Jane Austen in the Digital Age: Transmediality and Cultural Expansion

Abstract

The article examines the relevance and growth of Jane Austen’s work in today’s culture through the phenomenon of transmediality. It analyses the adaptations of her novels in various formats, such as film, television, video games, and social networks, highlighting how these reinterpretations connect new generations with the universal values and themes in Austen’s work. The concept of transmedia storytelling, which extends stories to multiple platforms and formats, is investigated in the context of Austen’s works. This approach allows for a narrative expansion that engages fans as prosumers, generating their content ranging from fanfiction to memes and other cultural products. It also studies the commercialization of thematic objects and the organization of events such as the Jane Austen Festival, which consolidate Austen as a global cultural icon. The study also highlights the importance of digital technologies and social networks in the creation of fan communities and in the constant reinterpretation of her legacy, demonstrating that Austen’s work not only endures in the literary sphere but also reinvents itself to suit contemporary sensibilities, giving rise to a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations.