Timeless charm of Pride and Prejudice
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"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."-Volume II, Chapter XI, Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth.
What a beautiful and cheesy thing to say, isn't it? Just like any typical sentimental romance novel, that is what most people think about Pride and Prejudice. Yet, there is more than meets the eyes. This novel was written by a young woman and was published in 1813, more than 200 years ago and it inspired many books and series and it still captures hearts with the tale of love and social standing. Pride and prejudice is a classic creation by Jane Austen.
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The writing of this novel is truly spectacular. At first, I had a hard time since it has a complex
writing style, I must admit that it has some of the best lines than any novel I
have ever read. This book explores many theme such as love and marriage, pride,
personal growth, integrity and happiness. The story starts with Bennet family
as they have five daughters and no male in home to inherit the property, in case of Mr.
Bennet's death. So, to support the other girls at least one of them has to marry
well. And when a wealthy, handsome yet snobbish and arrogant Mr. Darcy make appearance
and meets with Elizabeth Bennet the story flows onward.
The
characters I loved, hated, and then loved again:
Our witty and independent female protagonist is Elizabeth Bennet or Lizzy who thinks of herself to be a proper young lady and loves to challenge the social customs. Although she is quite swift to make prejudices, one thing that I most admire about Elizabeth Bennet is the way she acts with integrity.
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| Elizabeth Bennet (Lizzy) |
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be
frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to
intimidate me.”-Volume II, Chapter VIII, Elizabeth Bennet.
She upholds her own standards and principles
which makes her such a fine protagonist. Her character is relatable to modern
times.
Our male protagonist is Mr. Darcy who is lord of Pemberley and very prideful, arrogant person and makes it clear that he considers himself as a superior person in the presence of someone with lower social position. This doesn’t stop there, as on his first marriage proposal to Elizabeth, he emphasizes Lizzy’s lower social rank and the narrator states, “He was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride.”
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| Mr. Darcy |
But as the novel continues the aloof
and prideful Mr. Darcy goes through a significant character development and
become humble and kind. When Elizabeth thanks him as he helps to find Lydia,
her sister and then Darcy revealed that he only did it for her.
“If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.”- Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth also becomes more understanding at the end and both of them becomes better version of themselves and reflects their conscience which is beautifully narrated. These transformations are the central appeal of the novel.
There are some comforting supporting characters such as the older Bennet sister, Jane. Mr. Bennet is a wise father who have good relationship with his daughters and Mrs. Bennet is a tiring, strange character. Then there is Lydia Bennet, the flamboyant one. Each character enriches the story-line.
This classic novel is an easy read and soothing to heart no matter how many times I read it. The loveable characters, humor and wonderful writing offers delight with every turn of the page. Truly a gem by Jane Austen.
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