Writing Question... please only serious answers!?

Question

OK, I am writing a sequel to Pride and Prejudice. (please don't criticize me for that!) Should I describe people's facial appearence? Austen hardly gave any description, and I never quite understood why she couldn't give you a small hint of what the dashing Darcy, or the intriguing Lizzy looked like. Am I supposed to match Austen exactly, or add on and make it my own? Would you like to know what the Darcy children looked like, or just that they were well-mannered and good looking?

Answer 1

A good writer never reveals all. Austen knew what she was doing. By not being all-descriptive over the characters she allowed readers to create the characters in their own minds. This allows each generation of readers to exercise control over the characters' appearance, a good writing tactic too many current authors ignore or forget.

If you're trying to write a sequel best follow the basic footprint of the original novel. Trust me, your personality will still shine through.

Answer 2

While there are several sequels to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice out there, they usually get mixed reviews. For example, I came across a few books on Amazon the other day by Linda Berdoll. One was called Mr. Darcy Takes A Wife, and the second sequel was called Darcy & Elizabeth: Nights and Days at Pemberley. The reviews on Amazon were mixed at best.

I think first of all you should write for your own sake. Don't worry now about whether or not it will sell or be popular. Just write for the joy of it. If you enjoyed Pride & Prejudice so much, you should just take pleasure out of writing your sequel to satisfy you. Don't worry about pleasing other people at this point.

I would not worry so much about staying true to Austen's writing style so much. Since many sequels have done so in an over-the-top manner and faced such large criticism. Instead, I think staying true to their characters would be more important.

Answer 3

I hope you're only writing this as a course project, and not a venture to be published...That ship's already halfway around the world, twice! A course project, no prob...
I agree with earlier posts, Austen knew what she was doing. Often times, the reader isn't allowed to engage because there's no room for personal imagination. Also, you can really corner a character, and end up parching them
because therre has been too many visuals.You might want to describe how Darcy's and Lizzy's faces have changed over time. Descriptions of eyes, forehead, mouth positions, and body postures are quite revealing of a person's character, but don't overlook the mannerisms -- they display pathologies. You could describe the blend of characteristics derived from each parent, comparing/contrasting it with their parents' physical and personality traits. Reason's for the children's behaviors are best shown through character experiences and can be shared throughout the course of the story. Good luck.

Answer 4

I believe the author is the only one who can write a sequel to Pride and Prejudice or any book for that matter, unless you change the title and not make reference to the book itself. If you were allowed to write a sequel, I would say you'd have to continue the writing in the same manner as the author did. If you write your own new book, it's yours and you can write whatever you wish. But I'd ask an attorney before I write the sequel to make sure you aren't infringing on the author's rights.

Answer 5

The best-written books leave the reader lots of room to imagine details and create their own fantasies. That's one reason that Pride and Prejudice is a classic. That story could be placed in any era, anywhere in the world, and still be just as riveting.

Think of the thousands and thousands of pictures of Jesus. Because he is not described, people everywhere can create their own idea of what he looked like.

2307Connie

Answer 6

i recently took a college writing course. the whole point of the class was to read the great works and write an analysis. it is not a good idea to try and match Austen, according to my teacher who was purdue graduate that is a form of plagarism. the best thing is to try and keep the integrity of the story without using the language of the time period. the best thing is to make it your own.

Answer 7

I personally like it when an author tells what the characters look like . The only problem with that its obvious that the book cover artist must never read the book because what I imagine they draw are never alike. Same applies if they make a movie about it actors they pick don't look like what i imagined

Answer 8

I think descriptions could be included. However, don't be obvious with your descriptions -- show, don't tell would apply here. (Rather than "She had brown hair." say "She carefully ran the brush through the brown locks after her bath."

Writing is never easy - good luck with your project! Honestly, I'm leary of literary sequels... sorry - Scarlett ruined them for me... GWTW should have been left alone!

Answer 9

Descriptions of faces, like that of scenery, should be short, not boring. If you can imagine a single feature or energy that characterizes a face, do it.

But don't try to do a complete sketch, because it's hard for the reader to follow.
Words have limitations in describing sense impressions, don't they?

Answer 10

I think some description would be great,don't go in to much detail though,leave some to the imagination.Yes,I do think you should make the book your own.Good Luck!♥