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Pride, prejudice + girl power

Universal truth, Jane Austen, literary happenings, worldwide celebrations, “It is a truth universally acknowledged” that you’ll read this hundreds of times today, because today is the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A novel that’s 200 years old about a chick – slightly ahead of her time, looking for love – instead of a business contract. Did Jane Austen help define the modern woman? Debates range from pro to con on that topic. But one thing is for sure, a woman writing about independently-minded female characters in 1813 was not the norm. Austen helped break through obstacles for colleagues, and certainly helped pave the way for women writers who came after her.

P&P has spawned tons of films and miniseries (in 1940, 1980, 1995, 2005), veiled copies (Bridget Jones 1 & 2, Bride and Prejudice) and hundreds of other fan-fiction variations.

Universal truth, Jane Austen, literary happenings, worldwide celebrations,

There are read-a-thons, viewing marathons, visit-a-thons happening all over the world as I write this. BBC News provides comprehensive coverage of all things Austen. TEDTalks have a special page of resources where Austen is mentioned in their talks. Or, you can read the novel here.

The swag is great too. And on 21 february, The Royal Mail is issuing a set of six Austen stamps, one for each novel.

Universal truth, Jane Austen, literary happenings, worldwide celebrations, austen stamps

Colin Firth is either celebrating, or hiding out today. Happy Anniversary Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice!

Who was your favorite Mr Darcy?

Photos: Top and center, © 2013 Janet Giampietro

This entry was posted Monday, January 28th, 2013 at 5:07 pm and is filed under culture. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

5 Responses to “Pride, prejudice + girl power”

  1. lg Says:
    January 29th, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    Even the NPR website has devoted entries to Ms. Austen…..A trailblazer in her writing of female characters who think for themselves and are somewhat ahead of the time in which they live. P&P Mr. Darcy also played a significant role in the rom-com, You’ve Got Mail. My favorite Mr. Darcy? Colin Firth, of course.

  2. AustenWoman3 Says:
    February 1st, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    Hi there:

    Seriously? No contest. It is Colin Firth, then, now and forever.

    AW3

  3. Janet Says:
    February 12th, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Hey there:

    I sense that you’re a die-hard fan. Happy viewing and thanks for the comment!

    janetg

  4. MargieO Says:
    February 1st, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    Hello!

    I like your blog, it’s fun. :–) This post, about Darcy, must answer.

    Colin Firth is my number 1 fave, even though I’m 17, he’s still awesome. Matthew MacFadyen was awesome too, but not the movie.

    Bye!!!

  5. Janet Says:
    February 12th, 2013 at 9:38 am

    Hi MargieO:

    Both awesome, thanks for the comment!

    Cheers,
    jg

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