Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is undoubtedly one of the timeless and beloved classic novels. I had read this book during my school days and the story is still fresh in my mind.
At first, it was the love story plot that had instigated me to read the book. But, as the story unveiled with each page of the book, I was captivated by the two strong-willed main characters, whose initial dislike of one another blossoms into love once they learn how to overcome his pride and her prejudice.
The story revolves around the Bennets and their five unmarried daughters – Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Kitty and Mary. As the Bennet estate is entailed to Mr Bennet’s cousin, Mrs Bennet is desperate to see all her daughters married to wealthy husbands. Hence, the news that a young gentleman, Mr Charles Bingley, has moved into the neighbourhood causes a stir in the Bennet household. Finally the Bennets meet the amiable Mr Bingley and his egotistic friend, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, at a ball. Though Jane and Bingley instantly fall in love with each other, her evenly bestowed smiles lead Darcy to convince Bingley that his love is not. Simultaneously, Darcy has a rough start with Elizabeth with his haughty nature, but he gradually begins to fall in love with her. However, Elizabeth’s disapproval of Darcy’s pride on first sight lead her to believe Darcy’s arch enemy, Wickham’s untrue accusations against him, hence sealing her negative opinion against Darcy.
So, when Darcy unexpectedly proposes to her, Elizabeth strongly rejects him for his pride. It is not until she reads Darcy’s explanatory letter the following day she realises that, blinded by prejudice, she had been judgmental about Darcy. Ashamed with herself, what follows is Elizabeth and Darcy’s journey of self-discovery.
The strength of the plot is that it keeps us connected with the characters, especially with the lead protagonists, Elizabeth and Darcy.
Like Elizabeth and Darcy, we too tend to be judgmental based on first impressions before giving others a chance to prove themselves. This gives rise to a lot of misunderstanding but can be avoided if we honour others’ views as well. Darcy’s unchanged love for Elizabeth shows that we can forgive others’ mistakes if we have the willingness to do so.
‘Pride and Prejudice’ with its vivacious core of witty dialogue and strong characters is an absolute must-read.