and temperamental
character. His morality was perhaps a bit loose, but he does not hesitate to
sacrifice his life when others are in danger. He could be a better man if his
past don’t overshadow his youth, but sometimes, a rebellious man is more
attractive than a perfect one…as a boyfriend at least. Do you agree? ;)
 |
Toby
Stephens (2006 – TV miniseries)
|
#3 Uncas
in
The Last of the
Mohicans
Uncas is an
Indian native from Mohicans tribe. He is not the main protagonist, and though the
number of his dialogs is not significant (you know how little Indians talk!),
yet the power of his soul covered the whole story. He is brave, honest,
pure-hearted; and as a man, he is tender and attentive. Uncas loves without a
need to express it—he is very shy—but once he loved a woman, he would give his
life to protect her, without slightest doubt. And without slightest doubt, a
man with Uncas’ quality would be a great boy friend; if not husband. Do you
agree? ;)
 |
Eric Schweig
as Uncas (1992)
|
#2. Philip Carey
in
Of Human Bondage
Thanks to
Maugham’s vivid portrayal of this character, I felt like I have known Philip
for years. Although I disliked him at first, my fondness for him grew while he
was developing throughout the story. Philip might not be a very pleasant friend
to have, but you can’t resist loving him. Deep down, he is a loving man; he is
easily touched by his friends’ sorrows, and he gives helps even when he is in
difficulty. The problem is, he has suffered too much from lack of affection and
humiliation, that he always creates invisible walls to protect himself from
being hurt. Philip would be one of the best boyfriends you’d like to have after
he got through al his obstacles! Though Of
Human Bondage has been adapted into movies before, I would love to watch Eddie
Redmayne as Philip. Actually, during the reading, I was always imagining Philip
as Redmayne! :)
 |
| Redmayne as Philip Carey...what do you think? |
....and the award goes to.....
#1. Lawrence Selden
in
The House of Mirth
In Selden I
found most of the qualities I like in a real man. He is a representation of
balance and stability. There is no exaggerating in his manner or mind; he is
not too kind, nor he is too sensitive or ambitious. He is distinguished because
of his self-possession; he knows what’s best for him, and cannot be dictated by
the society to do otherwise. But the most important is, Selden can understand
Lily Bart very well, and can guide her. He never forces her to love him, but
always be there for her. Who can resist this kind of man? And that’s why I
crowned him as my….
 |
Eric Stoltz as
Selden (2000)
|
So, who are
yours? Share in the linky below!
