Review: Pride and Prejudice
Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Year Published: 1813
Book Type: Library Book
Pages: 334
You Might Also Like: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (YouTube series), For Darkness Shows the Stars (Diane Peterfreund)
Star: 4/5
Summary: Elizabeth Bennet is ahead of her time as she is a spirited, independent, and an outspoken young woman. All her mother wants is for her and her sisters (Jane, Mary, Lydia, and Kitty) to find wealthy husbands, and her father just wants some peace and quiet. When the wealthy Mr. Bingley and Mr. Dracy come to town, however, Jane and Elizabeth find their lives suddenly intertwined and full of drama, disappointments, hilarity, pride, and prejudice. While Jane and Bingley seem like a match made in heaven, Elizabeth despises William Darcy, who is not overly fond of her either. However, the two slowly learn to put aside their assumptions of one another and get to know each other as difficult events unfold around them. Darcy’s reserved, more serious nature is difficult for outgoing and quick-witted Elizabeth, which puts a heavy strain on their delicate relationship.
Review: (with the help of Lizzie Bennet Diaries gifs, because I loved that YouTube series)
Pride and Prejudice is one of those books EVERYONE (okay, not really… but one or two people) has told me that I need to read. I’m not much of a fan of the classics, but I finally caved and picked this classic up.
And you know what? I was pleasantly surprised!
The first part of the book was pretty easy to read and humorous to boot. The Bennet sisters are such characters with exaggerated personalities, and the dialogue is really witty and translates pretty well into 2018. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were funny in their own ways with their remarks and reactions to their daughters and one another.
As for Darcy, I just didn’t get it. All the women I know who have read this book squeal and fan-girl over Darcy. There are dozens of Pride and Prejudice spinoffs that focus on women wanting to find their Darcy. While reading, I felt like I really understood Elizabeth because I didn’t think Darcy was anything special. He seemed grumpy, unpleasant, and a snob from how he talked to Lizzy and the other people around him. Like, I could not stand his character. I wouldn’t want to be around a guy who is so emotionally meh and so serious to the point of it being cringe-worthy. I cheered for Lizzy when she told Darcy off. Actually cheered.
Then came the middle of the book. This is where things came to a screeching halt for me. Important things were happening, but they weren’t Lizzy-focused. Rather, they focused on the problems younger Bennet sister Lydia has caused for herself and her family. I know it was all very important for the ending, but I wanted to go back to the witty dialogue from the start of the book… and I wanted to see more of Lizzy telling Darcy off, because it just made me happy.
Annnnnd then came the ending. I won’t write too much because, spoilers (even though I think most people know the story????).
I realized something:
I get the Darcy love. I get it now. Part of me wants to go back and read the book so I can actually appreciate his character a bit more. Also, I’m oddly more inclined to pick up one of those Pride and Prejudice spin-off books…. And to watch the Lizzie Bennet Diaries again.
Themes:
- Obviously pride (Darcy) and prejudice (Lizzy), although they both are a decent mix of the two. But haven’t we all completely misjudged someone based on one or two things about them? Now, Darcy was kind of rude in the beginning of the book, but Lizzy definitely didn’t get him an opportunity to redeem himself. I think we’re all guilty of that – I certainly am.
- Communication – lots of miscommunication in this book. Today, we easily miscommunicate through technology (who else gets stressed out when they get a text without an emoji, a “haha”, or a smiley face or something?). E-mails are easily misread, just like letters. Pride and Prejudice is an old book, but it shows that communication is always going to be a struggle for people. Whether we’re hand writing a letter or sending a text. It’s rough. (I say this as a communication major who misreads things all the time).
- Love – As seen with Lydia and her actions, love isn’t something that is meant to be taken lightly. I think the theme of love is that it takes work, and that both parties, although they may be different, need to be willing to work together and work for each other. You don’t get to keep being selfish in a relationship, there’s a lot more giving involved.
In conclusion….
Yeah, I really liked this. Despite it’s age, Pride and Prejudice is still relatable. I definitely felt like I was being called out a couple of times, and it got me wondering just how many people have I shut out without really giving them a chance? Some pride is ok. Knowing what you want is ok. But making assumptions about people without really getting to know them is something we should try to avoid. You might miss out on some really great people by thinking you know them without actually listening to them.
I can see why people recommend this book constantly. It’s funny and there are some important messages that translate very well across time. Plus, I’m a sucker for romance. I’m glad I read this book as a semi-adult. It’s put a few things into perspective for me.
But, yeah, I get the Darcy thing now.
Also, I’m definitely gonna go back and watch The Lizzie Bennet Diaries again. They were so awkward and charming.
So, if you haven’t read Pride and Prejudice yet, go for it. Don’t be intimidated. There are definitely a lot of lessons to be learned…and it’s actually a pretty fun book.
Then go watch the YouTube Lizzie Bennet Diaries. You won’t regret it.
I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.
Syl Reads 