JASP 2026: Interview with Nellie Downie, Adaptations Panelist
- Delicia Johnson
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
In anticipation of JASP 2026, we’re interviewing our esteemed staff and speakers. This year’s four-day symposium, JASP 2026: Pride, Prejudice, and the Pursuit of Happiness will take place June 11-14, 2026, in historic Greensburg, PA, the new JASP location for the foreseeable future. We will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by exploring topics that connect Austen's Pride and Prejudice to the revolutionary context in which it was written. Activities include workshops, small-group discussions, and lectures from renowned Austen scholars. And of course, our Regency Ball is an event not to be missed!
Our final interviewee is Nellie Downie, one of our adaptations panelists at JASP 2026.
Nellie received her Master of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies at Carnegie Mellon University and her undergraduate education from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include 19th century British literature and Romanticism, popular culture, fan studies, and pedagogy. Last year Nellie attended JASP for the first time in which she gave a Context Corner presentation titled "Scandal and the Fallen Woman".
What will your presentation be about?
My presentation is titled "Pursuing Happiness in the Internet Age with The Lizzie Bennet Diaries". In it, I talk about three key aspects of the adaptation: first, how it utilizes its medium and related social media to immerse the audience and encourage them to engage with both the adaptation and the original text on a deeper level; second, how narrative techniques are tailored to the digital medium; and finally, how the dichotomy between Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas' views on pursuing happiness in marriage is sculpted to a 21st century American setting.
What inspired this topic?
One of my interests outside of 19th century literature is popular culture and fan studies, and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is right at the intersection. When I heard that the theme this year was Pride & Prejudice & the Pursuit of Happiness, I immediately thought of Lizzie and Charlotte's views on marriage and how The Lizzie Bennet Diaries chose to adapt that to an early 2010s American setting.
What do you love most about Pride and Prejudice?
My favorite scene is when Elizabeth and the Gardiners are touring Pemberley with Mrs. Reynolds, especially when Elizabeth sees the portrait of Mr. Darcy. I love that you can practically feel her feelings towards him soften as she not only looks upon it, but also as she hears a verbal portrait being painted by someone who has a better sketcher of Darcy's character than she does.
Why do you think Pride and Prejudice continues to resonate with audiences? How do adaptations contribute to the novel's longevity in the public consciousness?
I think that the fact so many people are so protective of their favorite adaptations is a testament to how deeply they are embedded within us. Adaptations take an activity that is typically singular and turn it into something that can be experienced communally, repeatedly.
What do you hope attendees gain from your presentation?
I hope that my presentation invites attendees to consider the possibilities the internet and social media holds for adaptations, and how fostering enjoyment can inspire deeper engagement with literature.
Which JASP activity are you most looking forward to and why?
As a lover of fiber arts, I am looking forward to the pocket sewing workshop! After seeing how many talented sewists, embroiderers, knitters, and crocheters were in attendance last year, I'm excited to learn from both the leader of the workshop and my fellow attendees. In that same vein, I am practically vibrating with excitement for the Regency Ball to see the beautiful historical costuming not on display, but in action!
Why should people support JASP?
To call back to my previous point, JASP is important because it is a precious space where all Janeites are considered equals. People of all walks of life and levels of education are respected, and therefore we open ourselves up to a world of perspectives, gaining a much deeper understanding of Austen and her works. People should support JASP because it is crucial that spaced like this remain to be cultivated and nourished.
Since 2013, our annual, award-winning symposium has attracted lovers of Jane Austen from all walks of life. Attendees spend four days in person with fellow scholars and fans to explore one topic or novel in greater depth for an unforgettable experience. Your donations help keep pricing as low as possible.
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