An Eligible Bachelor: Austen, Love, and Marriage in 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Eligible' by Curtis Sittenfeld

Abstract

Jane Austen’s six novels have been the starting point of many sequels, continuations, and adaptations. One of such is 'Eligible' by Curtis Sittenfeld, a rewriting of 'Pride and Prejudice' set in 21st-century U.S.A., where the search for an eligible bachelor becomes a TV reality show. This essay analyzes how Sittenfeld modifies Austen’s characterization of the main characters and their matrimonial quest taking into account how marriage has changed since the 19th century, exploring what elements persist and what adjustments need to be made in order to bring the spirit of the original to our current days and if such an attempt is ultimately successful.

Keywords

• pride and prejudice
• eligible
• marriage
• single women
• transgender
• adaptations
• sequels