„It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Opening with this iconic line, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen stands out as one of the most renowned and beloved novels of all time. With its sharp and satirical critique of society, the novel revolves around marriage plots, romance, socioeconomic status, and the lives of the rural gentry. Although Austen’s works were published more than two hundred years ago, they continue to captivate both the general public and literary scholars.
In this course, we will delve into Austen’s novels, explore their historical context, and discuss the various aspects of their social critique by familiarizing ourselves with core Jane Austen scholarship. Moreover, we will turn to the realm of twentieth- and twenty-first-century adaptations to examine how recent filmmakers and writers have adapted, engaged with, or intervened into her work. Thus, we will find out how Austen's novels resonate with contemporary audiences.
- Lehrende/r: Lina Stücker