Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
As the subtitle proclaims, this is a variation upon Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It follows the plot of its source but adopts different points of view, including Darcy’s diary entries and Mary Bennet’s writings. More significantly, it adds three new strands to the plot: Darcy’s involvement with an Italian singer, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s attraction to Elizabeth Bennet, and the love which develops between Mary Bennet and Charlotte Lucas’s brother.
Although it certainly accounts for his appreciation of a woman’s fine eyes, pleasing singing voice, and independent spirits, all of which he finds so attractive in Elizabeth, Darcy’s earlier relationship with the tempestuous Italian does not feel in character with Austen’s hero. Nor do his cousin’s deeper feelings for the heroine. Though both are arguably susceptible, this might be viewed as a step too far by most readers. The relationship between Mary and Timothy Lucas, however, is entertaining, as it progresses from a shared interest in books to a true appreciation of each other’s qualities. Mary’s development from self-absorbed teenager with misplaced pride in her own intellect and accomplishments, to someone who genuinely learns to care for another, is rich in irony.
An interesting response to a romance classic.
