Pride and Prejudice

‘It is truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife’

Pride and prejudice one of the greatest classical tales of British language, universally acknowledged and loved by many readers across the globe. This is what I have chosen to read for my first review. It tells the tale of an 18^th century family who set the scene for this most intriguing tale. In it the garrulous and empty headed Mrs Bennet has only one aim – that of finding a good match for each of her five young daughters, from oldest to youngest Mary, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.

The story begins with Mrs Bennet being mocked by her cynical and indolent husband Mr Bennet over the arrival of a rich and possible suitor for one of their daughters who goes by the name of Mr Charles Bingley. The well bread gentleman has rented the manor of Netherfield Park, which causes a great stir among the inhabitants of the local village of Longbourn which the Bennet’s are situated.

‘”They have none of them much to recommend them,” replied he;” they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.”

“Mr Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves.”’

It is after upsetting Mrs Bennet’s ‘poor nerves’ for long enough that he tells the family of his recent visit to introduce himself to Mr Bingley. To their absolute delight they attend a ball where in they are introduced themselves to the handsome young suitor and they come to learn of the prejudice Mr Darcy, a close friend of Bingley’s. When Darcy refuses to dance with Jane the residents of Longbourn begin to view him as being extremely arrogant and obnoxious. However to Mrs Bingley’s delight Mr Bingley seems to become quite taken with their eldest daughter Jane after spending most of the evening dancing with her.

‘”Come, Darcy,” said he, “I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.”

“I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room, whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.”

“I would not be so fastidious as you are,” cried Bingley, “for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met wish so many pleasant girls in my life, as I have this evening; and there are several of them you see uncommonly pretty.”

“You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,” said Mr Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.

“Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld! But there is one say, very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.”

“Which do you mean?” sand turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said,

“She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”

Elisabeth brushes of the cold comment of Mr Darcy’s clod comment. Unknowing to her over the coming weeks of endless social functions Mr Darcy becomes suddenly enticed and attracted to Elizabeth’s clever mind and her charm.

It may be obvious to all reading this that the tale is one of a great love. You wouldn’t be wrong. It’s one of the most cherished of British love stories that is the courtship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. As many a great love story goes there seem to be many great hurdles, starting with the great tensions caused by the two companion’s personal qualities. Elizabeth’s great sense of pride makes her misjudge Mr Darcy on the basis of a poor first impression (that being his comment to her being unsuitable a temptation for him) and Mr Darcy with his prejudice over Elizabeth’s social position that for a time blinds him of her many great virtues. You could say though that Elizabeth was guilty of prejudice towards Mr Darcy and his way of life and Mr Darcy guilty of being too proud of his disposition. So the title cuts both ways.

Over all this is a wonderful book that I would recommend anyone to read Jane Austin truly was a genius of her time and if you enjoy pride and prejudice then take he time to read some of her other books listed below:

-Sense and sensibility

-Mansfield Park

-Emma

-Northanger Abby

-Persuasion

-Love and Friendship

-Lady Susan