Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice's opening line is one of the most famous lines in literary history. If you remember it, you must be feeling nostalgic already. But if you haven't had the pleasure to cash in on this classic novel and are intrigued to know more, we have covered you with the details in the Pride and Prejudice book that establishes and demonstrates the centrality of an advantageous marriage and a fundamental social value of Regency England.

But did you know that the Pride and Prejudice novel was initially titled First Impressions? This post delves into more profound insights into the Pride and Prejudice book with its author, summary, review, characters, and what makes it famous. Let's dive in for an exciting read and know what makes it a cherished read even in the 21st century.

Pride and Prejudice: Book Info

Book Name: Pride and Prejudice

Originally Published: 28th January 1813

Authors: Jane Austen

Original Language: English

Genres: Classic Regency Novel, Romance Novel, Rom-com

Pride and Prejudice: The Author

Jane Austen is an English novelist born on 16th December 1775 in Hampshire, England. Her work earned her name and fame as one of English literature's most widely read writers. She explored multiple genres, experimented with various literary forms, finally authored three extensively revised major novels, and even began the fourth.

It was from 1811 to 1816 when her published novels, Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1815) earned her success as a published writer. 1n 1818, her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published posthumously, and she was even working on a book titled Sanditon but died before she could complete it.

Austen's works are famous for realism and biting social commentary crowning her as one of the most admired writers. Her plots showcase the dependence of women on marriage for economic security and social standing.

Her novels have been the inspiration for many classic films like Pride and Prejudice (1940 and 2005, 1995 BBC series), Sense and Sensibility (1955), and Love & Friendship (2016).

Pride and Prejudice Summary

So what is Pride and Prejudice about?

To cut a long story short, the plot is set in England in the late 18th century. It revolves around Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's second of five daughters, Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist, who deals with the issues of manners, morality, upbringing, education, and marriage in the society of British Recency's landed gentry. It is her thoughts, feelings, and emotions that govern the plot of the story.

Pride and Prejudice follows the tempestuous relationship between the daughter of a country gentleman, Elizabeth Bennet, and a wealthy aristocratic landowner, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Mr. Darzy does not reflect ease of talking; instead, he appears to be arrogant and aloof even at parties, so the locals and even Elizabeth consider him to be prideful. Instead, Darcy himself is prejudiced about Elizabeth's appearance and 'first impressions' but eventually finds himself drawn towards her wits and frankness. But they must get ahead of their titular sins of pride and Prejudice to fall in love and marry.

Pride and Prejudice: A Timeless Story

The novel demonstrates a situational irony where Elizabeth's Prejudice misjudges Mr. Darcy as cruel and prideful, where in fact, he is decent, considerate, and caring. On the contrary, Mr. Darcy feels attracted to Elizabeth's wits and intellect but refrains from falling in love due to social and class differences. But eventually, the couple has a happy ending.

The book was adapted into the Pride & Prejudice film in 2005. Pride and Prejudice Keira Knightley essayed the role of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, and projected her emotions on screen pretty well.

On the other hand, Mr Collins Pride and Prejudice is an essential character of the story. He is a clergyman and distant cousin of Mr. Bennet. He even wanted to marry Elizabeth as an act of charity toward the Bennet family to keep their home indefinitely, as he was the heir presumptive to Mr. Bennet's estate of Longbourn.

Pride and Prejudice characters leave an impact on the audience's minds. The way Austen has written and portrayed the characters, each one has a different story and makes the readers delve into and explore human nature in diverse forms.

Pride and Prejudice: E-Book

The Pride and Prejudice novel is one of the most loved and popular books of English literature for modern readers, even in today's era. The book has sold more than 20 million copies to date and continues to inspire attention from literary scholars.

The success of this classic novel seems to have no end. Instead, the first edition was sold out within the first year and has never been out of print since then. So now is the best time to get a hold of the Pride and Prejudice PDF and read it anytime on the go.

If you look at the Pride and Prejudice book cover, it displays the romantic aspect of the theme through Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice clubs the anxieties of marriage and the significance of reputations and portrays the themes of social status distinctions, absurd and unreasonable expectations of women, and the inconveniences of too much pride and Prejudice.

Pride and Prejudice: What is the Main Point of Pride and Prejudice?

The plot narrates the love story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and how they must overcome their biases to end up together. Pride and Prejudice book beautifully explains how both the characters sideline their pride and Prejudice to accept the goodness of the other one. It is a sync of expectations and reputation where one's character is judged on social standing and status.

It illustrates how human nature is natural and unlearned. However, it can be influenced by one's society and surroundings. But it is flexible and adjustable. Despite setting the base on the two harsh notions of pride and Prejudice, Austen manages to have a happy ending. Though human nature is subject to external influence, it is alterable, refinable, and improvable.

Pride and Prejudice is still famous because it is relatable even in the modern era. The plot focuses on the essence of human nature. And what makes it more inspiring is that it was written in the 18th century, covers the transition of the 19th century, and holds the emotions blended into words that had not been said at her time.

Some of the best Pride and Prejudice quotes are, "Till this moment, I never knew myself" and "Their eyes instantly met and the cheeks of both were overspread with the deepest blush."

Also Read: Reminders of Him: A Novel by Colleen Hoover >>

To Sum Up

Pride and Prejudice novel is a timeless story that makes it popular to read for all ages. It is an absolute joy to read and introduces the readers to the prose and manners of the 19th century. The plot and characters engage all age groups to revisit the book time and again. Though the book is celebrated as an adaptation to films, we recommend you read the Pride and Prejudice book first to have your own 'First Impressions' of each character.