To me, an “adaptation” is an attempt to present one of Jane Austen’s stories in a visual medium, being reasonably faithful to the characters. the plot, and the major cultural touchstones of Regency England.
Austen’s stories have been played out on stages, in movie theaters, and on television for close to two centuries. It would be impossible to track down most of the plays, and several of the early movies and television adaptations have been lost for all intents and purposes.
Not all adaptations are created equal, however. Every attempt to present one of Austen’s stories to contemporary audiences has required some compromise, some more successful than others.
For more discussion and a growing resource of information about adaptations worth watching, click here.
