Monday, April 5, 2010

Pride and Prejudice variations

I saw 2 sequels to P&P in Times at Plaza Sing. Pride and Prejudice by Ann Herendeen and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy by Abigail Reynolds have made a powerful impact on me.

The former is one of repulsion. There are forbidden lovers included in the story. Darcy and Bingley are gay lovers and there are descriptions of gestures that indicate their relationship with each other. The mutual consent given to allow the contact is implied.

The latter is not so bad but it still causes a negative reaction in my mind. The story explores the possibility of Darcy and Lizzy marrying after his first proposal but it is different in terms of how the proposal was done. He included sexual advances in his proposal and before she could even reject them, Colonel Fitzwilliam saw them. Darcy immediately claimed that she had accepted him and in order to protect her family's reputation, she did not dispute that. However, her married life with Darcy is far from blissful. She feels stifled as Darcy is always with her, and when she is finally by herself, she feels lonely.

These sequels are definitely deviant from the original plot. I can never bring myself to read the former. As for the latter, it makes me appreciate the real story even more. The visit to Pemberley was probably the climax for her change in perception towards him. Thus, when they married after his second proposal, and after being a guest there, as well as confiding in him Lydia's misdeed, the marriage was meant to be and their life ahead was more than perfect. :D Thank goodness though, the second book still ends happily for the married couple and they learn to truly love each other :)