Introduction
Characters
Plot summary
Review
Final thoughts
Introduction
Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is a timeless classic that delves into the intricacies of societal norms, love, and personal growth against the backdrop of early 19th-century England. As one of Austen's most beloved works, "Pride and Prejudice" continues to captivate readers with its witty social commentary, memorable characters, and timeless themes of pride, prejudice, and the transformative power of love. In this review, we will explore the enduring relevance and enduring appeal of Austen's masterpiece.
Character Introduction
1. Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth Bennet is the protagonist of "Pride and Prejudice." She is intelligent, independent-minded, and has a sharp wit. Elizabeth's journey revolves around navigating the complexities of love, social expectations, and her own prejudices.
2. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy
Mr. Darcy is a wealthy and aristocratic gentleman. Initially perceived as proud and aloof, he undergoes significant character development throughout the novel as he learns to overcome his own prejudices and pride, ultimately winning Elizabeth's heart.
3. Jane Bennet
Jane Bennet is Elizabeth's eldest sister. She is gentle, kind-hearted, and possesses a serene demeanor. Jane's romantic relationship with Mr. Bingley forms a central subplot in the novel.
Plot summary
Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter of the Bennet family, stands out from her elder sister Jane for her spirited, clever nature and her striking beauty.
One day, a young wealthy man named Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood. At a ball held shortly after his arrival, Jane forms a friendship with Mr. Bingley, but his friend, Mr. Darcy, seems to interfere somehow, leading Mr. Bingley to leave Jane. Seeing her sister Jane heartbroken, Elizabeth develops a dislike for Mr. Darcy. However, Mr. Darcy appears to have some misunderstood motives but fails to explain himself adequately. Eventually, Mr. Darcy writes a letter to Elizabeth, which opens up new perspectives for her.
At first glance, it may seem like a romance novel, depicting the romantic relationships between young men and women from European noble families in the 18th or 19th centuries. Despite the seemingly ordinary plot and storyline, one wonders why this book is so famous. Unable to resist the curiosity, I picked up the book.
The novel is set in the same period as it was written, the 18th century. Typical depictions of Western medieval noble families are portrayed, including scenes of etiquette lessons, balls, and the rules between men and women. As Western culture has deeply influenced Korean society, there is no significant adaptation period or resistance. It's a familiar scene to us.
Review
The novel begins with the following sentence:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
This statement reflects the societal norms of the time, suggesting that wealthy bachelors are expected to marry.
Considering the societal context of the era, it's natural to assume that the male characters in this novel would be wealthy and of noble status, likely unmarried. Therefore, with a female protagonist, one could speculate that there would be some development in their relationships.
As I delved into the story, I sought to uncover why the title was "Pride and Prejudice." What constitutes pride and prejudice? Is it arrogant to hold prejudices? Prideful prejudices? Then, is the protagonist, Elizabeth, prideful? Or perhaps her sister Jane? It didn't seem quite right. Let's read on.
The original title of this novel was not "Pride and Prejudice" but "First Impressions." While it may seem inconsequential, knowing the original title sheds light on the understanding. It suggests that forming judgments based on first impressions is arrogant, akin to harboring prejudices.
Examining the narrative, it's apparent that the protagonist, Elizabeth, develops a prejudice against Mr. Darcy after feeling slighted by him. Her biased views lead her to dislike and resent Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, becomes attracted to Elizabeth and eventually proposes to her. However, Elizabeth rejects his proposal due to her prejudices. It takes a considerable amount of time for them to overcome their misunderstandings and confirm each other's feelings, as Elizabeth's prideful biases initially prevent her from seeing Mr. Darcy's true character.
Ultimately, Elizabeth realizes the error of her judgment and feels ashamed of her prejudiced behavior, as she learns more about Mr. Darcy's true nature through the perspectives of various individuals in their surroundings.
The era in which the author Jane Austen lived, the 18th century, was a time of traditional social hierarchy coexisting with the emergence of a new middle class due to industrialization. Similarly, in Korea, during the late Joseon Dynasty after the Imjin War, conflicts arose between the existing noble class maintaining the traditional rural order and the newly emerging wealthy class due to commercial development, reflecting a similar context. Austen's novels often feature characters seeking marriage for social status and wealth, reflecting the societal norms of the time.
It is said that authors like Mark Twain and D.H. Lawrence criticized Austen, likening her to materialism. However, it is precisely because of these elements that "Pride and Prejudice" has been beloved for so long. It offers a sense of liberation by portraying love that transcends class and money, rather than being transactional.
In a society where marriage for economic security, known as a "marriage of convenience," was predominant, characters like Elizabeth Bennet's friend Charlotte opt for practicality over love by marrying men they do not love. However, the protagonist Elizabeth, who is of a similar social standing, chooses to marry a good man without resorting to such compromises, providing readers with satisfaction and vicarious pleasure.
Final thoughts
One might consider this novel as a typical representation of the romance genre in literature or film. It features all the essential elements: a desirable man, an ordinary woman, and the woman's refusal of the man's advances. It may seem cliché, but considering that this story was published over 200 years ago, it's understandable from a classic perspective.
While primarily a romance genre, it may resonate more with female readers than male ones. Moreover, as it depicts the lives of medieval aristocrats in Western Britain, it may not be particularly exciting for readers unfamiliar with that setting. However, as the protagonist, Elizabeth, learns to overcome her prejudices against Mr. Darcy and discovers the truth about him, readers also feel a sense of embarrassment alongside her, realizing the danger of prejudice against others. The author skillfully incorporates this realization into the novel.
