MacMillan Master Guides: Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

by Raymond Wilson

Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.

88 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 1985

Reviews

[Cynthia Barron · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the book Pride and Prejudice author Jane Austen tells the story of the common reality amongst young women in 19th century England - single women who seek marriage with wealthy bachelors. The story begins with main character Elizabeth Bennet and her three sisters. When a wealthy, handsome bachelor arrives in town the Bennet sisters waste no time in trying to gain Mr. Bingley's hand in marriage. Soon enough Jane, the eldest Bennet sister, wins the hand of Mr.Bingley. Meanwhile Mr. Bingley's friend Darcy grows close to Elizabeth. Each relationship grows stronger ending in proposals on both ends. Austen introduces one of the main themes early in the book by saying,"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." Throughout the novel Mrs. Bennet is trying to find a perfect mate for each of her daughters and it seems to be the only important thing in her life as well as the lives of the sisters. Coincidentally, instead of the man in search of a perfect suitor as a wife, Austen explains it as the opposite. The woman is in search of a man. I enjoyed how Austen made that twist in the plot and instead of going with the traditional story of a bachelor in search of a wife it was the other way around.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

My education was somehow incomplete, because I don't think I ever read this book, though did read Northhanger Abbey before traveling to England a few years ago, and had always intended to read or listen to more Jane Austin books. I did this one as an audiobook. It took me a bit to get into it and all the intricacies of English society of the time. Elizabeth Bennett, the main character is the 2nd of 5 daughters. Her father is an English gentleman, but her mother lacks the social graces expected of the time. Her mother's single-minded mission is to get her daughters well married, which doesn't necessarily mean paying much attention to what they want! Elizabeth doesn't f!ollow her mother's plans well, nor does her original impression of Mr. Darcy prove accurate, but all ends well!

[Madeline Fuentez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the edition I read, but not finding that one, I used this. I had read this as a teen and don't remember thinking much of it except that it was tedious. Reading it now I enjoyed it thouroughly, especially the insight into early 19th Century customs. After I read the book I watched "Lost in Austen"-hilarious, but much better when the book is fresh in one's mind

[T.k. Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was my first time reading Jane Austen and I have two other to read on my "to read" list by her.

it was a little difficult for me at first starting out (with trying to pick up the dialog) but once I got the hang of it I was able to enjoy the story, which at I did not know before reading and knowing nothing of the story and judging from title alone, did not know it was love story.

[Ladonna Maiden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ive been reading this book off & on for two years, its a huge book for me, plus i saw the movie first and now that im in a book club its hard to get back to it.