If the test of a great novel is the joy in reading and rereading it, then Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice rivals any novel ever written. How else to explain why it has never been out of print since 1813? Fans of Austen even have a name – Janeites. And just as the characters in Shakespeare’s plays live through the ages re-imagined on stage and screen, so do Jane Austen’s characters. Numerous films have been inspired by Pride and Prejudice, even a fanfiction version with zombies! As we delve into this beloved classic, we will discuss: Why has this story been retold so many times? What surprises and new ideas can we find in this familiar classic? Why does the novel still appeal to modern readers?

Format: This course will be discussion-based. Participants will either make a presentation on a topic related to the novel or Austen’s era OR lead a discussion on a passage of their choice. We will suggest topics for presentations, but you are welcome to find your own. Possible topics include: social classes in Austen’s society; best and worst film adaptations of the novel; courtship customs; Regency fashion; the daily life of a gentlewoman; women’s education in the late 18th century; the music Austen played and listened to.

Resources/Expenses: Please buy the Penguin Classics edition of Pride and Prejudice edited by Vivien Jones. (It is important that we all have the same edition so we can find passages quickly.) Alibris has many used copies of the 2002 edition at low prices and available at many online sellers for under $10.

Coordinators: Susan Dillon and Nancy Nicholson have both participated in numerous LLC courses.