MY REVIEW OF A NEW CLASSIC

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is a book I return to again and again. Its charm lies in its portrayal of country life, the significance of words and gestures, and the captivating relationships among the characters.

But is it worth reading for you? Find out below.

Introduction

“The wit of Jane Austen has for partner the perfection of her taste.” —Virginia Woolf

Jane Austen lived between 1775 and 1817 and remains one of the most beloved and celebrated English authors to this day. Born in the rectory at Steventon, Hampshire, she was the seventh of eight children in her family. She started writing in her teenage years, drawn to literature from an early age. Known for iconic works like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Mansfield Park, Austen passed away at just 42 from Addison’s disease. Despite her untimely death, she left behind a literary legacy that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Her sharp humor is still admired, even though her characters were crafted over two centuries ago. Austen was a keen observer of the society of her time, critically analyzing its customs and behaviors. In today’s world, she could very well have been a famous psychologist. Though she never married, her portrayal of relationships—romantic and otherwise—remains remarkably insightful and skillful.

 

What the book is about

Pride and Prejudice, one of her most famous works, was written when she was just 21. Over 200 years later, the novel has been adapted numerous times, with the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen being a standout favorite.

The novel’s title hints at two of its central themes: pride and prejudice. Beyond that, Austen also delves into issues like social class, women’s independence, and marriage.

The story unfolds in the fictional town of Merton in the early 1800s. Here, we meet the Bennet family, consisting of the parents and their five daughters. Having five daughters in those days could complicate life, especially for the father. Add to this a rather dim-witted wife like Mrs. Bennet, and stress was practically a given. With no son to inherit the family estate, Mrs. Bennet was consumed by the task of marrying off her daughters to secure their futures—and, by extension, her own.

Elizabeth, the second eldest Bennet daughter, takes center stage as the protagonist. She’s not the youngest or the oldest, but she stands out as the smartest, most lively, and quite pretty (though Jane, the eldest, is considered the family beauty). Despite their differences, Elizabeth and Jane share a common dream: to marry for love, a daring ambition for their time. At 20 and 22 years old, they meet Fitzwilliam Darcy and his friend Mr. Bingley. Darcy rents an estate near the Bennets, an event that sparks Mrs. Bennet’s hopes for a good match. However, Darcy’s initial impression of Elizabeth isn’t exactly flattering:

She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.

Elizabeth overhears this remark and, understandably, develops some “less-than-friendly” feelings toward Darcy. Yet, she humorously recounts the encounter to her friends, laughing at the absurdity of it all.

Elizabeth has a knack for spotting the ridiculousness around her, often finding amusement in it. But even she isn’t immune to her own biases. Her loyalty to her sister Jane and her own strong principles contribute to her flawed judgments.

Two centuries later, it’s hard to fault Elizabeth for her prejudices—after all, we’re still battling our own today. Her initial judgments about Darcy keep her at a distance, even as her feelings for him deepen. Faced with her own biases, Elizabeth demonstrates a remarkable character, willing to sacrifice her chance at security and status rather than compromise her integrity.

The witty exchanges between Elizabeth and Darcy are among the highlights of the book. Austen’s talent for crafting dialogues brimming with subtle meaning shines here, with both characters proving to be masters of words. Their “dance” of mutual attraction is elegant and true to the period, yet profoundly meaningful. Both seek a trustworthy partner with solid principles, rejecting superficiality and compromise.

In a world where social status often dictated marriage, Austen unequivocally criticized unions based solely on material gain. And while it’s not immediately clear whether the protagonists will end up together, given their stubbornness and the meddling of those coveting Darcy’s wealth, the resolution is immensely satisfying.

My final Conclusion

Pride and Prejudice is a book I return to again and again. Its charm lies in its portrayal of country life, the significance of words and gestures, and the captivating relationships among the characters. I’ve loved witnessing the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy, the sisterly bond between Elizabeth and Jane, and the respect Mr. Bennet has for his daughter, refusing to compromise her future. Despite the limited entertainment options of the time, the depth of thought, dialogue, and emotion leaves no room for boredom.

Some of these dynamics, unfortunately, have faded in today’s world. While we’ve evolved in certain ways, we’ve also lost some things along the way. Yet, Austen’s advocacy for marrying out of love remains just as relevant now.

See you soon, Elizabeth Bennet!

“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.”