Pride and Prejudice at 200.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a book of a certain age must be in want of a celebration.

My fellow Austen-eers, raise a cup for today we have joy! It is the 200th birthday of Jane Austen’s, “Pride and Prejudice.”
I propose tea, small sandwiches, a walk through the muddy countryside, some scandal of a younger sibling, weird relatives and true love.
P&P has been adapted again and again and never fails to disappoint.
Today we have movies, graphic novels, zombies renditions, a web series [which I highly recommend] and all sorts of paraphernalia.
What is it that keeps a good story going for 200 years?
I can tell you
Snarkiness.
Some call it wit. Humor. Clever writing diatribes. I call it Jane Austen’s personal brand of Snark. What young woman hasn’t heard someone badger her about, “Well, when are you getting married?” or had her parents embarrass her in public? Been turned down by some guy she likes? Been almost forced to marry an abominable cousin . . . ok maybe not that last one so much.
What do we do when things don’t go our way? We talk to our friends and make fun of it, poke holes in it and then get past whatever the hell it happens to be.
I doubt too many of us will have that guy we like rush off upon horseback to save the scandalized reputation of some idiot little sister, but if you have, please post in the comments below because I really want to hear all about it.
The thing that gets me about P&P is that it is versatile. I watch it when I’m sad. When I’m happy. When I’m PMS-ing and devouring chocolate. I watch it on Girls Night In [Colin Firth version: Regency Menswear does not leave a lot to the imagination].
I read it. I stream it. If it’s on clothes, I’ll wear it.
When I haven’t watched or read it in a while, I miss it.
Austen’s snark gets better every time. The lines get funnier and the barbs get sharper [Oh no, she didn’t just mock Lizzies dirty hemline, that BITCH].

While I’m not the most fond of the REALLY old BBC version, I’ll still watch it in a pinch. I don’t always have the full time for the 1990’s version,but  I can usually squeeze in the newer one. Do you have a preference? I generally just have time constraints.

Today, I plan on reading my P&P, loving my P&P and thinking about much I lust after the regency overcoats and bonnets.
Here’s to Team Darcy!
Share your thoughts, favorite quotes and celebrations in the comments!