Season Four: Live from Pemberley
March 2022 - August 2023
In Season 4, Live from Pemberley, we take a close look at the most famous Romance novel of all time: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Every episode, Vanessa Zoltan and Lauren Sandler read through the book, talk with experts, and ask themselves the question: Is this still a story for our time?
Join Vanessa Zoltan and Lauren Sandler in this season as they put on their analytic hats to read through and unravel 'Pride and Prejudice'. We are talking to Jane Austen scholars, fans, and skeptics and we are going to constantly be asking ourselves: Why is this the bible of the Romance genre? What does this book believe about love, marriage, and money? And are those things we still want to be passing on?
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Trailer
Welcome to our new season, where we're coming to you Live from Pemberley! Starting March 25th, Vanessa and Lauren will dive into Pride and Prejudice, investigating its power and legacy in the Romance genre and our hearts. This is your hand-lettered formal invitation to join us! Pack your corsets and pack your bait (because I hear if you're nice enough, Darcy might even invite you to fish on his property).
An Introduction
Pride and Prejudice is one of the most famous and beloved novels of all time. It’s also, in many ways, the foundational text of the Romance genre. In our quest to unravel the gifts, mysteries, and inner workings of romance literature, it seemed only right that we turn to Lizzy and Darcy next. But before we jump into the first chapters, a few questions need to be answered. Questions like: Who is Jane Austen, and why does everyone care so much about this book?
A Truth Universally Acknowledged (Chapters 1 + 2)
Vanessa and Lauren dive into Pride and Prejudice, starting with a close look at Chapters 1 and 2. They discuss the famous first line of the book, the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and the brief glimpse of Lizzy we get in this chapter. Dr. Tara Menon of Harvard University joins us at the end of the episode to give us a quantitative analysis of the text.
His Manners Gave Disgust (Chapter 3 + 4)
It’s time for the Assembly Ball and Bingley and Darcy are on the scene in Chapters 3 and 4 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Darcy’s famously bad first impression on Lizzy as well as the socio-political dynamics of a ball in the 19th century and today. Writer and culture critic Margaret H. Willison joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope in Romance novels.
A Pair of Fine Eyes (Chapters 5 + 6)
The Lucases take center stage in Chapters 5+6 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the friendship between Charlotte and Lizzy and the way that historical and cultural ideas around masculinity might affect how we read Darcy. Dr. Kate Fullagar of Australian Catholic University joins us at the end of the episode to discuss notions of savagery and British imperialism.
A Very Mean Art (Chapters 7 + 8)
Poor Jane Bennet has caught a cold in the rain in Chapters 7 + 8 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Darcy’s moral compass, the value of reading, and the prototypical ‘mean girl' – Caroline Bingley. Dr. Tim Fulford of De Montfort University joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the military context of Austen’s England.
An Object of Admiration (Chapters 9 - 12)
With Jane sick upstairs, Elizabeth is stuck navigating the drawing room at Netherfield in chapters 9 through 12 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the influence of The Enlightenment on Austen, continue their discussion about Caroline Bingley, and evaluate the budding chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. Nell Stevens joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the ‘mean girl’ trope.
Little Elegant Compliments (Chapters 13 + 14)
Mr. Collins, the Bennets’ horrible cousin, has arrived at Longbourn in Chapters 13 and 14 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren dig into Collins as a religious figure and the impact of his sermonizing on the Bennet daughters. Dr. Sandra Macpherson joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the entail and British land law.
Most Gentlemanlike Appearance (Chapters 15 + 16)
A new love interest has hit the scene in Chapters 15 and 16 of Pride and Prejudice. The handsome Mr. Wickham has caught Lizzy’s eye, and he has quite the story to tell about Darcy. Vanessa and Lauren discuss their first impressions of Wickham and what it means to trust a stranger. Dr. Mary Jean Corbett joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the British marriage law and customs that surround Collins’ plan to marry his cousin.
