The novel pride and prejudice and the webseries the Lizzie Bennet diaries under the perspective of theory of adaptation

Abstract

The aim of this monographic research is to develop a comparative analysis between the novel Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, and its adaptation, the webseries The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, under the perspective of Linda Hutcheon’s ideas exposed in her book A theory of adaptation. Webseries, in general, are series produced on Internet, and as they have their own characteristics, differ from traditional TV series. Pride and Prejudice, published by Jane Austen in 1813, is a classic novel of English literature that tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her family, which go through many situations involving financial problems, arranged marriages and search for social status. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries also tells story of Lizzie Bennet and her family, however, it focuses more on family Bennet’s financial problems and in the careers of the female characters. The literary classic from nineteenth Century adapted to twenty-first on digital environment and in other contexts promotes a rereading of the plot and of the Austen’s characters; meanwhile, the changes observed in this adaptation maintain certain essential characteristics from the novel. Ruled in bibliographical research and comparative analysis, this study counts on the theoretical support of authors as Fallon (2017), Ferreira (2012), Jeffers (2013), Judkis (2011), Navas (2013), Stam (2000) and Zanetti (2013).