On this website I have explored two popular novels by Jane Austen, namely Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. The 1995 and 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and the 1995 and 2008 adaptations of Sense and Sensibility were viewed while also comparing and contrasting the interpretation of these novels. The importance of perceptions of both the creators and viewers of these adaptations have been outlined and the author has referred to public opinion regarding whether these versions stayed true to the original novels and discussed whether or not if this is important. In concluding the findings of the research carried out, it is apparent that more modern adaptations can appeal to viewers of today in the sense that the women are portrayed to be stronger than in the novels, they are more feisty more challenging and more autonomous. Love and intimacy are more highlighted in these modern versions and reasons for marriage which have changed dramatically since the 18th Century have been emphasised. It is also clear that there are many who prefer to stay true to the content of the novels despite historical and cultural differences. Sense and Sensibility was more overtly sexualised in Andrew Davies depiction of the novel. He felt that Sense and Sensibility is full of sexual references and that he wanted to focus more on this aspect as it had not been done before. Overall it worked for some viewers and not for others.
In my findings it became clear that these adaptations gave more insight into the novels of Jane Austen and the visual interpretations served to expand on the characters and the themes presented in each novel. This topic is important as Austen’s novels shed light on the position of women and their experiences during the regency era and give voice to the women from that time in history. It is clear to see how the roles and expectations of women have evolved since that era by Austen’s depiction of the actuality of women’s lives at that time compared to modern day. Austen has had an incredible influence on subsequent female writers and her books are some of the most popular in English literature.
It has also been noticed that the different adaptations appeal to different types of audiences, the more conventional viewer and the modern viewer. Conventional viewers prefer the adaptation that stayed faithful on the whole to the original novels as generally they have had a previous interest in Austen’s work and they prefer the story and its original layout. The more modern viewer enjoys most adaptations even if they have deviated greatly from the original story as they are more open to different interpretations of Austen’s work. It would be quite dull if all the adaptations were taken word for word from the novel as they would all be the same. It is good to see how different directors have different interpretations of the novels and in some instances this can actually enhance the story.
It is clear that novels from a writer such as Jane Austen can teach a lot historically and culturally about the era from which they came. Adaptations of these novels can further enhance this knowledge and provide visual enjoyment also.
In my findings it became clear that these adaptations gave more insight into the novels of Jane Austen and the visual interpretations served to expand on the characters and the themes presented in each novel. This topic is important as Austen’s novels shed light on the position of women and their experiences during the regency era and give voice to the women from that time in history. It is clear to see how the roles and expectations of women have evolved since that era by Austen’s depiction of the actuality of women’s lives at that time compared to modern day. Austen has had an incredible influence on subsequent female writers and her books are some of the most popular in English literature.
It has also been noticed that the different adaptations appeal to different types of audiences, the more conventional viewer and the modern viewer. Conventional viewers prefer the adaptation that stayed faithful on the whole to the original novels as generally they have had a previous interest in Austen’s work and they prefer the story and its original layout. The more modern viewer enjoys most adaptations even if they have deviated greatly from the original story as they are more open to different interpretations of Austen’s work. It would be quite dull if all the adaptations were taken word for word from the novel as they would all be the same. It is good to see how different directors have different interpretations of the novels and in some instances this can actually enhance the story.
It is clear that novels from a writer such as Jane Austen can teach a lot historically and culturally about the era from which they came. Adaptations of these novels can further enhance this knowledge and provide visual enjoyment also.