I was wondering if you believe this to be true or not. The writer points out how marriage has changed in the last 200 years, examining Anne Elliot's choice to marry Capt. Wentworth, which would mean a life of ships and the company of sailors. In another scenario, Elizabeth Bennett's marriage to Darcy entails a different life, one of lofty estates and preparing dinner parties for other Lords and Ladies and possibly visiting tenants. In another point, she mentions how money dictates less nowadays in one's choice of spouse. Would Lady Russell have been able to persuade Anne not to marry Wentworth if the story were set today? Could Lucy Steele maintain her tight grasp on Edward Ferrars for four years with the societal norms of this century?
Personally, I believe all great stories can be told with different settings and still maintain their themes and morals. I think Lady Russell would be able to separate Anne and Wentworth, and that Edward's character will always obligate him to his duty to Lucy Steele. All of Jane Austen's stories and scenario's can be set in the future or the past and still hold on to their power. Jane Austen was a master of human nature and as long as humans remain the same their is no reason for the power of her writing to be reduced.
But what do you think? Even if you haven't read Jane Austen, do you believe that some stories must remain in their time? How much do you think the time and place of a story dictates the story or the actions of the characters?
