Pride & Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is one of the most beloved novels in all
of literature, not just because it's a great love story but also because it
tackles social norms such as class and reputation within English society through
the protagonist Elizabeth Bennet. Generations of readers have learned the
importance of staying true to themselves.
Jane
Austen was born on December 16th 1775 in Stevenson Hampshire England. When
Austen was in her early 20s she wrote a novel called First Impressions this was the basis for the book that eventually
became Pride and Prejudice. It was
submitted to a publisher but rejected. Austen later revised the manuscript and
changed the title. The English publisher Thomas Edgerton released the book in
1813 under Austen's pen name a lady the first printing of the book sold out and
would become Austen's most popular novel. Was only upon her death that her
brother Henry revealed her authorship.
She
died on July 18th 1817 at the age of 41 and is buried at Winchester Cathedral
despite the enormous and continuing popularity of her books her tombstone makes
no mention of her role as a writer.
Pride
and Prejudice was composed in England's Georgian era but revised during the
Regency era. During this time the English were worried Napoleon Bonaparte would
cross the English Channel in response militias formed around the country. One
of the postings was in Meriton where most of the novel takes place it's also
important to note that England was entering the Industrial Revolution making it
possible for commoners to accumulate massive wealth by a trade and
manufacturing.
The
plot follows women of the gentry in search of a husband. Social classes were
distinguished by who had land, wealth and title. Although different classes
socialized with one another. It was uncommon for landed gentry and nobility to
marry beneath their social class.
The
story follows the Bennet sisters in their attempts to be married. It starts
with Charles Bingley moving into the Neighbourhood. Jane Bennet and Charles
Bingley are interested in one another. Elizabeth Bennet and Bingley's friend
Darcy don't really hit it off at first. Jane and Bingley spend more time
together and through social events Darcy grows fond of Elizabeth. But he's
worried that Bennett's are too low-class. When Darcy proposes to Elizabeth she
rejects him. Darcy, despite the rejection saves the Bennett's from humiliation
by paying the scoundrel Wickham to marry the youngest Bennet daughter Lydia.
Jane and Bingley marry setting an example of a love. Darcy proposes again, Elizabeth
accepts and they marry.
Symbols in Pride and Prejudice includes:
Houses which not only indicate social status but also reflect their owner’s
character. Nature symbolizes freedom where Elizabeth goes to escape the
constraints of society.
Three Themes in Pride
and Prejudice are social class, reputation and love versus marriage. Social
class this is especially important as a social constraint on who you can marry.
Reputation this is especially important for females who are judged on etiquette
and politeness. Love versus Marriage when marriage is viewed as a practical
matter love comes second the impact of Pride and Prejudice on the literary
world is undeniable it has sold millions of copies and enjoyed film and TV
adaptations and been translated into dozens of languages this timeless tale is
destined to continue to capture readers imaginations for generations.
