BOOK REVIEW
Honestly, I am always tempted to define this novel as “The love story of Pride and Prejudice.”, but I’m afraid this does not do justice to it’s universality. Read further to know why.
The book was written by Jane Austen (1775-1817) and published in 1813. Austen is majorly known for her commentary upon the landed gentry towards the end of 18th century England in her novels. The prominent themes of her novel revolve around women and their dependence on marriage in pursuit of better life. The opening line “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”, establishes marriage motif of the novel. The story revolves around the character development of Elizabeth Bennet- the second daughter of Bennet family. We learn the repercussions of hasty judgements through Elizabeth in the mean course of novel.
The setting and language give proper English feel. The obligation of girls in general to marry in a wealthy family as described in the novel, regardless of love gives the taste of realism. Realism however comes with the twist of romance. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingely who are wealthy and socially respectable figures, fall in love with girls from lower gentry and a series of events takes place. Although the novel was majorly predictable, it was a sort of catchy. Writing style can be one of the main reasons for the same. One must note Jane Austen is the first female writer to write in the genre of comedy; in addition to the wit, the writing becomes all the more interesting.
The words pride and prejudice however must not be made limited as the metaphors for the main characters Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth because every character in the novel possess these traits to some degree.
My personal favorite is Mr. Bennet, the head of Bennet family, a middle aged landed gentleman. He was different from the rest of the family members; quiet, witty, sarcastic and broad minded. His taking Elizabeth’s side for not marrying someone she did not approve of made him stand out from rest of the people. He liked Elizabeth the most because of her different temperament.
“Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic
humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of
three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his
wife understand his character.”
The whole novel is centered around family, prestige, vanity, society and wealth. Being more inclined towards the modern and post-modern novels these themes feel mundane but surprisingly this book proved to be relaxing; like watching K-drama!
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