In the elegant ballrooms of early 19th century England, love, wit and societal intricacies take center stage. Jane Austen, with her timeless novels, laid the foundation for the genre, crafting stories that continue to inspire retellings, hollywood movies and even BBC adaptations across generations.
Enter Bridgerton, a dazzling Netflix series that breathes new life into this beloved era, reimagining Austen’s world with a modern, different, diverse twist.
In this post, we explore the parallels and contrasts between Austen’s legacy and the vibrant universe of Bridgerton.
Jane Austen was one of the most liminal British writers to have ever graced us with her masterpieces that redefined the Regency era.
Born in a loving family in Hampshire, England, on December 16th, 1775, Austen—unlike most women of the era— was encouraged from a young age by her parents to delve into writing. The family’s visits to Bath and London—the nest of the young socialites and gossip— provided young Jane with great inspiration.
Her first work “Lady Susan” depicted a girl very much like Jane—witty, dynamic, and opinionated to the point of social destruction. It was only published years after her death in 1871. One might say that such female authority was deemed too scandalous for the patriarchs of the era.
Similarly, “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey” were published posthumously in December 1817. However, most of us bookworms have explored Austen’s masterful writing in her more popular works such as “Pride and Prejudice” (1813), “Emma” (1815), and “Sense and Sensibility” (1813).
After leading a triumphant year in 1813, she went on to publish “Mansfield Park” in 1814 thus solidifying her place as one of the most influential writers of the time. At the prime of her career, she started experiencing symptoms of what today’s physicians would call Addison’s disease. With her health declining her last work “Sandition” was left unfinished, and despite being under the care of one of the experts of her time, she unfortunately left our world on July 18th, 1817. However, she certainly never left our hearts.
We could think of a ton of reasons why Austen was one of the first pioneers of the genre, but we will stick to the basic and undeniable truths of her writing.
Austen was a woman of her time and as such she did not hesitate to present the silliness of the bourgeoisie and social injustice. From Emma Woodhouse, a young socialite who made arranging love matches for the people around her a hobby to Mrs. Bennet and her desperate attempts to secure advantageous marriages for her daughters, Austen creates characters that not only represent the era but also depict its faults.
Austen’s characters, are masterfully written and not only superficially explored. She dives deep into their psyche and makes us—her loyal readers— identify with them and root for them—as if there’s anyone out there who didn’t scream at Darcy to go get his girl. Check our post on our beloved Pride & Prejudice Characters for more.
She used Free Indirect Style allowing the feelings of her characters to be conveyed intrinsically in the plot, without disrupting the flow and thus slightly making the narrator seem a bit less omniscient and all-knowing.
Reading an Austen Romance is like falling in love all over again, the bonds between the characters are deep and well-rooted, while their connection builds up gradually until it climaxes to the to-die-for confessions that lead the heroine right into the protagonist’s arms.
Recently we were lucky to be blessed with a Netflix series of the Bridgerton period drama by Julia Quinn that is set in the scandalous Regency period. All of us bookworms were very excited to see this period drama air (created by Chris Van Dusen), especially after realizing that the adaptation was so closely based on the books with the help of Miss Shonda Rhimes of course, making it the last addition to Shondaland.
The story revolves around the Bridgerton family. Each season of the series, like each book, is focused on the story of a different member of the Bridgerton siblings.
As the Regency era setting suggests, the characters are surrounded by intrigue, suspense and scandal. Even when love shines, a threat arises in the form of Lady Whistledown, a mysterious figure who posts her stories and daily observations regarding the balls of the season, the eligible bachelors and debutantes, spreading gossip and uncovering well-hidden secrets. Lady Whistledown, voiced by the exceptional Julie Andrews, will end up upsetting the sensitive bourgeoisie of London and even making the characters question their choices.
The first pairing to grace our screens—and make our hearts flatter— is Daphne Bridgerton (portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset the Duke of Hastings (portrayed by Regé-Jean Page - check him on first book of the series, "the Duke and I"), their love manages to surpass all tumult and they get their happily ever after and Daphne becomes a duchess.
Their story greatly inspires Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), the oldest son and heir to the Bridgerton title, to look for his own soulmate. She appears in the form of Kate Sharma (, who will definitely give Viscount Bridgerton a run for his money, before surrendering in his arms.
