Assignment on 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen : Questions - Answers from Movie Directed by Joe Wright (2005) and Novel.
1) Which version of the novel is more appealing? Novel or film (adaptation)? Why?
A. 1) Either of the version of the novel can be more appealing which depends on the beholder. If one is fond of reading the texts, then one will go by textual version of the novel; if another is fond of audio-visual atmosphere, then that person would prefer to watch movie adaptation of that particular novel.
There are pros and cons of either versions :
(1) Movie Adaptation :
Movie adaptation is like a coin having pros and cons of either of its side. The biggest benefit of watching movie is that one can remember things easily as the movie involves audio and video both in it so it becomes lucid for one to behold the scene of the novel right in front of one's eyes and psyche as well. Another thing is that the movie of any novel saves the time unlike original novel which take normally more than 1 to 2 days to be completed.
Coming down to the one and a bit harmful disadvantage of watching movie adaptation to any novel is that it curtails one's imaginative power. While reading the texts one can imagine the happenings and events of the novel but while watching movie one becomes unable to imagine the scenes by one's self and has to depend on the scenes shown to one.
(2) Novel-Book :
As we discuss the benefit of reading the original text, we can come to the conclusion that it can - contradictory to the movie - open the window of our imaginative genius as to how far one can imagine things, people, events and incidents that is there in the novel in the form of words. One has to decode the words and thus the meaning which enstrenghthens one's thought process and imaginative power that one already possesses in one's mind but is unconscious about that.
The disadvantage of going through the book of any novel is only that one has to be a time-giver as it consumes a hefty amount of time due to its quintessential quality that is descriptive genius of author.
A. 1) Either of the version of the novel can be more appealing which depends on the beholder. If one is fond of reading the texts, then one will go by textual version of the novel; if another is fond of audio-visual atmosphere, then that person would prefer to watch movie adaptation of that particular novel.
There are pros and cons of either versions :
(1) Movie Adaptation :
Movie adaptation is like a coin having pros and cons of either of its side. The biggest benefit of watching movie is that one can remember things easily as the movie involves audio and video both in it so it becomes lucid for one to behold the scene of the novel right in front of one's eyes and psyche as well. Another thing is that the movie of any novel saves the time unlike original novel which take normally more than 1 to 2 days to be completed.
Coming down to the one and a bit harmful disadvantage of watching movie adaptation to any novel is that it curtails one's imaginative power. While reading the texts one can imagine the happenings and events of the novel but while watching movie one becomes unable to imagine the scenes by one's self and has to depend on the scenes shown to one.
(2) Novel-Book :
As we discuss the benefit of reading the original text, we can come to the conclusion that it can - contradictory to the movie - open the window of our imaginative genius as to how far one can imagine things, people, events and incidents that is there in the novel in the form of words. One has to decode the words and thus the meaning which enstrenghthens one's thought process and imaginative power that one already possesses in one's mind but is unconscious about that.
The disadvantage of going through the book of any novel is only that one has to be a time-giver as it consumes a hefty amount of time due to its quintessential quality that is descriptive genius of author.
2) Character of Elizabeth :
A. 2) Elizabeth Bennet is second of the five Bennet sisters of 'Pride and Prejudice' novel by Jane Austen. One thing about her enchants almost all the readers of the novel is that her being mature and having a tendency of flouting the set rules and norms of patriarchial society of any of the age; throughout the novel one can observe it in her behaviour towards Bingley brother and sister and Darcy, especially towards Mr. Darcy and his affluent but ego-centric and punctilious aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. There are several most important characteristics in her character that attract readers of any period.
(1) Elizabeth as a Headstrong Female :
Generally, it is deemed about women that they are only expected to be beautiful and beauty is everything for them according to patriarchal mentality. But this goes wrong in the character of Elizabeth as she is often times seen as having rebellious nature against all the set norms and notions by society particularly society run by men who cannot see anything but only beauty and even that is of the physical one taking aside the beauty of her nature and intelligence. Once again this becomes the question of the inner and outer beauty previously discussed in the 'Frankenstein' novel written by Mary Shelley. She is as ascertained by Lady Catherine "Headstrong, obstinate girl" because she never lets herself trempled by Lady Catherine who represents the oppressions made upon middle classes by those who belonged to upper class in the society of England in the early 19th century.