An Agreement to Expose Themselves (Chapters 17 + 18)
It’s time for the Netherfield Ball in Chapters 17 and 18 of Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy finally asks Lizzy to dance and the whole Bennet family seems to be on a mission to embarrass themselves in front of everyone. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the undercurrent of class privilege that surrounds balls in general and Lizzy’s prejudice around Darcy specifically. Dr. Amanda Calhoun joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the enemies to lovers trope from a psychological perspective.
A Private Audience (Chapters 19 + 20)
Mr. Collins finally makes his move in Chapters 19 and 20 of of Pride and Prejudice. He pulls Lizzy aside for his grand proposal… and can’t seem to understand it when Lizzy flatly refuses. Vanessa and Lauren explore different readings of Collins in this scene and discuss the ways that Pride and Prejudice offers a mirror for modern feminist readers. Dr. Talia Schaffer joins us at the end of the episode to discuss historical perspectives on Collins as a potential romantic partner.
Engaged to Mr. Collins (Chapters 21 - 23)
After Elizabeth’s refusal, Mr. Collins quickly turns his attention to Charlotte Lucas in Chapters 21 through 23 of Pride and Prejudice. And Lizzy isn’t the only Bennet sister who is suddenly lacking a suitor - Mr. Bingley an his party have left for London, with no promise of returning. Vanessa and Lauren explore Charlotte’s approach to marriage and poor Jane’s broken heart. Dr. Briallen Hopper joins us at the end of the episode to discuss spinsterhood in Austen’s age and our own.
Crossed in Love (Chapters 24 + 25)
Jane and Elizabeth have a heart to heart about Bingley in Chapters 24 and 25 of Pride and Prejudice. Caroline has written Jane a letter saying that her party won’t be returning to Netherfield. But you know who is in town? Everyone’s favorite Aunt and Uncle: Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. In this episode, Vanessa and Lauren continue their conversations about class, love, and marriage and look closely at Jane’s optimistic philosophy of life. Dr. Amy Hollywood joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Mrs. Bennet’s nerves and the history of hysteria.
The Mercenary and The Prudent ( Chapters 26 – 28)
Lizzy Bennet hits the road in Chapters 26 and 28 of Pride and Prejudice. Change is in the air in Hertfordshire – Wickham is pursuing someone new, Jane is with her aunt and uncle in London, and Lizzy heads to Hunsford to see “the happy couple” (that is to say, Charlotte and Collins). In this episode, Vanessa and Lauren explore the difference between Charlotte and Wickham and role of ‘love’ in matrimony. Dr. Natalie Hanley-Smith joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Wickham’s fortune hunting.
Lady Catherine Seemed Gratified (Chapter 29)
The Hunsford party is invited to Rosings in Chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy finally has the chance to meet the much-discussed Lady Catherine de Bourgh and must answer all of her impertinent questions. Vanessa and Lauren discuss whether to read Lady Catherine generously and what she reflects about the power of the rich. Dr. Hannah McGregor joins us at the end of the episode to discuss sentimentality in the novel. Her book, A Sentimental Education, is available now!
The Trouble of Practising (Chapters 30 – 32)
Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have arrived at Rosings, bringing a little fun and intrigue to the Collins party. Colonel Fitzwilliam proves to be a charming new acquaintance while Darcy continues to be his awkward self. Vanessa and Lauren discuss whether Darcy and Lizzy are flirting yet and Lady Catherine’s narcissism. Margaret H. Willison joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the famous piano scene in chapter 31.
In Vain I Have Struggled (Chapter 33 + 34)
Mr. Darcy is banging down the door to declare his love to Lizzy in Chapter 33 and 34 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the ‘civility’ of Darcy’s declaration and why it doesn’t work out with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lizzy. Dr. Claudia L. Johnson joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Jane Austen’s politics.
Receiving This Letter (Chapters 35 + 36)
Mr. Darcy finds Lizzy and hands her a letter in Chapters 35 and 36 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the ‘romance’ of Darcy’s letter and the way in which it triggers a change in Lizzy. Joanna Rakoff joins us at the end of the episode to discuss coming-of-age novels and the history of letters in literature.
