It’s Jane Austen In 2021

The success of Bridgerton proves one thing for certain, that we all desire a bit of Jane Austen in our lives, but with a healthy dollop of sex. As the current No.1 watched show on Netflix with over 82 million viewers worldwide, this period drama has broken many records surpassing even the Queen’s Gambit and is sure to inspire a plethora of write-ups. As a huge Jane Austen fan, I must add my two cents.

I currently own ten editions of Pride and Prejudice, one of Jane Austen’s most popular novels. It is by far my favourite, and for many reasons. I had the opportunity to study the novel during my one-year stint at Miranda House College (Delhi University). Let’s just say it made me see my romantic illusions about life through Elizabeth and Darcy-coloured glasses. Austen is famous for creating a balance of virtues and vices between her male and female characters. Either you put both protagonists on a pedestal or deny both the pleasure of being better than the other.

Similarly to Darcy and Elizabeth’s characters who originated from a much-loved book, Daphne and Simon are the masterminds of author Julia Quinn. The highly successful series of books already has a dedicated fan following (Outlander, anyone?), so the show needed to portray the captivating love story in all its authenticity to be a success. Mysterious and broken, innocent and wise, both the protagonists in the first season of Bridgerton are perfect candidates for an intense and passionate love affair. And who doesn’t want to see that.

For those of you who are getting a bit lost with my Darcy and Elizabeth references, I must urge you to stop reading immediately and go watch the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie starring Keira Knightley and Mathew Macfadyen. Yes, I realize I should be asking you to pick up the book, but it is the age of instant gratification. The movie, a big hit then and still watched by ‘ardent’ fans 15 years later, keeps the integrity of the famous love story. The chemistry between the actors, the stunning landscapes of the English countryside, the encompassing arrogance of Darcy and the alluring defiance of Elizabeth all served with Austen’s brilliant profusion of dialogue does not disappoint on the big screen. Before I am crucified for not including the 1995 BBC hit series with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, I love it equally and own it as well.  

Back to Bridgerton and its popularity, some have argued that it is borderline soft-pornography despite its dazzling portrayal of the English high society life, beautiful costumes, elaborate sets and, of course, the famous English countryside. I would beg to differ here. Despite its captivating sex scenes, the show far exceeds and satisfies more than soft porn (for the sake of my parents, I will, of course, mention that I know the difference even though I have minimal experience with the latter). So, what is it about the show then?  

Here are my two cents (maybe nine):

1. The charm of romance from the time of corsets and frills will always be appealing.
2. The classic boy meets girl; boy likes/dislikes girl, girl likes/dislikes boy, the boy hides his feelings, the girl hides her feelings, secretive glances, subtle touches, suppressed emotions with a mix of the Queen’s English will always get our hearts thumping. 
3. Good chemistry on-screen seldom fails. 
4. Good chemistry with good-looking people on-screen seldom fails.
5. A solid storyline, with equally interesting supporting actors and quirky dialogue delivery, is a huge plus.
6. Sex sells, but good sex, romantic and passionate sex, sex that is equally appealing to both men and women…it sells. 
7. The classic feel-good factor of love stories, with a sprinkling of troubles and adversities and happy endings, will always appeal to audiences.
8. A period drama that is not all ‘white’ and mirrors our interracial society is refreshing to see.
9. It’s Shonda Rhimes! Did you really have any doubts?

As the world now awaits the second season, I hope we can see more shows that balance love, representation, sex and storytelling this well. The success of Outlander, Virgin River, Cable Girls (Spanish), Velvet (Spanish), The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Gentleman Jack (BBC) and Dickinson (Apple T.V.), if anything has proved that the genre of romance and drama will forever have a dedicated audience. Trailing on Gentleman Jack and Dickinson, I also hope to see period dramas extend to boy meets boy and girl meets girl. People have long waited for a more inclusive version of the classic ‘period drama’. If Jane Austen were alive today, I dare say she might agree. 

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Read more by Shikha S. Lamba

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Picture Credit : Google