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Pride and Prejudice

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"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen is a classic novel set in early 19th Century English society, focusing on the courtship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The story delves into the complexities of love and marriage, highlighting the barriers and societal pressures that the characters face. Through sharp and witty dialogue, Austen skillfully portrays the characters' interactions, showcasing themes of class differences, prejudice, and the evolving relationships between the characters.

The writing style of "Pride and Prejudice" is praised for its humor, insight, and character development. Austen's precise portrayals of characters and deft manipulation of point of view create a compelling narrative that explores themes of romance, manners, and societal norms. The novel offers a glimpse into 19th Century England, providing a satirical commentary on the society of the time while weaving a captivating love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Elizabeth as a strong and relatable protagonist, Mr. Darcy as a complex romantic lead, and a memorable supporting cast that includes comically exaggerated social types.

Writing/Prose:

Austen's writing style is characterized by a blend of polite language, wit, and humor, with a narrative that often relies on dialogue to develop character and plot.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth, and her interactions with Mr. Darcy and other suitors, emphasizing themes of love and social class.

Setting:

The setting is a crucial aspect of the novel, reflecting the societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly regarding marriage and class.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, with a slow build-up that mirrors the gradual development of Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship, culminating in a more rapid resolution.
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first enteri...

Notes:

Pride and Prejudice was first published in 1813 and celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2013.
The famous opening line of the book highlights the societal expectation of marriage for wealthy men.
Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist, is known for her wit, intelligence, and independence, contrasting with societal norms of her time.
The novel critiques the limited options for women in the 19th century, primarily focusing on marriage for financial security.
Mr. Darcy, initially perceived as proud and aloof, evolves into a more complex character throughout the story.
Austen's writing blends humor with social commentary, providing insight into human nature and societal norms.
The novel is character-driven, featuring memorable personalities such as the comically ridiculous Mr. Collins and the snobbish Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
The themes of pride, prejudice, and misunderstanding are central to the growth of both main characters, Elizabeth and Darcy.
Despite being a romance, the book also addresses issues of class, agency, and the importance of character over wealth.
Several film adaptations and spin-offs have popularized the story, impacting the perception of its characters, especially Mr. Darcy.

Has Romance?

The novel contains a strong romantic element as the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy develops throughout the story.

From The Publisher:

The pride of high-ranking Mr Darcy and the prejudice of middle-class Elizabeth Bennet conduct an absorbing dance through the rigid social hierarchies of early-nineteenth-century England, with the passion of the two unlikely lovers growing as their union seems ever more improbable.

One of the most cherished love stories in English literature, Jane Austen's 1813 masterpiece has a lasting effect on everyone who reads it.

Ratings (924)

Incredible (268)
Loved It (318)
Liked It (191)
It Was OK (98)
Did Not Like (42)
Hated It (7)

Reader Stats (1494):

Read It (944)
Currently Reading (17)
Want To Read (263)
Did Not Finish (30)
Not Interested (240)

20 comment(s)

Incredible
1 week

This was my 4th time reading it and it will never stop being amazing. It took a little time for me to warm up to the story the first time I read it but this will never not be one of my favorite classics. I love the bantery romance and oh the drama at the second halv of the book! A story that never gets old and dusty

 
Incredible
2 weeks

It's a classic that is worth its fame. Though hard to read at times due to its old British English, it is a fun dive into the romance genre, though not recommended for people who read only on occasion. But you don't ned an English degree to read it. It simply takes a long time to finish, and that's a good thing!

 
Loved It
1 month

Listened to the audiobook

 
It Was OK
1 month

I think I need to read it again or listen to an audiobook.

 
Loved It
3 months

******4.0******

It feels strange every time I write a review for well read and famous classic. I had tried reading this very book long back and I didn't like it much and had dropped it ( I was full immersed in Harry Potter books which I am now too). I liked it this time.

“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

An era of Husband Hunting is when the novel set in. That is the whole point of female existence especially when she is well-bred (whatever that means!). Ok, Jokes aside, let's get into the review.

Mr and Mrs.Bennet has 5 daughters and Mrs.Bennet is hell bent on getting them married where as Mr.Bennet is not so concerned. When Mr Bingley arrives in the neighbourhood, Mrs.Bennet is all excited and plans to get her eldest daughter Jane introduced with Bingley. So, the plans works well, and both fall in love but little did Mrs.Bennet know that her second daughter Elizabeth's match is found in Mr.Bingley's company, Mr.Darcy.

The second love story was the hard one, where both have misunderstandings on each other and they don't get much of a chance to think when the first love story goes a bit off track. All's well that end's well.

“One cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.”

I have read at many places that Elizabeth as a stubborn, bold etc but I felt her perfectly normal in a perfectly overreacting society. She is kind, thoughtful, brave (not bold) and doesn't hesitate to stand up where one has to and also beautiful.

"Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!"

The most striking characters were Mrs.Bennet, what a horrible mother ?? And Lydia the one who eloped ! what a stupid girl and no wonder she will grow up to become Mrs.Bennet part-2.

Austen has a writing style that has a hint of sarcasm, irony and wittiness which I liked. Though first 15-20% was a bit boring where nothing happened and people were just getting introduced, I liked the next part of the novel where everything was happening. And yes! please don't laugh, this was my first Austen book.

Happy Reading!!!

 
Loved It
3 months

I somehow graduated with a degree in English lit without having ever cracked open a Jane Austen novel. I got this one for Christmas and devoured it. Her books start off slow, but are so chock full of interesting characters and hilarious social scenes that they are hard to put down.

 
Incredible
3 months

Muy interesante a lo que se refiere a relatar sentimientos y reacciones.

Muy muy realista en ese aspecto. Me gusta como en vez de poner dialogo, simplemente lo explica por ejemplo:

"le explico lo ocurrido y Mr Collins expreso su mas profundo pesar y ofrecio ayuda"

Esto lo hace muy rapido y da tiempo para decir cosas como:

"La reaccion de Mr collins le parecio evidente pero no podia dejar de sentir que ..." etc

Metiendose en la cabeza de la protagonista y enseñandonos con detalles como esta pensando

Pero no puedo dejar de pensar que esto no son mas que problemas superfluos de gente rica con mucho tiempo libre para pensar.

Que una de las chicas este tres semanas llorando y varios meses triste porque no la invitaron a una fiesta ...

 
Incredible
3 months

The characters are awesome. The main characters improved themselves for the sake of being better people. No other motive.

 
It Was OK
5 months

Great story, but very hard to get through.

 
Loved It
5 months

This was a wonderful book! I loved the plot, and the characters were very nice. Mr. Darcy is probably my favorite of the characters in the Jane Austen books I've read thus far.

 
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About the Author:

Though the domain of Jane Austen's novels was as circumscribed as her life, her caustic wit and keen observation made her the equal of the greatest novelists in any language. Born the seventh child of the rector of Steventon, Hampshire, on…

 
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