An amazing extra part of the series, dedicated to the love story of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and King George iii premiered recently, leaving us not only stunned by the amazing visuals and performances but also wishing for more.
Now all that is left is to wait patiently to watch—our girl— Penelope Featherington teach Colin Bridgerton a lesson on why he always belonged to her even though he tried to deny it.
Any author who respects themselves needs to have read Austinian works especially to write a Regency Romance and Miss Quinn certainly does not disappoint. Austen's novels are celebrated for their witty, satirical humor and commentary on the English high society. While the tone of the Bridgerton series is different, it too is infused with humor, particularly in the banter between characters.
As the central figure of the genre, Austen gave future writers and readers the opportunity to explore the dynamics of the aristocracy when mixed with the lower classes, a conflict that is often explored in the Bridgerton series as well.
Both authors delve deep into familial relationships, friendships, and romantic entanglements. The dynamic between siblings and parents, as well as the friendships that characters forge, play a significant role in driving the narratives.
We can be certain however that the female authority and passion that Daphne and Kate reflect in the Bridgerton series, would have never been the same had it not been for Elizabeth Bennet or Emma Woodhouse there to pave the way first.
And let’s not forget the greatly amusing and inspiring Eloise Bridgeton, a scholar in her own right and an early feminist. Austen would have definitely resonated with Eloise and her pride to be an intellectual woman of the era, not interested in balls and seasons.
While "Bridgerton" is definitely inspired by various elements reminiscent of Jane Austen's world, it's essential to recognize that Julia Quinn has her own distinct voice and style. The Bridgerton series is more explicit in its romantic content and incorporates modern sensibilities that
differentiate it from Austen's more subtle and restrained portrayals.
One particularly commendable aspect of the "Bridgerton" television adaptation is its deliberate choice to depict a racially diverse Regency-era London. By casting African-American actors in prominent roles and weaving their narratives seamlessly into the fabric of the period drama, the show challenges traditional depictions and prompts a reevaluation of historical representation. This inclusion not only adds depth to the series but also speaks volumes about the importance of diversity and representation in contemporary media. Consequently, while both Austen enthusiasts and new readers/viewers may be drawn to the familiar Regency-era charms, they're also presented with a fresh, more inclusive perspective on a beloved genre.
Romance and the pursuit of happiness preoccupied the characters of many novels even before the Regency era, but during the reign of George, Prince of Wales the Prince Regent (1811-1820) romance was absolutely revolutionized and refreshed.
The characters of Regency romance novels are usually members of the elite, thus allowing the reader to glimpse into the glamorous balls, gatherings, and obligations the young socialites had in order to maintain their status and prestige. This unique setting leads to them exploring the depths of passion, desire and even sexual deviance in the most creative ways. Their innermost desires clash with the need to uphold the high standards of the aristocracy, especially when scandal and gossip are lurking around every corner.
More often than not the heroes are tangled in witty, daring, and intellectual dialogues—in that well-beloved pompous style of the times we have come to expect and adore— that make our heads spin and brains tingle. Because of those meticulously crafted dialogues, the readers dive head first into the social constrictions and the fatal consequences every misstep could have. The stakes run high with the tantalizing tales of adulterous lovers, lovers being separated or married for convenience keeping us at the edge of our seats.
Regency romance is more dramatic, lively, and vivid in every aspect and that is widely proven by its immense appeal to a broader audience. To further read about the juicy parts of Regency Romance head over to our blogpost about the period.
Due to King George’s inability to rule Great Britain, his son was appointed as the regent and was in charge of every political decision in his father’s stead. Perhaps one of the longest times when the sovereign was not the head of a country, the Regency signaled many changes. The aristocrats and especially those close to the crown benefited greatly, while the masses were unfortunately sentenced to a life of poverty and hardships.
A sense of refinement and cultural progress were immediately apparent among the upper social circles, a desperate try to mask the actual silliness and arrogance of the aristocracy. Austen often made a mockery of their pretentiousness with figures like Mr Bennet.
