The CHIEF October 2020

Book Review

By Callie Dalton

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , one of the world’s most popular novels, describes the way of life among England’s most wealthy and fascinating characters. Set in the early 1800’s, the plot of Pride and Prejudice centers around a young lady’s journey in young adulthood, particularly her duty of marrying advantageously. Austen is humorous and profound in her description of society and formality, inviting readers into the drama and intricacies of the relationships she creates. The novel begins in the home of the Bennet family, bustling with excitement over the newest arrival to the countryside: a wealthy young man. While Mrs. Bennet raves over the possibility of the man marrying one of her young daughters, we are introduced to our main character: Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth is intelligent, quick witted, and charming, sticking out from the other- often foolish- ladies surrounding her. Conflict arises when Elizabeth meets the seemingly proud and rude Mr. Darcy. In their first interactions, a reader might not suspect their romantic compatibility. As the title describes, it is pride and prejudice regarding the other that keeps them apart initially. Small and subtle interactions slowly peel away each of the characters’ negative judgements of each other, revealing a loving fondness towards the end of the novel. Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a beautiful glimpse into the female experience during the early 1800’s. She writes femininity with such a loving familiarity that any reader can, for a moment, imagine themselves as a respectable young lady looking for a husband.