Pride and Prejudice

Title: Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Published in: 1813

Date read: 10th August 2024

Score: 5/5

Genre: Classic, Fiction, Romance

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, published in 1813, is a classic novel of manners, love, and social class set in rural England at the turn of the 19th century. It primarily follows the spirited and independent Elizabeth Bennet, one of five daughters of the eccentric Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.

The story begins with the arrival of the wealthy and amiable Mr. Bingley in the neighbourhood, accompanied by his proud, aloof friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Bingley quickly takes a liking to Elizabeth's elder sister, the beautiful and sweet-natured Jane Bennet, sparking hope in Mrs. Bennet, whose sole ambition is to marry off her daughters well.

Elizabeth, however, takes an immediate and strong dislike to Mr. Darcy after he insults her at a ball and appears to deliberately separate Bingley from Jane. Darcy, despite his initial disdain for Elizabeth's social standing and "inferior" connections, finds himself increasingly drawn to her wit and intelligence, which both fascinate and frustrate him.

The plot unfolds through a series of social gatherings, balls, and visits, revealing the complex dynamics of courtship and class. Key events include the ridiculous courtship of Elizabeth's cousin, Mr. Collins (a pompous clergyman who is heir to the Bennet estate), and his subsequent marriage to Elizabeth's friend, Charlotte Lucas.

A significant turning point occurs when the charming but deceptive militia officer Mr. Wickham spreads malicious rumours about Darcy, further solidifying Elizabeth's negative opinion. Later, Darcy makes an arrogant proposal of marriage to Elizabeth, highlighting her social inferiority, which she vehemently rejects, citing his role in separating Jane and Bingley and his ill-treatment of Wickham.

However, Darcy's subsequent letter, explaining his actions and exposing Wickham's true, villainous character, begins to shift Elizabeth's perception. A visit to Darcy's magnificent estate, Pemberley, and the kind reports of his housekeeper further soften her heart.

The plot culminates in a crisis when Elizabeth's impulsive younger sister, Lydia, elopes with Wickham, threatening to disgrace the entire family. It is Darcy who secretly intervenes, using his wealth and influence to resolve the scandal, revealing his true honourable character. This act forces Elizabeth to confront her own prejudice against him.

Ultimately, both Elizabeth and Darcy overcome their initial pride and prejudice. Darcy sheds his arrogance and Elizabeth acknowledges her misjudgement, leading to their eventual, mutually respectful, and deeply loving union, alongside Jane and Bingley's happy marriage. The novel is a timeless exploration of love, reputation, and the societal pressures surrounding marriage in the Georgian era.

Comments:
My annual piece of "classic" literature. I read this on holiday in Yorkshire in the summer and I could not put it down. I missed large parts of the Olympic games because I could not wait to find out what happened next. At the time, I had not seen a screen version and I have since seen the BBC adaptation with Colin Firth and was impressed.

Books that we've read by Jane Austen (1):
Pride and Prejudice (1813)