Abstract

Among all the works of Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice is most discussed by later generations. Scholars touch upon different themes in the novel, including love, marriage, class and so on. Quite a few films have been produced based on the novel and the 2005 film adaptation is one of the most widely accepted versions. This thesis discusses in three parts, mainly focuses on analyzing the differences between the film and its 2005 adaptation. In the first part, the author discusses the difference in shaping the storyline, pointing out that the book talks about several relationships and marriages while the film principally develops around the relationship of Elizabeth and Darcy. Next, the author analyzes some of the main characters and comes up with the idea that the book puts more efforts in portraying characters through appearances, language and behaviors while the film through the combination of language and scenic designs. The last part is a discussion of the themes and the author observes that while the book contains more than one theme, the film stresses love and women’s self-value. The thesis concludes with effective methods and techniques recommended for future film remaking of classic literary works.

Key words: Pride and Prejudice; Novel; Film; Adaptation of Classics

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

2  Shaping the Storyline-3

2.1-Major Storyline of the Novel-3

2.2-Major Storyline of the Film-5

2.3-Effects of Different Storylines-7

3  Portraying the Characters-9

3.1-Elizabeth’s Timidity in the Novel and Her Expressiveness in the Film-9

3.2-Mr. Darcy’s Reservedness in the Novel and His Liveliness in the Film-10

3.3-Charlotte’s Bitterness in the Novel and Her Contentment in the Film-12

3.4-Mr. Collins’s Ridiculousness in the Novel and in the Film-13

4  Expressing the Themes-15

4.1-Themes in the Novel-15

4.2-Themes in the Film-16

4.3-Reasons behind Different Themes-17

5  Conclusion-18

Bibliography-19

Acknowledgments-20