Such Coarseness of Expression (Chapters 37 – 39)
We’re finally headed back to Hertfordshire in Chapter 37, 38 and 39 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the way Darcy’s letter has changed Lizzy and Lydia’s vulgarity. Dr. Kristin Samuelian joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the parallels between Lydia and Princess Caroline of Wales.
The Most Determined Flirt (Chapters 40 – 42)
Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet butt heads about Lydia in Chapters 40, 41 and 42 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Mr. Bennet’s parenting, the original sin of the Bennet marriage, and the power of secrets in these chapters. Dr. Joanne Begiato joins us at the end of the episode to discuss regency ideas of parenting and family.
A Large, Handsome, Stone Building (Chapter 43)
Elizabeth and the Gardiners arrive at Pemberley House in Chapter 43 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the picture of benevolent aristocracy painted by Darcy's housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. They also discuss Elizabeth’s reaction to Pemberley and to seeing Darcy again. Darrick Borowski joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the architecture and aesthetics of Pemberley.
Not Only Astonishment, But Gratitude (Chapters 44 + 45)
We finally meet Georgiana Darcy in Chapters 44 and 45 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the awkwardness of the Darcy family and Austen's emerging definition of love as Lizzy begins to fall for Darcy at Pemberley. Dr. Chloe Angyal joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the invention of the enemies to lovers trope and its imprint on more modern romcoms. Be sure to check out her upcoming romance novel, Pas De Don't!
Mr. Wickham and Our Poor Lydia (Chapter 46)
Darcy and Lizzy’s budding friendship (or is it more?) comes to an abrupt end when Lizzy gets a letter from Jane in Chapter 46 of Pride and Prejudice. Lydia and Wickham have run away together and so Lizzy and the Gardiner’s must leave immediately for Longbourn. Vanessa and Lauren discuss whether this plot point counts as a ‘kidnapping’ and whether marriage to Wickham is the best ending for Lydia. Dr. Ellen Stockstill joins us at the end of the episode the trope of the ‘fallen woman’ in literature and how it maps onto real historical anxieties.
Endless Ruin (Chapters 47 + 48)
Lizzy and the Gardiners return to Longbourn in Chapters 47 and 48 of Pride and Prejudice. There is no news of Lydia and Wickham yet, but we are reunited with the rest of the Bennets and their theories and stress about the whole situation. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Mr. Bennet’s self-deprecating humor and Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with clothes. Dr. Kimberly A. Hamlin joins us at the end of the episode to teach us about age of consent laws in England and the US. Check out her wonderful book, Free Thinker: Sex, Suffrage, and The Extraordinary Life of Helen Hamilton Gardiner.
They Must Marry! (Chapters 49 + 50)
There is finally news of Lydia and Wickham in Chapters 49 and 50 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss and debate everyone’s reactions to the news. They tackle again a few favorite topics: Mrs. Bennet’s silliness, Mr. Bennet’s wry detachment, and Jane’s naiveté. Dr. Alexander Wakelam joins us at the end of the episode to teach us about gambling and debt in 18th century England.
Lydia Was Lydia Still (Chapters 51 + 52)
Lydia and Wickham are married and returned to Longbourn in Chapters 51 and 52 of Pride and Prejudice. With new information about how the wedding went down, Vanessa and Lauren re-evaluate Lydia’s power in the situation and discuss Pride and Prejudice as the ultimate fantasy. Dr. Amy Harris joins us at the end of the episode to discuss sibling hierarchy and rivalry in Georgian England.
Why is Not Every Body as Happy? (Chapters 53 – 55)
Mr. Bingley finally proposes to Jane in Chapters 53 through 55 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the cyclical nature of the book, Jane and Bingley's love match, and whether Mr. Bennet has changed at all. Dr. Laura White joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Jane Austen's Anglicanism.
Obstinate Headstrong Girl (Chapter 56)
Lady Catherine makes a visit to Longbourn in Chapter 56 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss how Lizzy wins the argument and whether Lady Catherine is the true villain of the book. Dr. Susan Fraiman joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Lizzy's obstinacy in this chapter.
