The development of Christian morality in Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy: A comparative study of the novel Pride and Prejudice and its 2005 film adaptation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i3.50808Keywords:
Jane Austen, Christian morality, Film adaptation, Pride and prejudice, Comparative analysis.Abstract
This research aims to analyze the development of Christian morality in the characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the novel Pride and Prejudice (1813) by the renowned English writer Jane Austen and its representation in the 2005 film adaptation, directed by Joe Wright. The methodological approach adopted was qualitative, developed through a comparative analysis of the literary work and the film. Therefore, this study is based on the theories of religiosity in Jane Austen's literature, also in the field of adaptation between media and in film analysis, which explore the studies of intertextuality and polyphony in the novel. Based on this theoretical framework, this study analyzes how both characters experience a process of moral transformation throughout the literary and film narrative, overcoming pride and prejudice and developing self-reflection, repentance, forgiveness, and personal growth. Consequently, the findings reveal that Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy experience a process of moral development based on Jane Austen's Christian perspective. For this reason, some stages of their journey were preserved in the adaptation, while others were altered or omitted in order to adjust to contemporary cinema conventions. In conclusion, the film adaptation offers a new perspective on this moral development, maintaining central aspects while also promoting narrative updates.
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