"There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me."
(2) Elizabeth as a Judgemental Girl :
It is the fact that everyone of us is judgemental sometimes about others around us. If you are naive, than you shall judge others by their outer garments and looks; if you are mature in understanding, you shall judge others and then forget about that and will not keep any prejudice towards that person and would also try to know the reasons of the person's present condition being judged by you.
In the novel ' Pride and Prejudice,' Elizabeth is seen as a judgemental figure particularly towards her would-be husband Mr. Darcy. The character of Elizabeth is developing character as depicted in the novel. In first place, she judges Mr. Darcy according to his outer countenance who is a bit proudy in nature and impersonable man.
"It is always easy to question the judgement of others in matters of which we may be imperfectly informed."
(3) Elizabeth as a self-acknowledged and Honest Girl :
While showing the insight of her own characteristic weaknesses and strengths as well, she emerges as a true and honest girl in the novel.
"Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can."
She eventually acknowledges her mistake of misjudging Mr. Darcy and thus she accepts her fault and engages to Mr. Darcy.
A. 2) Elizabeth Bennet is second of the five Bennet sisters of 'Pride and Prejudice' novel by Jane Austen. One thing about her enchants almost all the readers of the novel is that her being mature and having a tendency of flouting the set rules and norms of patriarchial society of any of the age; throughout the novel one can observe it in her behaviour towards Bingley brother and sister and Darcy, especially towards Mr. Darcy and his affluent but ego-centric and punctilious aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. There are several most important characteristics in her character that attract readers of any period.
(1) Elizabeth as a Headstrong Female :
Generally, it is deemed about women that they are only expected to be beautiful and beauty is everything for them according to patriarchal mentality. But this goes wrong in the character of Elizabeth as she is often times seen as having rebellious nature against all the set norms and notions by society particularly society run by men who cannot see anything but only beauty and even that is of the physical one taking aside the beauty of her nature and intelligence. Once again this becomes the question of the inner and outer beauty previously discussed in the 'Frankenstein' novel written by Mary Shelley. She is as ascertained by Lady Catherine "Headstrong, obstinate girl" because she never lets herself trempled by Lady Catherine who represents the oppressions made upon middle classes by those who belonged to upper class in the society of England in the early 19th century.
"There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me."
(2) Elizabeth as a Judgemental Girl :
It is the fact that everyone of us is judgemental sometimes about others around us. If you are naive, than you shall judge others by their outer garments and looks; if you are mature in understanding, you shall judge others and then forget about that and will not keep any prejudice towards that person and would also try to know the reasons of the person's present condition being judged by you.
In the novel ' Pride and Prejudice,' Elizabeth is seen as a judgemental figure particularly towards her would-be husband Mr. Darcy. The character of Elizabeth is developing character as depicted in the novel. In first place, she judges Mr. Darcy according to his outer countenance who is a bit proudy in nature and impersonable man.
"It is always easy to question the judgement of others in matters of which we may be imperfectly informed."
(3) Elizabeth as a self-acknowledged and Honest Girl :
While showing the insight of her own characteristic weaknesses and strengths as well, she emerges as a true and honest girl in the novel.
"Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can."
She eventually acknowledges her mistake of misjudging Mr. Darcy and thus she accepts her fault and engages to Mr. Darcy.
3) Character of Mr. Darcy :
A. 3) Mr. Darcy in the novel is second most influential character as sub-plot revolves around him. He is a bit reserved and we can say little proudy of his lineage and social status. He does not engage with lower classes but he is a keen observer. He is unlike Elizabeth having no prejudice towards anyone in the novel but a beneficent person who even helps his enemy Wickham to pay his debts in London. There are certain discernible characteristics in his character :
(1) Mr. Darcy as an Introvert & Reserved Man :
Mr. Darcy shows up as an introvert and a reserved but keen observer man in the novel and in the film adaptation as well. He is likely impersonable man who does not like to cultivate extra relationships with people instead he chooses to remain silent, still and reticent. It may be his characteristic natural tendency to be who he is or he consciously chooses to be so. In first appearance of him at the ball party, he is shown a serious kind of man bearing serious and solemn look on his face.
