In truth, I grew up watching the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. I have, in the same vein, read Austen’s Pride and Prejudice several times before. In fact, if you look at my copy of the novel, you will see nearly every page denoted with underlined segments and thoughts and considerations. This all being said, I have never read the book and watched the BBC series with juxtaposing in mind. Yet, I find that the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice is a marvelous adaption.

One of the greatest claims I can make is that BBC did a fantastic job in capitalizing on the humor and wit within Austen. Often, when reading a book that is stylistically different from the manner of writing we are familiar within our own generation, a lot can be lost in translation. However, BBC manifested Austen’s humor steadily, and appropriately, throughout the show seamlessly. In doing this, I believe that we, as an audience, gained a greater insight into the interpersonal relationships of the characters. Furthermore, we developed a keener sense of the more veiled intentions of the characters within the novel that were not as evident. For example, Miss Bingley, who at every turn strives to degrade Elizabeth, seems to be, to some extent, enamored with Darcy. Therefore, her constant goading with regard to Elizabeth curtails into a more vindictive, jealously driven vendetta. It becomes increasingly viewable throughout each episode, but I noticed it first when she asked Darcy who’s “fine eyes” had inspired his change in countenance so drastically, and he replied that they belonged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The great thing about this scene was her reaction: the widening of her eyes and fractional cringe as though she were affronted that Darcy had not been speaking of her. Furthermore, you can see Miss Bingley’s consistent disapproval as she states that Elizabeth is composed by “conceited independence.”

I believe that BBC amplified the personalities at play within Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. In the matter of Lydia and Kitty, their main characteristics are centered around the undeniable portrayal of silliness. Mary, her character is manifested through piety. Jane is the embodiment of fairness and beauty. Elizabeth, to the bone, is wayward and courageous. Though of course we saw these aspects within Austen, they seem to project themselves as far more pertinent in the dynamics between the sisters. The dynamics which, throughout the entirety of the show and novel, become pivotal points of embarrassment, shock, worry, and anger. Their emotions, and personal traits, therefore, become the catalyzing agents of every scene within the show and novel.