Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Classic. 399 Pages. 5 Stars

Synopsis:

During the decade when Napoleon was transforming Europe, Jane Austen wrote this novel in which the main events are that a man changes his manners and a young lady her mind.

Much has been said of the light and sparkling side of Pride and Prejudice — the delicious social comedy, the unerring dialogue, the satisfying love stories and its enchanting and spirited heroine. None the less, the novel is also about deeper issues in which Jane Austen demonstrates her belief that the truly civilized being maintains a proper balance between reason and energy. As Tony Tanner remarks in his stimulating introduction: ‘Since to stress one at the expense of the other can either way mean loss, both to self and society, the picture of achieved congruence between them offered in Pride and Prejudice is of unfading relevance. It is perhaps no wonder that it has also proved capable of giving eternal delight.’

My Review:

This is such a classic. What can be said that hasn’t already been said? Austen was brilliant and this is a masterpiece.

From her witty dialogue to the beloved characters and their dynamics, the twisty, complex plot threads that get all knotted up and the absolute charm of the time period and writing style. I realized this one was far overdue a reread since I last picked it up over a decade ago. The audio narrator was delightful and of course, the reread must be completed with a movie marathon.

I’ve always loved the dynamics between the sisters and how each has such a unique personality and place in the family. But I think I picked up more on the relationships with their parent this time than I had in the past. And between the girls and the parents, too. Mrs. Bennet gets on everyone’s last nerve except Lydia, naturally. The second-hand embarrassment is strong in this one! I’ve always admired Mr. Bennet for his humor, but I felt this time around I also saw his regret and folly whereas that seemed to pass over my head previously. I still stand by the idea that Mary and Collins would have suited each other, though having Charlotte marry him is far more intriguing, complicated, and emotional. The better writing choice for sure. One of my favorite dynamics has always been between Lizzie and Jane. I love the strength of their relationship and how Austen pulls them through so much together.

And then, of course, the non-Bennet cast. We must appreciate the Bingley’s, the Darcy’s, and the dreaded Wickham. I admire how Austen handles creating such a diverse cast with such different personalities, different beliefs, and manages to make every single one of them not only useful, but utterly necessary. Large casts can easily get out of hand, but Austen keeps everyone relevant. Each character pushes the ones around them forward, sharpening one another and raising the stakes in each scene.

Tension is another element I greatly admire in Austen’s work. She so effectively manages to complicate relationships and situations, which in turn keeps the reader turning pages. Though I know this story inside and out, I still found my heart thumping as I read. A brilliant plot that examines a depth of human character, society, folly, and of course, pride and prejudice.