Considering the restrictive nature of society at the time, it makes sense that most heroes come from the upper echelons of Britain’s aristocracy, as they would normally have more opportunities to taste the social sphere and to be the talk of the town. Aristocracy defined the era with their naughty dukes, earls and viscounts— like Julia Quinn said, who wouldn’t want to find themselves in the arms of the duke? If you like the idea too, run to our post about Dukes & Rakes for more spicy details and a list of the real-life people who have inspired those characters.
And of course, no self-respecting blog post dedicated to the era would be complete without a look at the elaborate fashion that graced those years.
The Napoleonic wars actually contributed to spreading French fashion all over Europe. Regency fashion is greatly influenced by French traditions and is fairly different from the extravagance of Georgian dresses.
Items such as the chemisette and fabrics like light muslins were thoroughly used in the making of the Regency attire.
The Chemissete was often used in combination with the day dress, thus leading to the typical Regency dress called the “Chemise Dress”. The garment was high-waisted, with long sleeves and a wide neckline. Despite its simplicity, it was a very comfortable and eye-catching piece for a lady to have in her wardrobe. The day dress is often sported by the Bridgerton women of the show.
Surely though the highlight of the era’s fashion should be considered the intricately decorated night dress. Still in the same pattern, the night dress was elegance in its essence. The idea might have been that less is more, but the dresses were stunning nonetheless. Crystals, flowers and other patterns were handstitched into each dress, creating a feast of the senses.
Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet, although from a lower class than Daphne Bridgerton had an impressive range of outfits, from the simple day dress to the romantic—to die for—dress she wears when she dances with Mr. Darcy.
Shiny jewellery and elaborate hairpieces adorned the ladies and completed every look.
Two very different women, coming from different social classes, but tangled in the same reality. Elizabeth and Daphne are two exquisite female presences of the Regency era that refuse to be defined by others, but rather they themselves define and shape the men who will by their side—and what delicious-looking men those are.
Both of them are pictured as strong independent opinionated women, who will not be ignored or left on the sidelines. They have a voice and will hesitate to use it to call out anyone and anything. They have their priorities set, although they differ entirely, as one is solely focused on securing a good matchand is fairly courted by many suitors, while the other has no interest in settling down and even rejects a proposal. Both of them, however, are determined to get what they want and won’t settle for anything less. Social injustice and the follies of the gentry are thoroughly challenged by both heroines, making them not only beloved by readers and viewers all around, but a staple for literary heroines as well.
Nonetheless, we must note that the one major discrepancy between the two women is their stance on femininity and consequently feminism. Elizabeth is hands down one of the first feminist heroines, supporting her decisions and even daring to defy the rules of the era. On the other hand, Daphne’s need to secure a match and a family, using any means necessary, even very questionable ones— we all know The Scene— makes us wonder if despite her strength she is still a bit on the immature and naive side of feminine virtues. Perhaps the two heroines would have a lot to learn from each other and would have been the greatest friends in a fictional and dreamy world.
All in all Regency has it all, the drama, the splendor, and the passion. Identifying with the problems and dilemmas the characters have to face makes us feel like giving advice to a dear friend who is not blessed with the hard-won freedoms of today’s life. If we haven’t already convinced you about how awesome the Regency era is just one read of the iconic Pride and Prejudice, or one of the Bridgerton books, or even Georgette Heyer’s “The Spanish Bride” (1940) with a more alternative take on the era, will have you begging for more.
In case you can’t resist diving deeper into the era and its endless adventures, subscribe to Crewfiction's Newsletter to find more interesting articles on the scandalous tea of the era.
Always living in her own enchanted little world, Christina discovered the magic that can be hidden within the pages of a book when one dares to take a closer look from a tender age. An avid reader, she is constantly inspired to delve into the secrets woven between the lines and challenges herself to find her own voice amidst the chaos. She is a dedicated fan of the classics, but the supernatural creatures that have tormented readers for years are her kryptonite. The mastery it takes to infuse the author's essence, molded by the era they grew up in to their innermost desires fascinates her. Undoubtedly, putting her passion and knowledge on paper has a mesmerizing allure on her, and following the steps of so many other dreamers before her she wishes to leave her mark in the literary world. Guided by T.S Eliot’s haunting words: “I will show you fear in a handful of dust” she intends to wreak havoc in the minds of her future readers.
