Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813, is a classic novel of manners that explores the complexities of love, marriage, social class, and moral character in early 19th-century England. The novel follows the lives of the Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth Bennet, as they navigate societal expectations, misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements.
Quick Facts about Pride and Prejudice
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Author | Jane Austen |
| Published | 1813 |
| Genre | Romance, Satire, Novel of Manners |
| Setting | Early 19th Century England |
| Main Characters | Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Jane Bennet, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Collins, Lydia Bennet |
| Major Themes | Love and Marriage, Social Class, Pride, Prejudice, Moral Growth |
| Notable Quote | "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." |
| Film and TV Adaptations | Multiple adaptations, including the 1995 BBC series and the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley |
The Bennet Family and Their Daughters
- The Bennet family lives in Longbourn, a modest estate in the English countryside.
- Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine (Kitty), and Lydia.
- The family faces a pressing issue: the Bennet estate is entailed, meaning that upon Mr. Bennet's death, it must pass to a male heir.
- Since the Bennets have no sons, their home and income are at risk of being inherited by Mr. Bennet's cousin, Mr. Collins. This predicament heightens the urgency for the Bennet sisters to marry well.
The Arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy
- The novel begins with the arrival of Mr. Charles Bingley, a wealthy and affable young bachelor, who rents the nearby estate of Netherfield Park.
- He is accompanied by his sisters and his close friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man of considerable wealth and status.
- While Mr. Bingley is immediately taken with Jane Bennet, the eldest Bennet daughter, Mr. Darcy initially appears aloof and proud, making a poor impression on the local society.
The First Impressions
- At a ball, Mr. Darcy's refusal to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest Bennet sister, sparks her dislike for him.
- Despite his growing attraction to Elizabeth, Darcy's pride and reserved nature prevent him from showing his true feelings.
- Meanwhile, Jane and Bingley grow closer, though Bingley's sisters and Darcy, concerned about Jane's lower social standing, attempt to discourage the relationship.
Mr. Collins and Elizabeth's Rejection
- Mr. Collins, the Bennet family's pompous and obsequious cousin, visits Longbourn with the intention of marrying one of the Bennet daughters to secure the estate's future.
- Mrs. Bennet eagerly promotes Elizabeth as a potential bride, but Elizabeth finds Mr. Collins insufferable and rejects his proposal.
- Offended but undeterred, Mr. Collins quickly shifts his attentions to Elizabeth's friend, Charlotte Lucas, who accepts his proposal for pragmatic reasons.
The Introduction of Mr. Wickham
- Elizabeth meets the charming and seemingly amiable Mr. George Wickham, who shares a contentious history with Mr. Darcy.
- Wickham claims that Darcy wronged him by denying him an inheritance, which fuels Elizabeth's growing dislike for Darcy.
- Elizabeth's initial attraction to Wickham is based on his outward charm and apparent honesty.
Darcy's Growing Affection and Elizabeth's Refusal
- As the story progresses, Mr. Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth deepen, despite his struggles with her lower social status and his pride.
- During a visit to her friend Charlotte, now Mrs. Collins, Elizabeth encounters Darcy again, who surprisingly confesses his love and proposes marriage.
- Elizabeth, shocked and offended by his proposal, rejects him, citing his role in separating Jane and Bingley and his mistreatment of Wickham.
- Darcy is taken aback by her accusations and later explains his actions in a letter, revealing Wickham's true character and his genuine concerns for Bingley.
Lydia's Elopement and the Resolution
- Chaos ensues when Lydia Bennet elopes with Wickham, threatening to bring disgrace upon the entire Bennet family.
- Elizabeth is distraught, fearing the worst, as the scandal could ruin her and her sisters' chances of respectable marriages.
- Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Darcy intervenes, persuading Wickham to marry Lydia by offering him financial incentives, which saves the family's reputation.
- Eventually, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth again, and this time, having recognized his true character, she accepts, bringing the novel to a happy conclusion with the marriages of both Jane and Elizabeth to Bingley and Darcy, respectively.