A STUDY ON ELIZABETH BENNET’S CLOTHES IN YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE PRADA AND PREJUDICE AND PROM AND PREJUDICE

Tri Pramesti; Adeline Grace Marianne Litaay

Abstract

This study examines relationship between selected young adult (YA) literature and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  Elizabeth Eulberg’s Prom and prejudice, and Mandy Hubbard’s Prada and Prejudice   are analysed to see if the works illustrate any of Jane Austen’s thoughts, with emphasis on the idea of fashion as the division of  social class since it represents family’s  power of purchase and  the prestige-object of a household. The data gathered for this study included: two YA novels, book reviews, and articles written by and about authors of the book. Drawing on the theory of cultural code exposed by Roland Barthes, in Elizabeth Bennet’s clothes, the researcher examines the issues of social mobility and cultural codes in the class-conscious society of Prada and Prejudice and Prom and Prejudice.  This paper also shows how Austen’s Pride and Prejudice acts as a reference to Hubbard’s Prada and prejudice and Eulberg’s Prom and Prejudice.  An understanding of Pride and Prejudice can both enhance our appreciation of what is already there, as well as open up new avenues for critical engagement with Hubbard and Eulberg’s works.