(2) Mr. Darcy as a Silent Lover :
His love is ideal and genuine towards Elizabeth, even after being insulted by her occasionally, he remains faithful to her in every turn of his action; he never ever conceits any kind of negative and foul emotion towards Elizabeth. In the climax of the novel or movie, he expresses his hearty feelings straightforwardly to Elizabeth :
His love we can say is possibly one-sided which eventually is fulfilled by the acceptance by Elizabeth. There are four marriages in the end of the novel. Amongst these four marriages, our affections is caught by that of Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy; their marriage happens - unlike the three - on the basis of pure love and integrity of their characters.
(3) Mr. Darcy and His Superiority Complex :
First, let us have the definition of what superiority complex is in fact and also try to apply it to the character of Mr. Darcy. According to Merriem-Webster Dictionary :
"an exaggerated opinion of oneself."
Here if we try to fit Mr. Darcy in the frame of the definition, many aspects of him will not allow us to do so as he is little egoist about his lineage and social status. He is humbler and kinder than egoist. So he can never ever be completely deemed as a person having superiority complex. Although he has a bit of superior feelings of himself having said that not inferior feelings for others at the same time, which makes his character more eulogized amongst men in the novel. So we can firmly say that he has pride but not vanity.
A. 3) Mr. Darcy in the novel is second most influential character as sub-plot revolves around him. He is a bit reserved and we can say little proudy of his lineage and social status. He does not engage with lower classes but he is a keen observer. He is unlike Elizabeth having no prejudice towards anyone in the novel but a beneficent person who even helps his enemy Wickham to pay his debts in London. There are certain discernible characteristics in his character :
(1) Mr. Darcy as an Introvert & Reserved Man :
Mr. Darcy shows up as an introvert and a reserved but keen observer man in the novel and in the film adaptation as well. He is likely impersonable man who does not like to cultivate extra relationships with people instead he chooses to remain silent, still and reticent. It may be his characteristic natural tendency to be who he is or he consciously chooses to be so. In first appearance of him at the ball party, he is shown a serious kind of man bearing serious and solemn look on his face.
(2) Mr. Darcy as a Silent Lover :
His love is ideal and genuine towards Elizabeth, even after being insulted by her occasionally, he remains faithful to her in every turn of his action; he never ever conceits any kind of negative and foul emotion towards Elizabeth. In the climax of the novel or movie, he expresses his hearty feelings straightforwardly to Elizabeth :
His love we can say is possibly one-sided which eventually is fulfilled by the acceptance by Elizabeth. There are four marriages in the end of the novel. Amongst these four marriages, our affections is caught by that of Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy; their marriage happens - unlike the three - on the basis of pure love and integrity of their characters.
(3) Mr. Darcy and His Superiority Complex :
First, let us have the definition of what superiority complex is in fact and also try to apply it to the character of Mr. Darcy. According to Merriem-Webster Dictionary :
"an exaggerated opinion of oneself."
Here if we try to fit Mr. Darcy in the frame of the definition, many aspects of him will not allow us to do so as he is little egoist about his lineage and social status. He is humbler and kinder than egoist. So he can never ever be completely deemed as a person having superiority complex. Although he has a bit of superior feelings of himself having said that not inferior feelings for others at the same time, which makes his character more eulogized amongst men in the novel. So we can firmly say that he has pride but not vanity.
4) Give illustrations of the society of that time.
A. 4) The historical context surrounding Jane Austen as she wrote Pride and Prejudice greatly influenced the contents of the novel. The late 18th and early 19th centuries were a transitional era. Beginning in 1811 was the Regency Period, named for the Prince of Wales, ruling as Regent after King George had gone insane. The Regency Period encompassed most of the 1810s and 20s (Aschkenes). Over the Regency Era, wars ravaged the world. Evidently, these wars had an effect on life and the novels written in that time. Between 1789 and 1799, the French Revolution was fought. Marie Antoinette was guillotined; Napoleon rose to power and conquered most of Western Europe. The place of military in English society as seen by troops in Brighton. (Aschkenes) Austen's brother Henry became a member of the militia in 1793 (like Wickham) (Huston) The presence of the troops at Brighton and militia officers like Wickham reflect wider concerns about the place of the military in English civil society.
