Pride and Prejudice, first published in 1813, was written by Jane Austen and, though set in the aristocratic society of early 19th century England, still holds fascination for modern readers through its classic tale of love and longing.
The novel is full of witty banter, primarily whipped up off the tongue of the heroine, Elizabeth Bennett, who despite her lack of money vows to marry for love instead of comfort. Bennett’s astute observations about her family and the society in which they live will likely leave readers wishing they could be as quick of mind and tongue. Although seemingly a small supply of suitable suitors is to be had in the English countryside for Elizabeth, she finds herself at first full of disdain for the master of a nearby estate, Pemberly. Mr. Darcy is first seen as a prideful, arrogant man but, as the novel builds, Elizabeth sees that perhaps there is more to him that his English manners reveal.
In the comic characters of Elizabeth’s mother, Mrs. Bennett and her would-be suitor, Mr. Collins, Pride and Prejudice boasts a string of people you will laugh at, cry with and perhaps fall in love with.
Pride and Prejudice has sold some 20 million copies worldwide and supplied the inspiration for modern tales and movies such as Bridget Jones’s Diary, whose author fancied her own character of Mark Darcy (Bridget’s Mr. Right) after Austen’s Fitzwilliam Darcy. The author of the 1996 novel Bridget Jones’s Diary, Helen Fielding, even used Mr. Darcy’s fictional 19th century manor, Pemberly, as the name of Bridget’s publishing house, Pemberly Press.
Like many others, Fielding was so impressed with Colin Firth’s portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the BBC’s 1995 version of the book, that she insisted he play her character, Mark Darcy, in the film version of Bridget Jones’s Diary.
Pride and Prejudice is routinely ranked as one of the most beloved books of all time, most notably perhaps as the second “Best-Loved Book” ever in England, falling only behind The Lord of the Rings.
The following is a review by PCMS 7th grader Shelbi Fowler
This book is awesome! Elizabeth Bennet is a stand-up-take-nothing-from-anyone-get-out of-my-way kind of girl while her four sisters Lydia, Jane, Kitty, and Mary are your more common what you’d expect kind of girls. Not bad people, just naïve.
While others marry for status and/or money, Elizabeth declares that only true love will convince her to marry and, what do you know, she finds that love in the delicious form of Mr.Darcy. Mr.Darcy is rude, arrogant, prideful, and stand offish. At first the two hate each other, (remind you of anyone? Hint in case you’ve been in a cave for the past several years: Bella and Edward), But, as Mr.Darcy slowly changes his ways and as Elizabeth thaws and loses the prejudice, the sparks fly! This book is a must read, |
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