Pride and Prejudice

 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.