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MaryMargaretSmith, May 3, 2009 (view all comments by MaryMargaretSmith)
Jane Austin was a novelist whose writing defied the times. Although her books are labeled classic English literature, Austin’s messages about love, femininity, society, human nature, and family make her a pop culture icon even today.
Pride and Prejudice, her most popular book, has made Austin into one of Hollywood’s timeless superstars. Its loveable, strong willed protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, has been portrayed countless times on film, as well as inspired many other female roles. Most of Pride and Prejudice’s fame comes solely from movie renditions. Many fans have never bothered to pick up Austin’s novel; however, this is a huge mistake!
This amazing book opens up Austin’s entire fictional world to readers. Even though Austin wrote for herself, as a way to escape the stereotypical pressures of her proper British society, her feelings are universal for all women. Her feminist style, pristine attention to detail, intricate storyline, and personal emotional connections bring her characters to life. Together these elements reveal the secret to Austin’s longevity: she gives real life its Cinderella ending and makes dreams feel like they can really come true.
In Pride and Prejudice readers are drawn into the life of the Bennets—an upper middle class 19th century British family whose income has been wiped out due to the quirky inheritance laws of the times. Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest of five sisters, finds herself at the mercy of her mother’s plight to marry them all off to the first wealthy man that passes by. When word gets out that the handsome and rich Mr. Bingley has moved to the countryside near the Bennet’s home, Mrs. Bennet cannot hide her pleasure. With no subtle dignity, Mrs. Bennet starts her match-making scheme to unite Mr. Bingley with her eldest daughter, Jane. Despite Mrs. Bennet’s obvious and embarrassing meddling, Jane and Bingley take to each other immediately. Accompanying Bingley is his esteemed and equally wealthy friend, Mr. Darcy. More handsome than his fair-haired friend, Darcy’s dark quizzical brow catches the eye of every young lady—including Elizabeth, Jane’s younger sister. However, his refusal to dance with any girl, due to his smug pride and disapproval of country life, quickly make him the most loathed man in Merington. Elizabeth later overhears Dracy declare to Bingley that while Jane is only beautiful girl in the room, Elizabeth is only “fairly tolerable”. This sparks Elizabeth’s own self pride to rise to match Darcy’s.
Elizabeth later befriends a militia soldier, Mr. Wichkham, who reveals another secret about Darcy’s supposed greedy past. Augmenting her previous dislike, Elizabeth vows to detest Darcy for all eternity. While unbeknownst to her, Darcy begins to become infatuated with her presence.
Things quickly turn upside-down for Elizabeth with the arrival of the Bennet’s male—and socially awkward—cousin, Mr. Collins, who is to inherit their estate. She soon finds herself sucked into another of her mother’s crazy match-making schemes. When Mr. Collin’s abruptly proposes it appears things cannot get worse. Yet, in typical Austin style they do! Bingley unexpectedly announces he is leaving the countryside with no explanation to Jane—breaking Jane’s heart. And Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s dear friend, takes it upon herself to marry Mr. Collins!
As the novel progresses, Elizabeth learns to accept her friend’s marriage. During her visit to the Collin’s estate Elizabeth once again finds herself in the presence of Mr. Darcy. Discovering his meddling in Bingley’s departure, Elizabeth decides she can no longer forgive Darcy’s other offenses. Thus, she lets her own “pride and prejudice” get the best of her. Ironically, Darcy picks this time to proclaim his love for her and asks for her hand in marriage. Elizabeth is taken aback. She immediately refuses him because of his supposed ill treatment of Mr. Wickham and for his part in destroying Jane’s happiness.
Angered and hurt by these accusations, Darcy eventually writes Elizabeth a letter explaining his side of the story. Upon reading Darcy’s account of each situation, Elizabeth realizes she has misjudged a most loyal and honest man. Before she can make amends, Darcy is gone and Elizabeth is left to wallow in her own regret.
Through the rest of the novel, these misunderstandings lead to a series of unsuspected twists which bring Darcy and Elizabeth together. However, this time Darcy is the hero. In the end, he saves her family’s reputation and brings Bingley and Jane together. Elizabeth finally sees Darcy’s true character. Her previous prejudices turn into admiration and love At last, Austin raps up the novel with its Cinderella ending!
As one can see, Pride and Prejudice is more than just a romance novel. It is a story about finding true love in spite of social status, pride, and misunderstanding. Rooted in her own personal experiences, Austin’s story epitomizes women’s plight to find independence and happiness. Through the Bennet family, she criticizes nineteenth century society’s view on marriage, family, and reputation. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (1). As seen in this famous quote, the truth to Austin’s writing intimately connects her messages with her readers. Ultimately, her clear and honest tone, resonates with women’s common desire to be accepted and loved.
Similarly, Austin’s elaborate and complex characters bring the female perspective to life. During her time, women were viewed as men’s trifles and a family’s way to gain status. However, Austin’s protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, emphasizes feminine independence and intellectual thought, she proclaims: “I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable … You have widely mistaken my character if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions” (246). Ultimately, Elizabeth gives a voice to all women. Her confidence and strong will encourage women to be themselves.
In the end, Pride and Prejudice convinces readers that true love triumphs overall. Her characters instill hope for all women that someone will love them for who they are. Darcy’s words exemplify this beautifully: “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” (130). Despite differences in social class, Darcy’s pride cannot suppress his love for Elizabeth. Similarly, neither can Elizabeth’s prejudice against the snobby and arrogant upper class stifle her affections. “You were disgusted with women who were always speaking and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so unlike them” (262). As seen in these quotes, Austin inspires readers to settle for nothing less than true love.
Overall, one can see why this love story will never die. Its timeless characters and real life Cinderella ending make it unlike any other romance novel of its kind. Personally, after watching the movie and reading her book, I just cannot get enough of Austin! (And many other fans feel the same way.) Her optimistic portrayal of life even with all its flaws and misunderstandings inspires me to believe in myself. Austin gave me the hope that one day I will hear from my own Mr. Darcy “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever” (252). In the end, Austin’s novel created a fantasy that she and many other women can believe in for years to come. So put away your own “pride and prejudice” and pick up this novel!

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780517227855

Publisher:

Random House

Subject:

Classics

Author:

Austen, Jane

Subject:

Young women

Subject:

Sisters

Edition Description:

Gramercy Books

Series:

Literary Classics

Publication Date:

June 2006

Binding:

Hardcover

Language:

English

Pages:

432

Dimensions:

92 in.