PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Author- Jane Austen

Publication date- 28 January 1813

Genre- Romance novel, Classic

Review by- Prakriti Singh

Source- own copy

Rating- 5/5

When Elizabeth Bennet meets Fitzwilliam Darcy for the first time at a ball, she writes him off as an arrogant and obnoxious man. He not only acts like an insufferable snob, but she also overhears him rejecting the very idea of asking her for a dance!

As life pits them against each other again and again, Darcy begins to fall for Elizabeth’s wit and intelligence and Elizabeth begins to question her feelings about Darcy. But when Darcy saves her youngest sister Lydia from a scandal, Elizabeth starts to wonder if her pride has prejudiced her opinion of Darcy.

Through this tale about two warring hearts, Jane Austen weaves a witty satire about life in eighteenth century England. And though it was published, more than two centuries ago, Pride and Prejudice continues to enthrall readers to this very day.

The Netherfield Park is let at last. The owner, Mr. Bingley is the sweetest of all men. He brings with him his friend Mr. Darcy who is the most handsome but his manners are quite displeasing and is established by the neighbors as a proud and conceited man. He rejects the very idea of dancing with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the second daughter of the Longbourn family, at a ball. As the circumstances goes, Elizabeth starts disliking Mr. Darcy even more but on the other hand Mr. Darcy starts falling for Elizabeth’s beauty and intelligence. When Mr. Darcy finally proposes Elizabeth, she rejects it with a reason of his interference in her sister’s marriage, and inhumane behavior to one of her favorite acquaintances. But Mr. Darcy is now resolved to show her the truth and please her in every way possible. Will all this change Elizabeth’s feelings towards him? Will everyone agree to a marriage of people with such varying society and connections and very different manners?

Pride and Prejudice is one of the most revolutionary novels ever written. The novel is set-in eighteenth-century England gives us a sneak peek into the life and satire of that era. It represents how the society at that time works and the evils prevailing in the people themselves and in the society. The language used throughout the novel is very engrossing and it keeps the reader focused on each and every line. The ideas represented in the novel are deepfelt. The arguments which the characters indulge in are quite interesting. Their beliefs towards the world, on individual note, are very true.

From the very beginning, I was charmed by Elizabeth’s intelligence. She is a woman who studies people’s character and make her decisions accordingly. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, is a character who is represented very proud and reserved on the outside while all civility and humility is instilled in him. Till the end of the book, both of them are discovering their true self but it is the other one who brings out the best in them. Miss Elizabeth, by the end, transforms Mr. Darcy into a man who is more agreeable and lovable. Mr. Darcy made Elizabeth realize that she should not judge people from mere information. By the end, I fell in love with Mr. Darcy for now he was everything that a woman wants, rich, humble and handsome.

All the other characters, the Bennet family, the Netherfield party, Mr. Wickham, and all their relations and acquaintances are well illustrated. Even the Longbourn neighborhood, the Rosings Parks and the grounds of Pemberley are well illustrated. All along the book, I felt that I was living in that very moment and seeing the whole scene through my eyes.

Some twists and turns that takes place in novels are not the ones that I wished for. Though the letter written by Mr. Darcy did not satisfy me but at the end what he did was applaudable. I rather like how the story ends with heart desires of some undeserving people, like Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley, remain unfulfilled.

The readers must learn that it is not always that what we believe is true. We cannot depend on mere facts to judge a person. We can’t let our pride prejudice us against someone!!

This is the book which made me fall in love with classics. For everyone who is a classic lover, this novel is a must read. I highly recommend this novel.