Book Review—Pride and Prejudice By Jane Austen

This Review Contains SPOILERS!

Pride and Prejudice is arguably the most popular book ever written. The themes this story explores—love, prejudice, pride, femininity, etc. have never been more relevant, and the truths this book reveals have never been more needed.

Prior to reading Pride and Prejudice, I didn’t know a lot about the story. I knew Elizabeth Bennet was the protagonist, that the story was set in England in the late 18th century, and that there was some romance. I’m glad I went into it with so little knowledge because it gave me the opportunity to be unbiased: I got to formulate my own thoughts as I read.

Elizabeth Bennet is quite the character. She's one of the most interesting, and personally relatable, people I’ve ever read about. She's witty and intelligent (which were uncommon traits for women to exhibit in those days). She is looked down upon repeatedly, but her indifference to play the role society wants her to take part in is both refreshing and completely hilarious to watch.

While I think Elizabeth Bennet deserves all the praise in the world, I’d be undermining her character, and Austen’s masterful writing, if I did not also acknowledge that Elizabeth is an incredibly flawed protagonist.

Her character arc throughout the story is a masterpiece in itself. Her actions influence the plot, as all great characters should, and transform the story from a mere work of fiction to a piece I could deeply relate to.

The beginning of the story focuses so much on Mr. Darcy’s pride. He’s seen as the flawed one. He’s seen as an imperfect, stuck-up, wealthy man by pretty much everyone (Elizabeth most of all). It is only after the truth is revealed, and after much consideration and self-discernment, that Elizabeth realizes that not only were her prejudices toward Mr. Darcy completely false, but that the very thing she condemned him for—pride—was the reason for her misjudgment of his character.

What does this say about her? But more importantly—what does this say about us?

Pride and Prejudice was published over two hundred years ago, yet the lesson Elizabeth learned is one many of us still don’t understand—our prejudices against people are often built on our pride, and our lack of attempt to sympathize with others, because we believe our current views are immaculate, superior, and are in no way in need of change.

My admiration for Elizabeth doesn’t stem from her humor or strive for independence in a world where women were supposed to be silent. Those things are amiable (as Miss Austen might put it), but what I really admire and adore about her is her ability to admit her mistake.

Not all the fault is to be placed on Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy did not do a great job at defending or showing his true character to Elizabeth. To be honest, his inability and unwillingness to show his character made me really mad at times because I couldn’t find a reason why he would hide it. But after finishing the story, everything came together. Mr. Darcy, in my mind, did not show his true character or love for Elizabeth because:

1. He was afraid: No man is fearless. He feared a blow to his pride, his aunt’s opinion on the marriage, Elizabeth’s rejection (not at first, but later on).

2. It was not socially acceptable for him to love a woman who was so far below him (in terms of money and family rank).

3. His humility kept him from revealing his character: When he learned what Elizabeth really thought of him, he was ashamed. He didn’t know how to show her who he really was. He knew no words could do him justice. In the end, the only way he could win her hand was through honorable actions and self-betterment.

4. His pride kept him from revealing his character: It seems like everything comes back to pride. Pride was the reason he lost her in the first place, and part of the reason he couldn’t show his true character. He didn’t want to believe his own flaws. He didn’t want to recognize that what Elizabeth was saying about his character held some truth. His denial of his arrogance was the sure sign that it existed.

As for my thoughts on the other characters:

Jane is an angel.

Mrs. Bennet is annoying at times and entertaining at others.

Don’t get me started on Lydia,

Or Miss Bingley,

Or Mr. Collins.

Mr. Bingley was a delightful man to read about.

Mr. Bennet was a great addition to the story, and I love his relationship with Lizzy.

I don’t have much else to say regarding the story. I ended up giving it 4/5 stars. It was great! I loved it and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The thing that kept it from being a five was the length. There were parts where the story was slow, but I expected that because most classics are a little slow at times.

Thank you Jane Austen for making my quarantine.

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It’s been a pleasure writing for you, and until next time—stay weird and stay writing! - Lexi