I had a wonderful time in Oswestry recently. The Literature Festival held in March 2015 attracted many people to its various events and was clearly a great success. I had been asked to talk about Jane Austen, Clothing and the Costume Drama, a topic which is close to my own research interests. I asked members of the audience to comment on their own responses to Austen's novels, Regency dress, and the various film and television adaptations of Austen's work. I received many fascinating comments and here is a selection:
Jane Austen is ‘someone to return to again and again. An author to learn from. Regency clothing is wonderful and allows the characters a freedom which is in many ways lacking from Victorian characters. Your talk gave a thought-provoking new perspective.’ (Sheelagh)
‘The costumes are much of the appeal of the televised
dramas. Lovely idea for a talk.’ (Carol)
Lydia, Lizzie and Jane
(from the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice)
‘I have enjoyed all of JA’s books and most adaptations of
her novels. I find the strength of character of her heroines particularly
appealing and relevant to today’s women. [Regency] clothing is light, allowing
more freedom of movement and the empire line does cover a multitude of sins! I
enjoyed the talk very much.’ (Pam)
‘I prefer reading the novels and wing my imagination. I feel
more comfortable with “period” costume being as accurate as possible. The talk
was quite illuminating, explaining the subtleties of costume and its influence.’
(Gwen)
‘For me Jane Austen was one of the first women writers to
give women a brain! She actually made domesticity interesting. [I find] the
soft fabric and free moving Empire line dresses appealing. Loved the talk,
fascinated by the idea of the “Bronteisation” of Austen’s novels in film adaptations.’
(Carole)
The 2005 film adaptation where Lizzie and Darcy resemble Cathy and Heathcliff!
Regency fashions ‘are feminine, modest and elegant, a bit
like the manners of the time. Your talk has made me feel I should revisit these
novels. Fascinating and entertaining talk. So refreshing to hear a not entirely
purely literary approach.’ (Rosemary)
‘Jane Austen is one of the very few authors that I reread .
I have enjoyed some of the adaptations but always prefer the books. Yes, I
think the style of clothes is very important – particularly in the films. They
are obviously “Costume Dramas”. I loved your talk! It was very entertaining as
well as informative.’ (Maureen)
‘I love the references to everyday life’ in Austen’s novels.
The costumes in adaptations ‘reflect the lives of “young ladies” of the period
– very feminine, rather sedentary, in many ways impractical and no protection
from the weather.’ (Barbara)
Marianne being rescued by Colonel Brandon in the 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility
‘Equally enjoy reading the novels and watching adaptations.
Always look forward to “escaping” into her world when the adaptations are on
TV. I think accuracy of detail very important for enjoyment – I don’t
enjoy Hollywood treatment. Love the femininity [of Regency costumes] it looks
comfortable to wear. Loved the enthusiasm you have for your subject.’ (Cathryn)
‘Regency costume in adaptations are appealing if they do not
detract from the story but complement the story. Very informative talk.’
(Carol)
‘Love the novels. Adaptations are of variable quality with
the 1995 P&P top in my opinion, Sense
and Sensibility with Emma Thompson comes a near second. Liked the related Lost in Austen and Bridget Jones. For a short time women’s dress was “natural”,
without corsets and shoes were flat. Sad that it was so short lived. Well
balanced and fascinating talk.’ (Justine)
I read the whole set of novels in the sixth form and have
gone back to them at intervals ever since. My main interest as a teacher of
history is how the novels illuminate my understanding of the period. I enjoy
the strong female characters and the dry humour. I am interested in the history
of costume and did stage costume for college performances. I related to your
comment about “real clothes from a wardrobe”. Brilliant! Thank you for agreeing
to talk to us.’ (Margaret)
Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Persuasion
‘I enjoy Jane Austen’s observations of women and their
social standing and her use of language is superb. [Costume in adaptations]
brings to life characters, illustrating the differences between the Bennet
girls and the Bingley sisters and their social standing. I liked the fact that
you made the point that modern adaptations, although not always accurate, made
people read Jane Austen’s books. It did for me, but the adaptation was Persuasion with Amanda Root’. (Linda)
Thank you to all of you who came to my talk, asked such interesting questions, and provided comments for this blog!
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