“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is known as one of the most well-loved works of fiction ever written. Besides the original text, there have been various literary and film adaptions. Austen’s classic characters have provided the foundation for many new ones who share the same names
and/or characteristics. The novel was written using the narrative technique of free indirect speech. The reader witnesses the events of the story from the female protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet’s, point of view. Privy to her thoughts and misconceptions regarding the people around her, readers find themselves sharing Elizabeth’s prejudices, and are blind to her moments of pride. In contrast, the reader is unable to see past the male protagonist, Mr. Darcy’s, seemingly constant cavalier pride and prejudice against Elizabeth’s social standing. The complexity of the plot created by Austen’s use of characters’ pride and prejudices is what makes this particular love story so unique. Pride and Prejudice clearly illustrates the concept that love is independent of social forces. The protagonists not only must overcome their own misgivings, but are forced to deal with the deception, haughtiness, and even idiocy of the other characters. Despite the challenges presented by the hierarchical society in which the story is set, the only true opposition to their love is Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy themselves. Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is perhaps one of the most relatable novels, consisting of a realistic plot that illustrates the humor, wit, infuriating circumstances, and most importantly the love that can be found in any ordinary life.
and/or characteristics. The novel was written using the narrative technique of free indirect speech. The reader witnesses the events of the story from the female protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet’s, point of view. Privy to her thoughts and misconceptions regarding the people around her, readers find themselves sharing Elizabeth’s prejudices, and are blind to her moments of pride. In contrast, the reader is unable to see past the male protagonist, Mr. Darcy’s, seemingly constant cavalier pride and prejudice against Elizabeth’s social standing. The complexity of the plot created by Austen’s use of characters’ pride and prejudices is what makes this particular love story so unique. Pride and Prejudice clearly illustrates the concept that love is independent of social forces. The protagonists not only must overcome their own misgivings, but are forced to deal with the deception, haughtiness, and even idiocy of the other characters. Despite the challenges presented by the hierarchical society in which the story is set, the only true opposition to their love is Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy themselves. Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is perhaps one of the most relatable novels, consisting of a realistic plot that illustrates the humor, wit, infuriating circumstances, and most importantly the love that can be found in any ordinary life.
The best love story of all-time? I would have to say Moulin Rouge. The second best love story of all-time? Definitely Pride and Prejudice. A lot of people would put works such as Romeo and Juliet above both of those choices; however, while it is one of the most epic love stories ever written, it ultimately reminds me in a very dramatic way how miscommunication is terrible in a relationship. It also makes me sad; I don’t like being sad. In my opinion Pride and Prejudice is a refreshing love story, despite being published in 1813. It is not about cheesy love, gooey love, mushy love, or blinding love. It is very simply human. It is about people with flaws who find ways to accept and admire each other. I think Austen provided a fantastic model for young girls. After all, it is way easier to find a Mr. Darcy than an unreasonably attractive vampire (or something along those lines). I also think that the novel provided a lot of influential insight on subjects other than love. In a lot of ways Pride and Prejudice is a very empowering story for women. Elizabeth Bennet is a very strong character who believes in her own worth. She ends up happily in love, but she is never desperate for it, and never lets the success or failure of romantic endeavors define her. I’m not entirely sure if Austen has lowered or raised my romantic standards, but I do know that I’m very glad she has had an influence on them.
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