It Taught Me to Hope (Chapters 57 + 58)
Mr. Darcy returns to Longbourn to propose (again) in chapters 57 and 58 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the romance that Austen leaves off the page and the deep self-reflection of these two characters. Dr. Stephanie Paulsell joins us at the end of the episode to discuss her thoughts on the proposal.
Engaged to Mr. Darcy! (Chapters 59 + 60)
Elizabeth and Darcy spread the news of their engagement in Chapters 59 and 60 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's different reactions and the delicious flirting between Lizzy and Darcy. Dr. Sharon Marcus joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the model of sisterly love.
Her Two Most Deserving Daughters (Chapter 61)
All ends well in Chapter 61 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss where we leave each character and the true importance of Pemberley. Dr. Claudia Johnson joins us at the end of the episode to discuss comedy and our takeaways from the whole book.
Longbourn (with Jo Baker)
Though we've finished our reading of Pride and Prejudice, a true understanding of the text and its cultural impacts wouldn't be complete without a look at its many adaptations. Over the next few months, we'll be looking a few examples and asking the question 'what do these teach us about the original text?' The first episode of this short series is all about Longbourn by Jo Baker, and we were lucky enough to get Jo Baker herself to speak with us about the book.
Fire Island (with Joel Kim Booster)
While we've been making Live from Pemberley, we've been blessed with a brand new Pride and Prejudice adaptation! We originally covered Fire Island when it was first released with guest Tobin Low. But this week, in honor of its recent Emmy nominations, we're revisiting the film with its writer and star Joel Kim Booster. From Joel, we learn about how Austen maps onto gay culture and hear about some of the behind-the-scenes decisions of the movie.
Eligible (with Curtis Sittenfeld)
Curtis Sittenfeld is one of Vanessa's favorite authors and in 2016 she published her own take on Pride and Prejudice, Eligible. Eligible transposes Lizzy and company from 19th century England to modern-day Cincinnati, Ohio. In today's episode, we talk to Curtis about Eligible and the inspiration behind her new book, Romantic Comedy.
Bride and Prejudice (with Bedatri Choudhury)
For our final adaptation conversation of this season, we're talking to critic and writer Bedatri Choudhury about the film Bride and Prejudice. We explore how the class and gender dynamics of Georgian England transpose into 21st century India and discuss this question: is this a true Bollywood film?
A Conclusion
In our final episode of the season, Vanessa and Lauren return to some of their central questions about Pride and Prejudice, its popularity and its politics. We'll be back in a few months with our next season, but in the meantime we'll be releasing regular bonus episodes on our Patreon. We'd love to have you join the community supporting our work!
Expert Voices Include
Joanne Begiato, Oxford Brookes University
Darrick Borowksi, School of Visual Arts
Miriam Burstein, SUNY Brockport
Amanda Calhoun, Yale University
Mary Jean Corbett, Miami University
Jenny Davidson, Yale University
Roxanne Eberle, University of Georgia
Susan Fraiman, University of Virginia
Tim Fulford, De Montefort University
Kate Fullager, Australian Catholic University
Kimberly A. Hamlin, Miami University
Amy Harris, Brigham Young University
Amy Hollywood, Harvard University
Briallen Hopper, Queens College CUNY
Claudia L. Johnson, Princeton University
Devoney Looser, Arizona State University
Deidre Lynch, Harvard University
Sandra Macpherson, Ohio State University
Sharon Marcus, Columbia University
Hannah McGregor, Simon Fraser University
Tara Menon, Harvard University
Elsie Michie, Louisiana State University
Stephanie Paulsell, Harvard University
Joanna Rakoff
Ayesha Ramachandran, Yale University
Kristin Samuelian, George Mason University
Natalie Hanley Smith, Oxford Brookes University
Talia Shaffer, Queens College CUNY
Nell Stevens, University of Warwick
Ellen Stockstill, Penn State Harrisburg
Alexander Wakelam, University of Cambridge
Laura White, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Margaret H. Willison
Susan Zlotnick, Vassar College