Should I Watch the Movie First?: Classic Literature and Film Adaptations

When I was thirteen years old, I decided to dip my toes into classic literature. I started with Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because it's supposedly beginner-friendly. 

I ordered a cheap copy online; when the parcel arrived, I was thrumming with excitement as I tore it open. But even with a hefty dictionary beside me, trying to read the first line had me intimidated and lost. 

I forced myself through the first few paragraphs, but the more I read, the more my forehead wrinkled. I just couldn't get into it. I couldn’t enjoy a book I didn’t understand, so I had to put it down and try again the next day. 

The second day was the same. 

I pushed myself to finish the book, despite feeling  like I was reading a whole different language. I thought maybe I was too young or not smart enough for classic literature. I was more accustomed  to reading TagLish (Tagalog and English) novels from Wattpad and other trendy books. 

Then the pandemic struck the world into quarantine, I dusted off my neglected copy of Pride and Prejudice. At the same time, I discovered there was a movie adaptation of it from 2005 featuring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden. I was charmed watching the scene on YouTube where Mr Darcy professes his love to Elizabeth in the pouring rain. I watched the film version immediately, and gave the book another shot. 

The visuals were a game-changer. Having now seen the movie, I was able to understand what I was reading in the book.. I could decide which Goodreads reviews I agreed with and form my own opinions—and most importantly, I felt like a smartypants. 

Currently, I'm diving into another Jane Austen gem: Emma. Now that I’ve watched the 2020 film adaptation, I feel less intimidated by the idea of reading the novel. 

(my review on Letterboxd) 

This  has become my strategy for classic literature. It has exponentially expanded my love for reading and books that I had previously deemed as too complex and intimidating.