Pride and Prejudice

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Without a doubt one of the finest and most relevant stories to ever be put onto the page, I’m not going to deny that I absolutely adore Pride & Prejudice.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife.” Such is the single, simple notion that drives Mrs. Bennet in her pleas to her husband to visit their new neighbours at Netherfield. With a rich bachelor in Mr. Bingley newly arrived in the county, Mrs. Bennet determines that one of her five daughters should be married to him. As the eldest, Jane, quickly inspires his affections, the family becomes acquainted with his snobbish sisters and even prouder friend Mr. Darcy, whom Miss Elizabeth, the second eldest, quickly decides is one of the most highly disagreeable men in the world. However, where pride paints Mr. Darcy with a less-than-charming varnish, Elizabeth’s prejudices against him prove just as villainous and, as circumstances keep bringing the two together, it becomes apparent they must overcome these failings in order to find happiness.

The second novel that Jane Austen published (during her lifetime), Pride and Prejudice remains one of the most popular stories in English literature, even to this day. Her memorable characters, delightful wit, and social critique on the failings of practically every form of society, though mainly the ‘genteel’ middle class, continues to transcend the generational divide and entertain a wide rage of readerships with her explorations of such relevant themes as social prejudices, miscommunications and misinterpreted social and romantic signals.

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A truly timeless romantic tale that builds up suspense and drama as well as wholly satisfying romantic stories (for the most part), the true brilliance of the book lies within Austen’s unashamed and sometimes scathing prose in which not one of her characters, not even her own heroine, is safe. Despite being a book in which females dominate by the multitude, Austen’s ladies are subject to just as much biting comments and (sometimes) scorn as her men, forcing everyone onto an equal footing and making no one better than anyone else, aside from in material rank of course. The exciting events that then happen to these characters are heightened by their slightly exaggerated personalities and the outcomes to the central dramas prove wholly satisfying in the end.

The social themes explored in Pride and Prejudice remain relevant to this very day, which explains its longevity, and I am of the opinion that Austen’s works shall remain relevant until we all lose the ability to read and speak.

Pride and Prejudice was written by Jane Austen and first published in London by T. Eggerton in 1813.