Frilly dresses, dramatic scandals and endless talk of tea and suitors — students have all encountered these themes in some capacity in high school literature classes. Some have loved the stories, while others’ eyes glazed over as they skimmed the pages. Even for the most dedicated fans, the language of classic novels can be dense and antiquated, causing readers to dismiss the novels as boring or irrelevant.
But those who hoped never to revisit these stories but still want to capture the spirit of the narrative are in for a pleasant surprise. In the past few years, literary web series have brought these stories to life in a way which is contemporary, engaging and — most importantly — entertaining.
Executive producers Bernie Su and Hank Green have created a multifaceted, interactive experience which reinvents classic literary novels. Su and Green aired their two completed web series — “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” and “Emma Approved” — as modern adaptations of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma,” respectively.
The two YouTube series follow the lives of Austen’s famous characters in biweekly, vlog-style episodes. In “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries,” certain secondary characters have their own supplementary vlogs which expound upon the central story. Furthermore, both shows tell their respective stories through an innovative, transmedia approach: each character has his or her own social media accounts, such as Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr. The characters regularly update their social media platforms “in real life” and share photos they like. Through this strikingly personal approach, viewers are able to interact with the characters directly by sending a tweet or friending them on Facebook.
“Because the show is online, fans are already at their computers, so they just head over to Twitter and Tumblr and Facebook, and I get to interact with them immediately,” Lizzie Bennet actress Ashley Clements said in an interview with YouTube channel “Clocked Out.” “They’re so wonderful. … They make it so much fun.”
Fan interaction and response is one reason these web series have become increasingly popular. “People took to it so quickly and so wonderfully and enthusiastically and the shows just kept growing," Clements said in an interview with YouTube channel “What’s Trending." "We’re all so floored with the way this took off.”
This semester, Media Studies Prof. Andrea Press is teaching a USEM called “The Cultural Afterlife of Jane Austen.” She plans on incorporating these two web series into her syllabus.
“It’s excellent — very witty,” Press said on the show’s writing. “The actors are incredibly talented.”
Press did, however, note one major difference between the web series and various other adaptations.
“The different format encourages highlighting different parts of the writing,” Press said. “Jane Austen works on several levels, but the web series are really able to play on the comedy of the stories.”
Indeed, though many adaptations focus solely on the romantic aspects of Austen’s works, the various web series emphasize all of the protagonists’ relationships: romantic interests, co-workers, family and friends. The series concentrate on growth in all areas of life — and do so with tasteful humor, honesty and charm.
After the enormously positive response following these web series, other classic literature fans have begun to take the stage — or in this case, the YouTube page.
A group of actors from Vancouver created “The Autobiography of Jane Eyre,” a series of vlogs based off of Charlotte Bronte’s gothic novel, “Jane Eyre.”
Meanwhile, a group of young adults from New Zealand has created the witty and clever web series “Nothing Much to Do,” adapted from William Shakespeare’s comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing.” Set in a modern New Zealand high school, this series also includes vlogs by various characters as a means to incorporate multiple perspectives.
For those still unconvinced of these series’ relevancy, look to “The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy.” In this modern adaptation of “Peter Pan,” set in fictitious Neverland, Ohio, a cast of 20-somethings look for a balance between growing up and staying young. In one of the most poignant episodes of the series, the characters reflect on their predicament, asking themselves, “How do you schedule in time for fun when life takes so much work? … How are we supposed to follow our dreams if we have to think about bills all the time? … How do you stay young when the world just wants to age you? … How do you plan love?”
As college students try to balance their passions with future job security, they will likely connect to a cast of young adults discovering what it means to grow up.
“The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy” has aired one full season of 24 episodes under the channel EpicRobotTV. Its second season is now in the works.
To those who thought they would never enjoy classic literature: give literary vlogs a chance. These web series dust off classic tales, bringing them to light in the 21st century with stories more relatable and accessible to a modern audience.
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