Book title: Pride & Prejudice

Author: Jane austin

REViewED by: Paul Swaga

Pride and prejudice is a classic novel that beautifully illustrates the essence of true love. The story follows the main character Elizabeth as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education and marriage. It is set in the 19th century in a society where courtship and marriage are a means to climbing the social ladder. 

Mrs Bennet, one of the key characters in the novel has five daughters; Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Catherine and Mary but none is married. Unfortunately, there is not much fortune to go around and thanks to a quirk of English property law they will all be kicked out of their family estate when Mr Bennet dies.

Elizabeth Bennet shares her father’s keen wit and occasionally sarcastic outlook on life, Jane Bennet is distinguished by her kindness and beauty, Mary is not pretty but she is studious, devout and and musical albeit lacking in talent, Mrs Bennet their mother is a woman lacking in social graces and primarily concerned with finding suitable husbands for her five children while Mr Bennet is a bookish man who is somewhat neglectful of his responsibilities.

The narrative opens with news that Mr Bingley, a wealthy bachelor is moving into Netherfield park, a house in the neighbourhood. Mr Bingley hosts a party where he invites neighbours to come celebrate his arrival in the neighbourhood. His amiable character endears him to the locals while Mr Darcy makes a less favourable impression by appearing too arrogant and aloof.

Elizabeth overhears a bad comment about herself coming from Mr Darcy and develops an instant dislike for the rich gentleman so she lets Mr wickham whose father worked for Mr Darcy’s father lie to her about how Mr Darcy took away the inheritance meant for him.

Mr Bingley soon singles out Jane Bennet as his object of attraction while Darcy initially cautions him not to marry beneath his status. Although Mr Darcy is arrogant and aloof there are certain good traits that he posses like honesty and he is kind to the people he likes.

Mr Darcy pursues a reluctant Elizabeth who already has a poor opinion of him, the course of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship is ultimately decided when Darcy overcomes his pride and Elizabeth overcomes her prejudice.

This story is engaging at every stage while strong characters carry the drama of the story; the ludicrous characters keep the reader entertained. The book is a good read for teens and grown-ups; its language is simple unlike other 19th century books with difficult language. It is also a reminder not to judge a person by first impressions.