Jane Austen's enduring appeal: Why her characters still resonate today
The Power of Relatability
In a world where we often seek comfort in the familiar, Jane Austen's characters have an uncanny ability to make us feel understood. But here's where it gets controversial: it's not just the beloved Lizzy and Jane Bennet who capture our hearts; it's the often-overlooked Mary who truly resonates with a modern audience.
The Other Bennet Sister: A Fresh Perspective
The upcoming BBC drama, The Other Bennet Sister, shines a spotlight on Mary Bennet, the anxious and awkward middle sister. Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell, who grew up in Croydon, shares her surprise at finding a deep connection with Austen's characters. "I felt like I knew everybody," she says, highlighting the universal appeal of Austen's writing.
The series, based on Janice Hadlow's novel, follows Mary as she becomes a governess to the Gardiner family, continuing the story from Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Actress Ella Bruccoleri, who portrays the teenage Mary, describes her as an "atypical period drama heroine," lacking the poise of her Regency counterparts.
A Coming-of-Age Story for the Ages
Maddie Close, who plays Jane Bennet, emphasizes the relevance of Mary's coming-of-age journey to self-acceptance. "It's beautiful to watch her blossom," she says, adding that stories like Mary's are essential for teenagers navigating the complexities of the modern world and social media.
Grace Hogg-Robinson, who portrays Lydia Bennet, agrees, suggesting that Austen's characters stand the test of time because people often encounter them at pivotal moments in their lives, such as studying Pride and Prejudice during their GCSEs.
The Relatability Factor
Poppy Gilbert, who plays Lizzy Bennet, admits to relating most to Mary due to her experiences of constant comparison. Costume designer Sian Jenkins visually represents Mary's journey of self-discovery through her wardrobe evolution, moving from creams and beiges to bold greens and reds, despite her mother's relentless criticism.
Bruccoleri highlights Mary's emotional journey of distancing herself from her overbearing mother, learning to find approval and validation within herself.
Austen's Sharp Societal Commentary
Bruccoleri praises Austen's dry humor and sharp societal commentary, which delivers powerful messages without being heavy-handed. Molly Wright, who plays Kitty, emphasizes Austen's progressive views on marriage and feminism in Pride and Prejudice.
Hogg-Robinson shares her journey of realizing the depth and insight of Austen's works, initially skim-reading them for her GCSEs and later appreciating them as an adult. She points to a TikTok trend highlighting Mr. Darcy's behavior change to win over Lizzy, showcasing Austen's enduring perspective on love and relationships.
Extending the Bennet Legacy
Screenwriter Quintrell feels privileged to contribute to the Pride and Prejudice universe, noting that the characters and their emotional journeys remain timeless. This sentiment drives both Quintrell and novelist Hadlow to continue the Bennet story.
Poppy Gilbert describes the new series as a "behind-the-scenes" look at Pride and Prejudice, offering a more intimate glimpse into the siblings' lives beyond the ballrooms.
Opening Up Pride and Prejudice
Quintrell emphasizes the importance of making Pride and Prejudice accessible to all, breaking the perception that it's solely for scholars and academics. "You'll find something to connect with in Austen's work," she assures, inviting viewers to discover their own connections in The Other Bennet Sister.
The Other Bennet Sister is coming soon to the BBC, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.
