Saturday, June 15, 2024

Remakes of Pride and Prejudice

Notable Adaptations of Pride and Prejudice

Here are 17 notable adaptations of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" across various media:

  1. Pride and Prejudice (1940) - A classic Hollywood adaptation starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier.
  2. Pride and Prejudice (1952) - A BBC television miniseries featuring Daphne Slater and Peter Cushing.
  3. Pride and Prejudice (1958) - Another BBC adaptation, this time with Alan Badel and Jane Downs.
  4. Pride and Prejudice (1967) - A BBC series starring Celia Bannerman and Lewis Fiander.
  5. Pride and Prejudice (1980) - A BBC miniseries with Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul.
  6. Pride and Prejudice (1995) - The acclaimed BBC miniseries starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth.
  7. Pride and Prejudice (2003) - A modern retelling set in Utah, directed by Andrew Black.
  8. Bride and Prejudice (2004) - A Bollywood-style adaptation directed by Gurinder Chadha.
  9. Pride and Prejudice (2005) - A popular film adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
  10. Lost in Austen (2008) - A British TV series where a modern-day woman swaps places with Elizabeth Bennet.
  11. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012-2013) - A modern web series adaptation.
  12. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) - A parody film combining Austen’s story with zombie fiction.
  13. Before the Fall (2016) - A modern reimagining with a gender-swap twist, set in Virginia.
  14. Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta (2019) - A contemporary African-American adaptation set in Atlanta.
  15. Fire Island (2022) - A modern, LGBTQ+ twist on the classic tale.
  16. The Netherfield Girls (Upcoming) - A contemporary adaptation being produced by Netflix.
  17. Pemberley Digital's Welcome to Sanditon (2013) - A follow-up to The Lizzie Bennet Diaries set in the fictional town of Sanditon.

These adaptations showcase the enduring popularity and versatility of Austen's beloved novel across different eras and styles​ (IMDb)​​ (British Period Dramas)​.

Hallmark adaptations of Pride and Prejudice

Hallmark has produced several adaptations of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Here are the key ones:

  1. Unleashing Mr. Darcy (2016) - This modern adaptation places the story in the world of dog shows. Elizabeth Scott decides to show her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a dog show, where she meets the judgmental and complicated judge Donovan Darcy​ (Willow and Thatch)​​ (The Silver Petticoat Review)​.
  2. Christmas at Pemberley Manor (2018) - In this contemporary take, Elizabeth Bennet is a New York event planner who is sent to a small town to organize their Christmas festival. She meets William Darcy, who is initially reluctant to host the event at his family estate, Pemberley Manor​ (Willow and Thatch)​​ (The Silver Petticoat Review)​.
  3. Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe (2018) - This adaptation features a gender-swapped story where Darcy is a successful businesswoman returning to her hometown for Christmas. She reconnects with her childhood rival, Luke, and they must work together on a charity event​ (Willow and Thatch)​​ (The Silver Petticoat Review)​.

These adaptations blend the classic tale with modern settings and unique twists, making them a festive and engaging watch during the holiday season.

Time Travel with Jane Austen 

Here are some time travel movies where modern characters meet Jane Austen:

  1. "Austenland" (2013) - Although this film does not involve time travel, it is set in a modern-day resort where guests live out their Jane Austen fantasies in a Regency-era setting. The protagonist, Jane Hayes, immerses herself in the world of Austen's novels, interacting with actors playing characters from the period.
  2. "The Jane Austen Book Club" (2007) - This film, based on the novel by Karen Joy Fowler, features modern characters discussing Jane Austen's novels in a book club. While not involving actual time travel, the characters draw parallels between their lives and Austen's stories, experiencing personal growth influenced by the author's works.
  3. "Lost in Austen" (2008) - This British TV series features Amanda Price, a modern-day woman who discovers a portal to the world of "Pride and Prejudice." She travels back in time to 19th-century England and meets characters from the novel, impacting the storyline and experiencing the Regency era firsthand.
  4. "The Jane Austen Project" (2017) - While not a movie, this novel by Kathleen A. Flynn involves two researchers from the future who travel back in time to meet Jane Austen and recover a lost manuscript. They interact with Austen and navigate the challenges of living in the early 19th century.

These stories explore the fascinating idea of modern individuals encountering Jane Austen or her fictional worlds, offering unique perspectives on her enduring influence.

Sunday, May 05, 2024

Two Old Men. A Spiritual Short Story by Leo Tolstoy


"Two Old Men" by Leo Tolstoy is a story that explores themes of faith, pilgrimage, and the contrasting paths of spiritual fulfillment. The narrative follows two elderly men, Elisha and Efím, who decide to undertake a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Despite their initial plans to travel together, their journeys diverge due to differing commitments and values.

