Deconstructing Regency Novels.

Abstract

Austen’s own thoughts about women’s dependence on marriage, as well as criticism about the society of her time definitely marked the Regency Romance. Undoubtedly, her work is a milestone in English Literature. As a case in point of Austen’s heritage, Julia Quinn arrives in the 21^st century and takes us back into that epoch. Deconstructionists argue that there was not one possible meaning for a text but multiple and contradictory meanings. (Valdés, 2016). Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton saga has brought attention to the genre of the Regency novel once again. We focus on The Duke and I, first book of the Bridgerton saga to ascertain there is an evolution in the Regency romance novels from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer and to Julia Quinn through the literary analysis of The Duke and I from a deconstructionist approach. Having similar points of view, but different styles the three authors give feminist qualities to their heroines. Daphne deviates from Emma and Sophy and becomes a true, solid heroine within the Regency romance. This Bridgerton heroine fills the shoes of a feminist that lives in the 19^th century aware of the importance of marriage, but as long as it is under her terms.