Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Written by Giovanna Napoleone

#prideandprejudice #janeausten #bookreview #darcy #elizabethbennet

The first phrase within Pride and Prejudice that captured my attention was the notion of being “violently in love” with someone as Mr. Darcy is to Lizzy.

Volume I and II of the book was, admittedly, a bit boring for someone who lives for the thrill of fiction and fantasy novels, yet, Volume III leaves me wanting more.

"The happiness which this reply produced was such as he had probably never felt before, and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do.”

Ah, yes. The infamous relationship between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, finally come to fruition by the very end of the novel. As someone who loves to see romantic relationships play out over time between two characters, I have to be honest in admitting that I wanted more interaction between the two witty characters. Their remarks toward one another is nothing short of remarkable, and yet - there are so very few moments such as these to keep me hanging on by a thread upon reading. In fact, I originally only began to read this classic because of the possible love story. But after reading it, I now realize that its purpose is beyond that.

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

The pomp and circumstance, the overbearing tedious language, and comedic relief of Mr. Collins provided a situation which perfectly characterizes the early 19th century in its obscene attention to detail, manners and splendor - something I never really admired in literature until the end of this novel. Jane Austen plays largely with the concept of respect, one’s connections and society, as well as the sometimes ridiculousness of propriety.

One thing I also loved about this novel besides the romantic relationships happening was the sisterly relationship between Jane and Elizabeth. As someone who has two sisters, it was comforting to see that even centuries ago, the letter passing, secret sharing, and overall happiness that Jane and Elizabeth share together amongst each other in the warmth of their rooms shined throughout the novel. Comparative to the younger siblings of the Bennet family, Jane and Elizabeth’s relationship made a huge difference in how their personalities shined to the reader.

"Will you do me the honour of reading that letter?"

Speaking of things that shine - the LETTERS passed between characters within the novel is hands down one of the best components of the novel itself. Just by each character’s comments and style (ESPECIALLY Darcy’s letter framing all of his past actions in context which changes Elizabeth’s perspective of herself and the world), you can tell the genuineness or ingenuity of each character’s feelings, thoughts, and actions. Miss Bingley’s jealousy, Mr. Collin’s ignorant obedience to Catherine de Bourgh’s power, and Mr. Darcy’s goodness of heart are all revealed through the means of handwritten letters.

As a result, the constant correspondences between characters, the back and forth of Elizabeth’s own mind, and Darcy’s unexpected generosities make it difficult for a reader to not be enchanted by Austen’s story, and ecstatic for the protagonist’s happy end.

A happy end for a deserving girl, and a satisfactory lesson for a prideful man - a world that is not so unlike the modern one we live in today, despite the complicated old English language used by the author. Pride and Prejudice encompasses the value of appreciating the lack of status in our own society, as we can form any connections we wish without restraint, as long as we have the stubbornness and the means.