Pride And Prejudice Comparative Essay

In 1995, the widely popular novel Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, was adapted into a six-part miniseries. The television drama became a huge success within Britain, and has since expanded to the United States and is considered to be the most well-known adaptation to date. This series brings Austen’s beloved characters and animated plot to life; yet, the television series adds its own unique twist, by tweaking and adding completely new scenes. In general, when transforming into film, can enhance the viewers understanding of each character, while promoting and altering the way they are perceived. This idea is especially true in the scene in episode four, when Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth meet in Pemberley. The mini-series had its own distinct version where Mr. Darcy is swimming in a lake and unexpectedly meets Elizabeth, unlike the novel where the two casually- yet surprisingly- just run into each other. This new addition contrasts the

Elizabeth, is under the assumption that Mr. Darcy will not be at Pemberley, which was his magnificent country residence, during her visit. Elizabeth is incredibly impressed with the estate and admires the mansion with awe, and even acknowledges what her life would be like if she were living here as Mr. Darcy’s wife. In the novel, the reader isn’t made known about Mr. Darcy’s presence or what exactly he is doing at Pemberley, until the two unexpectedly see each other. The reader and Elizabeth are simultaneously shocked to see the pairs first encounter after Mr. Darcy’s rejected proposal to Elizabeth. The two awkwardly exchange pleasantries and “every sentence that he uttered was increasing her embarrassment” (Austen ). The scene depicts Darcy in an uncharacteristically timid manner- his speech was rushed and his composure while being abnormally polite, appears