Two hundred years ago, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice was published on January 28. Sold for one hundred pounds to a publisher, her second novel was regarded as a success, but Austen did not get to witness the massive following that would develop in the next two centuries. Perhaps even Austen herself would not understand, or believe the volume of media that has been inspired by her works.
Whether you’re a closet Janeite or wish to saturate yourself in all things Jane Austen, here is a rough education guide to get you started.
1. Watch the different television and movie adaptations of Austen’s novels
Other than the 1995 version of Pride & Prejudice (the one that most people are familiar with), there are plenty of choice adaptations of Austen’s novels out there. My personal favourites are Sense & Sensibility (1995 and 2008) and Northanger Abbey (2007). Both can be easily found on YouTube! If you think that Austen’s novels were prudish or a “daguerrotyped portrait of a commonplace face” (Charlotte Bronte said that, gasp!), these adaptations are quite sexy and fraught with scandal.
However, if you would simply like a feel of Pride & Prejudice without being burdened by too much cheem language, perhaps you could get started on The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, a YouTube vlog started by Bernie Su and John Green. This is one of the best versions I have watched so far and you will definitely not be disappointed by the plot and eye candy (!).
2. Watch plenty of period dramas!
If you have completely devoured the DVDs and television series, you are on your way to becoming a period drama zombie. What better way to complete the process than to watch Downton Abbey? Set in the Edwardian era, Downton Abbey follows the fate of three sisters whose home is in the (figurative) hands of a distant cousin. If following the ups and downs of the aristocracy is not enough to satisfy you, the servants’ affairs are enough to keep one glued to the screen or seat.
3. Attend a Regency Tea
As a loyal member of the Jane Austen Circle of Singapore (JACS), I have had my fair share of tea, scones and gowns but have not grown tired of the decorum. Sure, it is an excuse to play dress-up but it is a nice way of escaping from reality. Not to mention that JACS also organizes dramatized readings that give the audience a chance to peer, at a more dramatic level, into her novels. They are not as good as the movies, but the intimate setting invites you to pay attention.
The best thing about being a Janeite is that when two or more gather in one place, you will never lack conversation because you have a common passion. And even if you’re not that crazy about her novels, their enthusiasm is too hard to resist!
Follow their activities on www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Austen-Circle-Singapore/, or e-mail amandaaston@janeaustencircle.com to add yourself to the mailing list.
4. Actually read Pride & Prejudice or her other novels
There is no better way of appreciating Pride & Prejudice than reading the novel. Of course, I do not only say this because I am an English major. If you have read any book that has been turned into a movie, you will surely agree that “the book was better”.
If you want to know more about Austen, you should probably start with Pride & Prejudice and slowly work your way through her other novels. It takes awhile to get into the groove of the language, but I promise that you won’t regret it. My education started five years ago, and I don’t think I’ve looked back since.