A. 4) The historical context surrounding Jane Austen as she wrote Pride and Prejudice greatly influenced the contents of the novel. The late 18th and early 19th centuries were a transitional era. Beginning in 1811 was the Regency Period, named for the Prince of Wales, ruling as Regent after King George had gone insane. The Regency Period encompassed most of the 1810s and 20s (Aschkenes). Over the Regency Era, wars ravaged the world. Evidently, these wars had an effect on life and the novels written in that time. Between 1789 and 1799, the French Revolution was fought. Marie Antoinette was guillotined; Napoleon rose to power and conquered most of Western Europe. The place of military in English society as seen by troops in Brighton. (Aschkenes) Austen's brother Henry became a member of the militia in 1793 (like Wickham) (Huston) The presence of the troops at Brighton and militia officers like Wickham reflect wider concerns about the place of the military in English civil society.
Women had very limited roles in Regency-era England. Getting married was one of the only acceptable roles that women could fill. Daughters became a way for families to obtain greater wealth. In turn, there were high expectations for their behavior. These high expectations included manners, beauty, and accomplishments, including drawing, needlework, playing the pianoforte, or singing. If a woman had these accomplishments, she was considered marriageable. In addition, women were generally discouraged from being too bookish because they would be considered bluestockings and, in turn, less marriageable. If a woman got too old (around mid to early twenties) without marrying, she became either a spinster (an outlier in society) or a burden on her family. Both were undesirable fates.
In order to keep women in submission, they were discouraged from education. Even though there was high pressure on women, they had little or no control over money, in turn giving them little independence. Overall, women were devalued as people and instead were a means to an end.
(Source for the answer n/o. 4 : https://studydriver.com/english-society-in-pride-and-prejudice/)
5) If you were director or screenplay writer, what sort of difference would you make in the making of movie?
A. 5) I think that there is no further need to make changes in scenes of the movie as the movie was by and large directed with a great artistic excellency. It is my immaturity to judge a movie and a novel for the time being, but may review in future by gaining essential understanding regarding the subject.
A. 5) I think that there is no further need to make changes in scenes of the movie as the movie was by and large directed with a great artistic excellency. It is my immaturity to judge a movie and a novel for the time being, but may review in future by gaining essential understanding regarding the subject.
6) Who would be your choice of actors to play the role of characters?
(Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Jane, Mr. Collins, Wickham)
A. 6) I would choose following bollywood celebrities for the celebrities featured in 'Pride and Prejudice' movie directed by Joe Wright in 2005.
(Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Jane, Mr. Collins, Wickham)
A. 6) I would choose following bollywood celebrities for the celebrities featured in 'Pride and Prejudice' movie directed by Joe Wright in 2005.
Alia Bhatt as Elizabeth Bennet
Ranbeer Kapoor as Mr. Darcy
Bobby Deol as Mr. Bingley
Deepika Padukon as Jane Bennet
Abhishek Bacchan as Mr. Collins
Gulshan Grover as Mr. Wickham
7) Write a note on a scene you liked the most.
A. 7) There are many scenes I liked as they were very impressionable. As the movie moves on, one would find that the the way things are unfolding shows the artistic genius of director and eventually of Jane Austen upon whose novel 'Pride and Prejudice' the movie is based.
There is one particular scene that I liked most; the scene of Elizabeth flouting the intimidation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. When Lady Catherine de Bourgh comes to persuade Elizabeth not to marry to Mr. Darcy as her own daughter Anne was betrothed to marry Mr. Darcy from very young age. On this encounter, Elizabeth rejects very freely the intimidation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh; here the lady represents the suppressive nature of upper classes upon the middle and lower classes of the society of early 18th century England; but the open oppose of Elizabeth on the strong-armed behaviour of Lady Catherine de Bourgh represents the feminine spirit which was necessary to be considered and as much crucial for women of the age to give the voice to their words.
Another scene which touched me is when Mr. Darcy confesses his love for Elizabeth and when Elizabeth contemplates her own faults with self-integration which gets readers and beholders more closer to her character.
A. 7) There are many scenes I liked as they were very impressionable. As the movie moves on, one would find that the the way things are unfolding shows the artistic genius of director and eventually of Jane Austen upon whose novel 'Pride and Prejudice' the movie is based.
