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Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen 💍❌
In the original draft of “Pride and Prejudice,” Jane Austen had a very different vision for Elizabeth Bennet’s fate. Instead of the iconic union with Mr. Darcy, Austen contemplated an ending where Elizabeth outright rejects Darcy, leaving readers with a sense of ambiguity. This alternative conclusion would have significantly altered the trajectory of one of literature’s most cherished romances. Fortunately, Austen chose to rewrite the ending, allowing Elizabeth and Darcy to overcome their misunderstandings and societal pressures, ultimately leading to a happy resolution. This change not only solidified the novel’s status as a romantic classic but also highlighted themes of personal growth and societal expectations.
1984 – George Orwell 🏛️💔
George Orwell’s “1984” is known for its grim portrayal of a dystopian future under the watchful eye of Big Brother. Interestingly, Orwell’s publisher suggested a less bleak ending where Winston Smith retains some hope for rebellion against the oppressive regime. However, Orwell firmly rejected this idea, opting instead for a chilling conclusion where Winston succumbs to the Party’s control, ultimately betraying his love for Julia. This decision underscores the novel’s themes of totalitarianism and the loss of individuality, making it a powerful commentary on the dangers of unchecked governmental power.
Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell 🌪️💔
Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind” features one of literature’s most famous lines, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” However, in an earlier draft, Rhett Butler was supposed to return to Scarlett O’Hara, begging for another chance at their tumultuous relationship. This alternate ending would have dramatically shifted the emotional weight of the story, potentially undermining Scarlett’s character development and independence. Ultimately, Mitchell’s decision to have Rhett walk away solidified the novel’s themes of resilience and the harsh realities of love and loss.
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens 🖤✨
In “Great Expectations,” Charles Dickens initially envisioned a much sadder ending for Pip and Estella, where they never reunite. This bleak conclusion was altered thanks to the encouragement of Dickens’s friend, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, who urged him to provide a more hopeful resolution. The final version sees Pip and Estella meeting again, albeit in a bittersweet context that suggests growth and change. This revision not only enhances the emotional depth of the narrative but also reflects Dickens’s belief in the possibility of redemption and personal transformation.
The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde 🎭🖼️
Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” was initially drafted with a much darker fate for its protagonist. Wilde’s first version included a slow descent into madness for Dorian, rather than the dramatic and sudden demise that readers are familiar with today. This change was pivotal, as it transformed the narrative into a more impactful commentary on vanity, morality, and the consequences of a life led by hedonism. The final ending, where Dorian meets his tragic fate, serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of excess and the inevitability of facing one’s actions.
The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien 🏹🔥
J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic “The Lord of the Rings” almost took a much darker turn. Tolkien considered an ending where Frodo fails to destroy the One Ring, resulting in Sauron’s victory. This would have drastically altered the story’s message of hope and perseverance. Instead, Tolkien crafted a climactic moment where Gollum’s greed inadvertently leads to the Ring’s destruction, allowing for a triumphant conclusion. This choice not only reinforces the themes of sacrifice and redemption but also highlights the unpredictable nature of fate within the narrative.
Dracula – Bram Stoker 🦇☠️
Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” originally featured a different fate for the infamous Count. In an early draft, Dracula was meant to survive, potentially paving the way for a sequel. However, Stoker ultimately opted for a dramatic showdown that culminates in Dracula’s demise, where he is stabbed through the heart and disintegrates into dust. This decision not only provides a satisfying conclusion to the story but also reinforces the themes of good versus evil, as the characters triumph over the dark forces represented by Dracula.
Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck 🥀🐭
John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” is known for its heart-wrenching conclusion, but Steinbeck initially considered an ending where George does not shoot Lennie. Instead, George would allow Lennie to be captured and institutionalized. This alternative ending would have shifted the narrative’s focus from the themes of friendship and sacrifice to a more ambiguous resolution. Ultimately, Steinbeck chose the tragic yet poetic ending that resonates deeply with readers, emphasizing the harsh realities of life and the bonds of friendship.
Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury 🔥📚
In Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” an earlier version featured a much darker ending where protagonist Guy Montag dies in a nuclear explosion. This would have left the story on a grim note, devoid of hope for humanity’s future. However, Bradbury revised the ending to allow for a glimmer of hope, showcasing Montag’s journey towards enlightenment and the potential for rebuilding society after destruction. This change not only enhances the narrative’s message about the importance of literature and critical thinking but also reflects Bradbury’s belief in the resilience of the human spirit.
The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger 🍂🗽
J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” features a protagonist, Holden Caulfield, who struggles with disillusionment and self-destructive tendencies. Salinger initially contemplated an ending where Holden dies in a tragic accident, mirroring his internal turmoil. However, he ultimately chose a more ambiguous conclusion, leaving readers with a raw emotional resonance. This decision allows for a deeper exploration of Holden’s character and his journey towards understanding and acceptance, making the ending both poignant and thought-provoking.
These alternate endings reveal the creative processes of these authors and how pivotal decisions can shape the themes and messages of their works. Each change not only enhances the narrative but also reflects the authors’ intentions and the societal contexts in which they were writing.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
