This week: The Classics Edited by: Kit  
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When the classics were written, society was different. Some aspects may, therefore, seem alien at first glance. Still, upon closer examination, the issues addressed in them remain relevant, and some themes are likely to last through the ages.
This week's Drama Newsletter is all about the enduring appeal of those books and characters.
Kit |
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This is the time of year when, for some reason unknown to me, I feel like reading the classics. Perhaps it's because of the dresses, the balls, and the relative innocence of some of those novels. Consider a novel like Emma, by Jane Austen. There is a distinct lack of gore, and what drama there is surrounds a piano and some very questionable matchmaking.
I only arrived at the classics later in life. It is my understanding that many kids are forced to read them in English class, but those of us who studied English as a second language were treated to Flowers for Mrs. Harris and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13 ¾, with the most challenging reads consisting of Of Mice and Men and The Catcher in the Rye.
I can understand why we weren't handed a Jane Austen novel back then. It was bad enough when I picked up the Lord of the Rings trilogy as my first "just for fun" English work. That was a challenge for someone coming to grips with the language, and it's still more of a contemporary read with more straightforward English than Pride and Prejudice. It is natural that the meaning of words and expressions changes over time, but at age 15 or 16 I would have been mightily confused! Now, though, I love it. It is one of my favourite novels, truly comforting.
Like so many people - don't judge me - I also love the BBC adaptation of the book. Yes, the one with Colin Firth. I'm so unoriginal. He makes a perfect Mr. Darcy, just like Jennifer Ehle makes a perfect Elizabeth Bennet.
Why does Pride and Prejudice still capture the imagination of readers around the world? I can only share my own perspective. It opens the door to another era, and to many issues that at first glance seem alien to me, but on closer examination are not that unfamiliar after all.
There is the issue of money, for example. The Bennet family are not poor, but their situation is considered far beneath that of the Bingleys and the Darcys. This is one of the reasons why the ladies are deemed unsuitable for marriage to Charles and Fitzwilliam. Naturally, the romantic in me resists that notion. Why should money matter in the affairs of the heart? But then, how often in these days does a wealthy man marry a relatively poor woman, or a wealthy woman marry a relatively poor man? The not-so-wealthy woman would be considered a gold digger, whether justified or not, and the not-so-wealthy man would not be judged much better.
Class and manners, too, are an obstacle Elizabeth and Jane have to overcome. Especially the manners of some of their family members. Whilst Mr. Bingley is not hung up on class, Mr. Darcy is, at first, and so is Elizabeth when judging him in turn. This is not uncommon in contemporary Britain. There remains a class divide, with each supposed class judging the other, and that judgement does not tend to be flattering, nor fair.
Women were in a bit of a sticky situation in those days. The one way to have some stability and security in life was through marriage. This is certainly the case for the Bennet sisters, because they do not have a brother to inherit their father's property and look after them. They are dependent on men. It is fortunate that things have changed in that respect, at least in a good amount of countries and cultures. However, it is still a common line of thought that women must be after marriage, whilst jokes about "the old ball and chain" refuse to die out. As though men should feel less keen to form such an attachment. And the pressure on men remains to be the breadwinner, to earn more than his partner, to protect her, to, well, "be manly". It's a shame, really, and can be quite harmful.
One of the main sources of drama in this novel is the elopement of two characters, with the guy not actually intending to marry the girl. Judgement of him is harsh - he is the villain - but the girl's actions are seen to affect her whole family. She could bring ruin upon all and her sisters would struggle even more to find a partner of their own, because who wants to get involved with a family like that? Extramarital relationships are no longer seen in such a bad light, but a woman's innocence in relationships is still valued higher than that of a man.
So, things have changed, yet are recognizable to some extent. And the love for a Mr. Darcy continues. Not, as some feel, because of his wealth, and the position of power he finds himself in. Not for me, anyway. The appeal of a Mr. Darcy is that he is a man who is steadfast in his affections, once won. He is not afraid to examine his character and improve himself when he realizes he has his flaws. He corrects his mistakes and does not fear going against his family and against his class in order to win Elizabeth's heart. Of course such a love appeals.
Yes, I think it is time to pick up the book. Or watch the adaptation. Happy days. 
Kit
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Drama: August 21, 2024 Issue [#12696]
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