Book Review - Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

'It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us.'  - Pride and Prejudice

                                                                                     

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About The Author

Source - Encyclopedia Britannica

Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817. She was an English novelist known for her great written novels. Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire, on 16 December 1775.

Her father wrote of her arrival in a letter that her mother "certainly expected to have been brought to bed a month ago". He added that the Newborn infant was "a present plaything for Cassy and a future companion". The winter of 1776 was particularly harsh and it was not until 5 April that she was baptized at the local church with the single name Jane.

She wrote many novels and some of her famous novels include:

Sense and Sensibility(1811), Pride and Prejudice(1813), Mansfield Park(1814), Emma(1814), Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion both were published in 1818.

About The Book

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen is a classic novel first published in 1813. The novel is a classic of English literature and is set in Georgian England. It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman of moderate means who is looking for love, and Mr. Darcy, a wealthy gentleman with a proud and reserved demeanor. The novel explores themes of class, manners, love, and marriage in Georgian society, and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of romantic fiction.

The Key Character - Elizabeth 

At the center of the story is Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter, who is intelligent, witty, and independent. She is initially prejudiced against the novel's central male character, Mr. Darcy, due to his prideful and aloof demeanor. However, as she gets to know him better, she realizes that there is more to him than meets the eye and that he is, in fact, a kind and considerate man.

The novel is a satirical commentary on the social norms of the time, particularly about the status of women. Through the character of Mrs. Bennet and her attempts to find suitable husbands for her daughters, Austen highlights the pressure that women faced to secure a good marriage as a means of financial stability and social advancement.

Theme Of The Book

One of the key themes of the novel is the importance of first impressions and the dangers of allowing pride and prejudice to cloud one's judgment. Throughout the story, Elizabeth and Darcy must confront their own biases and learn to look beyond appearances to see the true worth of others.

Austen's writing style is elegant and witty, filled with clever commentary and sharp observations. Her characters are richly drawn and well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and the dialogue exchanges between Elizabeth and Darcy are particularly noteworthy, as they showcase the intellectual banter that is a hallmark of Austen's writing.

One of the most appealing aspects of "Pride and Prejudice" is how Austen explores the themes of love and marriage. While the novel is set in a time when marriages were often arranged for financial or social reasons, Austen makes it clear that love should be the foundation of any relationship. Throughout the story, Elizabeth and Darcy must learn to trust their feelings and overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their happiness.

My Personal Take

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen is a classic novel that explores the themes of love, marriage, class, and societal norms that are as relevant today as they were in Georgian England. It is a timeless classic that has remained popular for over two hundred years.

The central conflict of the novel revolves around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, two characters with vastly different personalities, and their journey toward understanding and appreciation for each other. The societal pressure to marry for wealth and status, rather than love, is also a major theme of the novel.

Through her use of wit, irony, and social commentary, Austen provides a vivid picture of Georgian England and offers a timeless commentary on the human condition. To this day, "Pride and Prejudice" continues to be widely read and loved, and is considered a true literary masterpiece. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, and the witty dialogue and sharp observations make it a delight to read.

If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend "Pride and Prejudice" as a must-read for anyone who loves classic literature.

Written By - Shrishti Khandelwal