Pride and Prejudice

I wanted my first book review to be a novel I, and many others, have a high regard for. With the opening line, ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife’ being one of the most famous in English literature, I present to you... Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I recently finished reading this classic and honestly did not want it to end. Sometimes I cannot see why some novels are classics (don't tell my English teacher) but with its wonderful balance of romance, wit, humour, drama and controversy, Pride and Prejudice truly fits the bill.

I immediately warmed to the novel's heroine, Elizabeth Bennet. No doubt this is a similar experience for all readers with her wit and controversial beliefs which somewhat go against the patriarchal society of the Victorian era. Austen clearly defines the stereotypes of women, the attractive, the intelligent, the witty, the studious and the ones who simply have no hope. Elizabeth’s mother and younger sisters embody the type of women where men, marriage and money are constantly in mind.

The whole affair between Lydia (Elizabeth’s youngest sister) and Mr Wickham (Darcy's rival) dragged at times but clearly expresses the society and people’s horror to the news of their elopement. Having watched the TV series ‘Death Comes to Pemberley’, based on the novel by P. D. James, I was able to understand the relationship between Lydia and Wickham even more so that is definitely worth a watch! Prior to reading the novel I had seen the film adaptation which I absolutely loved. Pride and Prejudice is not a difficult read but if it is your first time reading a nineteenth century novel, I would recommend watching the film first so you can distinguish between the characters slightly better.

The traditions and social standards of the time by the evenings the characters passed were intriguing. They would have dinner then retreat to the drawing room to talk, read a book, sing at the piano or play cards because they simply had nothing else to do. It was interesting to compare this to how evenings are spent in the modern day, I know I certainly would not mind it every once in a while! In this sense, the prejudice of the social classes is amplified when Darcy and Bingley’s friends at Netherfield, and later on at Pemberley, would be pleasant to Elizabeth’s face. However, as soon as she left the room they would discuss the downfalls of her appearance, manners and social background. Yet it is a green eyed envy of Elizabeth that she has, without meaning to, grabbed the attentions of the so sought after Mr Darcy.

I can now see why Mr Darcy is one of the most loved male characters in literature, despite his apparent rudeness, beneath it all he is a kind hearted man. For the modern day reader this could be somewhat a disappointment. In my dreams there are men like Darcy, in the real world there are not. I liked the concept of Elizabeth drawing this side out of him as it is good lesson to all that the right people can bring out the best in you. Likewise, Darcy makes Elizabeth acknowledge her judgemental traits and as the novel progresses, we see less judgement of character and disposition, whether a man is ‘agreeable’ based on appearance, manners and arguably most importantly, their wealth.

Darcy has too much pride and Elizabeth has too much prejudice, what more could you want?

Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classic, Romance
Published: 1813
Pages: 279

My rating: ★★★★★
Favourite quote: '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.'

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen on Goodreads