Timeless Transformations

By Shruti Gupta, BA (hons.) Sociology, third year

Edited by Vasvi Singhal

Isn't it amazing, how our friends are always evolving but still somehow feel familiar?

One of the most fascinating things about adaptations is how they bring the same stories to life in new ways each time. I’ve always loved seeing how each version of a classic story, whether it’s an Austen novel or any beloved book, changes to fit the era it’s in.

Each adaptation seems to reflect what people value at that moment in time, even if the characters and plot stay relatively consistent. It’s like we’re meeting these characters all over again, but with a slightly different spin.

For example, a story like "Pride and Prejudice" doesn’t just stay in 19th-century England with one interpretation of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Instead, we get to see different sides of these characters with each adaptation. Some versions play up the romance, showing Darcy as this swoon-worthy figure, while others really dive into the social conflicts or even focus on Elizabeth's independence.

Each adaptation seems to pick up on different nuances and these subtle shifts reflect what people crave in their own lives, whether that’s resilience, romance, or independence.

Watching these adaptations over time allows us to see the past through a modern lens, letting us imagine how classic characters might handle contemporary issues.

And it’s not just in movies or shows; you can see it in retellings across all media: books, TV, theater. Each generation of creators brings out a unique shade of a story, and has a way of speaking to us differently, whether we’re looking for escapism, authenticity, or a relatability.

I guess that’s what makes these adaptations so special; they’re not just retellings, they’re reflections of us, each in its own way. Every adaptation lets us experience that story anew, making it feel like a friend who’s always changing but somehow still feels familiar.

Which adaptation of Pride and Prejudice did you like the most? Is there any other adaptation that connected with you? Let us know your answers in the comments.