There is one particular scene that I liked most; the scene of Elizabeth flouting the intimidation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. When Lady Catherine de Bourgh comes to persuade Elizabeth not to marry to Mr. Darcy as her own daughter Anne was betrothed to marry Mr. Darcy from very young age. On this encounter, Elizabeth rejects very freely the intimidation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh; here the lady represents the suppressive nature of upper classes upon the middle and lower classes of the society of early 18th century England; but the open oppose of Elizabeth on the strong-armed behaviour of Lady Catherine de Bourgh represents the feminine spirit which was necessary to be considered and as much crucial for women of the age to give the voice to their words.
Another scene which touched me is when Mr. Darcy confesses his love for Elizabeth and when Elizabeth contemplates her own faults with self-integration which gets readers and beholders more closer to her character.
8) Compare the narrative strategy of novel and Movie.
A. 8) First of all, movies always move a bit quicker than the books. Thus the books have the opportunity to give more details about the actions, movements of the characters and the thoughts of them. Releasing these is much easier in the books for the writers for they have the right to make the explanations of any action or thought of a character longer enough for their satisfaction than in the movies since the movie writers or directors have not chance for releasing the details. Let’s come to the examples for these.
The characteristic of Elizabeth in the movie written by Deborah Moggach, is different than it is in the original book. Elizabeth is presented in the movie as being rude, huffy, ill-tempered and grumpy in contrast in the book Jane Austen presents her as having good humor and being an intelligent woman with a sweet manner.
In addition, the family relations are very different in the movie. For example, the sisters Jane and Elizabeth in the novel have almost no secrets among them and share everything they have in their mind and plan about their futures, hopes and dreams. But in the movie they keep secrets and they are reserved with one another.
In the movie, moreover Elizabeth in the first ball had an eye contact with Mr. Darcy which makes us think something is going to happen between them. Thus it is understood that Elizabeth is affected by Mr. Darcy and makes that affection apparent to the audience with her face expression in the movie. But in the book this kind of thing never happened between them.
Other differences between the book and movie exist in the visiting scenes of Elizabeth to Pemberley, Rosings Park and Hunsford Parsonage. The most apparent difference in these scenes is the time that is compressed in the movie while these visits have much more details in the book. The difference is not just the time for these. Also, the thoughts of Elizabeth in the book like
“And of this place I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my uncle and aunt. -- But no,"
which is very important are not presented or couldn’t be expressed in the movie which might be difficult to do it.
A. 8) First of all, movies always move a bit quicker than the books. Thus the books have the opportunity to give more details about the actions, movements of the characters and the thoughts of them. Releasing these is much easier in the books for the writers for they have the right to make the explanations of any action or thought of a character longer enough for their satisfaction than in the movies since the movie writers or directors have not chance for releasing the details. Let’s come to the examples for these.
The characteristic of Elizabeth in the movie written by Deborah Moggach, is different than it is in the original book. Elizabeth is presented in the movie as being rude, huffy, ill-tempered and grumpy in contrast in the book Jane Austen presents her as having good humor and being an intelligent woman with a sweet manner.
In addition, the family relations are very different in the movie. For example, the sisters Jane and Elizabeth in the novel have almost no secrets among them and share everything they have in their mind and plan about their futures, hopes and dreams. But in the movie they keep secrets and they are reserved with one another.
In the movie, moreover Elizabeth in the first ball had an eye contact with Mr. Darcy which makes us think something is going to happen between them. Thus it is understood that Elizabeth is affected by Mr. Darcy and makes that affection apparent to the audience with her face expression in the movie. But in the book this kind of thing never happened between them.
Other differences between the book and movie exist in the visiting scenes of Elizabeth to Pemberley, Rosings Park and Hunsford Parsonage. The most apparent difference in these scenes is the time that is compressed in the movie while these visits have much more details in the book. The difference is not just the time for these. Also, the thoughts of Elizabeth in the book like
“And of this place I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my uncle and aunt. -- But no,"
which is very important are not presented or couldn’t be expressed in the movie which might be difficult to do it.
(Source for the answer n/o. 8 :
https://weblog.veyselkeles.com/2009/06/pride-and-prejudice-differences-between.html)
https://weblog.veyselkeles.com/2009/06/pride-and-prejudice-differences-between.html)
Thank You!
▪︎ (Word Count : 2456)
Comments
Post a Comment