The
class='tags' onclick="javascript:counttag('Story', 1, 115110)"; href="/tags/story/">
story of the
novel '
Pride and Prejudice' is set in an England where the worth of a man is his wealth, and that of a woman - her man. No wonder, marriage is the ultimate aspiration for a girl and her family, especially in the middle class.
This is the note on which the novel opens, with the heroine’s mother Mrs. Bennet, planning to introduce her five daughters to two newly arrived young, handsome and rich (
read most eligible) bachelors, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.
The bachelors’ introduction to the Bennets and their five daughters Jane, Elizabeth, Mary Catherine (Kitty) and Lydia begins the subtle drama that forms the whole theme of the novel. Mr. Bingley, much more agreeable than his friend Mr. Darcy, takes a liking to the mildest and prettiest miss Bennet, Jane, and she reciprocates his feelings. However, Mr. Darcy, who is an arrogant class-conscious gentleman, derides the match and thus gains the contempt of Jane’s outspoken sister Elizabeth. Gradually, the character sketch of the protagonists unfolds in the story during various interactions between them in homely get-togethers.
Since Elizabeth is a sharp and sensible girl, who would rather speak out her mind than maintain a coy demeanor, she makes her dislike of Mr. Darcy quite clear to him at times, which quite unexpectedly, fascinates him and draws him more towards her, although he does not admit it. There is an element of liking for Mr. Darcy in Elizabeth too, even though she does not realize it till late. Apparently both are quite disagreeable to each other, but the undercurrent of silent attraction that develops, finally triumphs over the misunderstandings and temporary separations that come their way due to various twists and turns of the plot brought about by the events occurring in the lives of their friends and family.
The romance between the second important pair, Mr. Bingley and Jane runs parallel in the story, reaching a crest and then a trough, before getting resolved in the end. The eccentricities of characters like the superficial Mrs. Bennet and her frivolous daughter Lydia, apart from the many suitors who make an appearance in the five miss Bennet’s lives, add charm to the story and propel it forward. So does the fact that Mr. Darcy’s pride in his status checks his love for Elizabeth, while her prejudice against Mr. Darcy, formed mainly by a series of misunderstandings, stop her from reciprocating his love. Add to that the jealousy of some pretty and eligible young ladies vying continuously for Mr. Darcy’s attention, and the romantic setting is complete.
While some aspects of the nove may seem outdated in modern world, its mockery of class differences and celebration of brains over beauty, still holds relevance. Like the author Jane Austen’s other famous work, ‘Sense and Sensibility’ this novel too gives more importance to the intellect of the heroine rather than her beauty, and applauds her spunk to sneer at people who have superiority over her in class, plus the tendency to display it.
Pride and Prejudice is an interesting read, if not for its plot then for the terse and witty exchange of dialogues between its characters. Besides, the romantic nature of the story also holds an everlasting appeal, making it a classic read.
More reviews about the Pride and Prejudice