WHERE ARE TODAY'S MR DARCYS?

 

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Vanity Fair Italia published a delightful and thought-provoking piece by Alessandra Gonnella asking: Where are today’s Mr. Darcys?

Between London parks, dating apps, and Austen's timeless prose, the author reflects on whether the romantic ideals we cherish from Austen’s novels still have a place in our modern lives.

Here’s my English summary of the article, followed by the original (in Italian):

👉 Link to the original article on Vanity Fair Italia: Dove sono i Mr Darcy di oggi?

Where Are Today’s Mr. Darcys?

In this witty and nostalgic piece, Alessandra Gonnella wonders whether there’s still room for Jane Austen-style love in our modern world. On the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth, London pays tribute with Regency-themed plays and public readings. Meanwhile, the author—Italian, single, idealistic—searches in vain for contemporary gentlemen who resemble Austen’s iconic heroes: proud but loyal men like Mr. Darcy, tender yet reserved men like Captain Wentworth, or playful ones like Henry Tilney.

Instead, modern dating seems to offer little more than awkward text messages and ghosting, a far cry from heartfelt declarations of love. Gonnella reflects that Austen’s male characters weren’t merely romantic ideals—they were a vision of what men could be: able to grow, listen, respect, and express deep feeling without domination or narcissism.

Even if today’s “Austen boys” don’t really exist—or never did—the author suggests perhaps we must write them ourselves. After all, the dream of a love built on courage, patience, and genuine connection still feels worth seeking, whether on Hampstead Heath or in our own imaginations.

Do you think Mr. Darcy could exist today—or has he always been just a literary dream? Which Austen hero would you most like to meet in real life—and why? Have you ever met someone who reminded you of an Austen gentleman?