Austen would be disappointed by gender inequality today

upday.com 3 godzin temu

A TV historian has declared that Jane Austen would be disappointed by the lack of gender equality in 2025, speaking at a special celebration marking 250 years since the beloved novelist's birth. Lucy Worsley made the comments at Austen's birthplace in Steventon, Hampshire, during a country fair honouring the author of Pride and Prejudice and Emma.

Worsley described the profound impact of standing where Austen once walked, saying the experience felt "special" and noting how everyone present shared a deep love for the author. The historian argued that Austen fundamentally "changed the world" through her writing, despite being primarily known as an entertainer.

Austen's enduring social message

The novelist's works carried a serious message that remains relevant today, according to Worsley, who emphasised that "women shouldn't have to marry for money" - a central theme throughout Austen's novels. She drew stark parallels between the inequality depicted in Pride and Prejudice and contemporary society.

"In the world of Pride And Prejudice, women and men were not equal. In the world of today, women and men are still not equal," Worsley explained. She suggested that after 250 years, society has failed to achieve the progress Austen might have expected.

Pride and Prejudice star reflects

Actor Adrian Lukis, who portrayed the charming villain George Wickham in the BBC's acclaimed 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, also attended the Hampshire celebration. Lukis revealed he was originally offered a different role before successfully screen-testing for Wickham, which he described as a "wonderful part" in a "fabulous book".

The actor spoke warmly about the series' lasting impact on families, recounting how audience members told him about watching the adaptation together at Christmas with grandparents year after year. He expressed pride in being part of what he called a "wonderful series".

Character insights from Wickham

Lukis offered entertaining insights into his character, acknowledging that while Wickham "is not a great guy", he possesses undeniable charm and provides excellent company. The actor painted a vivid picture of an evening spent with Wickham, suggesting it would be "fantastic" until the inevitable moment when he would claim to have forgotten his money.

In contrast, Lukis suggested that whilst the honourable Mr Darcy would dutifully pay the bill, he would be "pompous and proud and serious" company compared to the entertaining Wickham. The actor praised Austen's "quality of writing and observation" and described her novels as "wonderful stories driven by a compelling narrative".

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

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