Elisha, the more central of the two characters, is depicted as compassionate and attuned to the needs of others. On his way to Jerusalem, he encounters various individuals in need, and he consistently chooses to help them, using his resources to provide food, shelter, and assistance. His journey becomes a series of compassionate acts, reflecting his deep commitment to living out his faith in practical, immediate ways.

Efím, on the other hand, focuses more on fulfilling his personal goal of reaching Jerusalem. His journey is more straightforward and less diverted by the plights of others. This contrast sets up a moral exploration of what truly constitutes a meaningful spiritual journey.

The climax of the story reveals that Elisha, despite never reaching Jerusalem, finds profound spiritual satisfaction and fulfillment through his acts of kindness and charity. Efím reaches Jerusalem but feels a sense of emptiness, suggesting that the physical act of pilgrimage is less important than the spiritual journey of helping and serving others.

Tolstoy uses "Two Old Men" to critique formal religious practices that prioritize rituals over genuine moral and ethical actions, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through deeds of kindness and compassion towards one's fellow human beings.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Applying for scholarships


Image created by Copilot


Applying for scholarships can be a competitive process, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you navigate the scholarship application process:

Start Early:

Begin your scholarship search well in advance. Some scholarships have early deadlines, and you don’t want to miss out. Create a calendar with application deadlines to stay organized.

Research Thoroughly:

Look beyond the obvious scholarships. Explore local, national, and industry-specific opportunities. Use scholarship search engines, visit college websites, and check with community organizations.

Eligibility Criteria:

Read the eligibility requirements carefully. Apply only if you meet the criteria. Some scholarships are specific to certain majors, demographics, or extracurricular activities.

Customize Your Applications:

Tailor your application for each scholarship. Highlight relevant experiences, achievements, and goals. Address any specific essay prompts or questions asked by the scholarship committee.

Gather Necessary Documents:

Collect essential documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of community service. Keep digital copies handy for easy submission.

Write a Strong Personal Statement:

Most scholarships require an essay or personal statement. Be authentic and showcase your passion. Explain how the scholarship aligns with your educational and career goals.

Proofread and Edit:

Typos and grammatical errors can hurt your chances. Proofread your application thoroughly. Ask someone else to review it as well.

Follow Instructions:

Adhere to the scholarship guidelines. Submit all required materials. Pay attention to word limits, formatting, and submission methods.

Apply Widely:

Don’t limit yourself to a few scholarships. Apply for as many as possible. Even small awards can add up and help cover expenses.

Stay Organized:

Keep track of submitted applications, confirmation emails, and any follow-up requirements. Respond promptly if the scholarship committee requests additional information.

Be Genuine and Passionate:

Scholarship committees appreciate authenticity. Share your unique story and aspirations. Show enthusiasm for your field of study and how the scholarship will impact your journey.

Stay Positive and Persistent:

Rejections are part of the process. Don’t get discouraged. Keep applying and stay persistent—you never know which scholarship will come through.

Remember, each scholarship application is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and aspirations. Good luck and may your scholarship search be fruitful! 

Source: Copilot


Monday, February 26, 2024

Canada as far south as California

Middle Island, on Lake Erie

Canada is famously referred to as the Great White North, but the majority of its population resides in the southern regions, which are even more southern than commonly perceived. Surprisingly, 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the U.S.-Canadian border, and approximately 60% of the entire Canadian population resides south of Seattle, Washington. Intriguingly, 27 U.S. states are either entirely or partially north of Canada's southernmost point, located at Middle Island in Lake Erie, Ontario. This northern expanse even includes a small portion of California, seemingly contradictory given the state's association with one of the hottest places on Earth, Death Valley. Utah and Nevada also encompass land north of Canada's southernmost point.

An often-overlooked fact is that Canada boasts the longest coastline globally. Spanning an impressive 125,567 miles, it surpasses Indonesia, the second-place holder with a coastline length of 61,567 miles.

The concentration of Canadians in these southern regions is primarily attributed to agricultural reasons. Historian William Lewis Morton explains that the establishment of a network of towns for commercial agriculture in these warmer climates laid the foundation for the development of modern cities during the Industrial Revolution. However, if temperatures continue to rise, Canada's colder regions might witness an influx of climate refugees in the next 50 to 100 years, altering the traditional image of the Great White North. From 1948 to 2022 Canada has warmed by 1.9 degrees Celsius, mostly because of urban sprawl and population growth.

Middle Island, located in Lake Erie, holds the distinction of being Canada’s most southern point. This picturesque island spans an area of approximately 46 acres.

Canada is 16 miles from France’s islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Source: Canada extends as far south as California. | Interesting Facts