Book Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen… where to start? Always talked about, but never enough.

I’d have to say.. Pride and Prejudice has got to be the most feminist novel of it’s era. I mean, come on! A woman fighting a man? A woman who doesn’t believe in fawning over men? A woman choosing her education over the arts? Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bennet is the perfect example of rebelling against everything she’s been taught. All her sisters except for herself and her elder sister Jane are boy-crazy maniacs whereas these two would much rather go places to have fun for themselves. Let’s put it this way- if Lizzy had to choose between visiting the officers or walking ten miles, she would definitely choose the ten miles. She somehow is able to stand up for everything she’s ever believed in despite the obvious disapproval from everyone around her including her mother and the oh-so great Lady Catherine De Bourgh. Lady De Bourgh makes me so angry- no joke. She’s so full of herself and everyone worships her for it. My favorite moment has got to be when Elizabeth says to Lady Catherine that she doesn’t have to tell her anything and her personal life is none of her business. That’s right, she basically says a posh version of ‘get lost’ to Lady De Bourgh who chastises her for liking Darcy. That’s basically like telling off the queen. Love the hot-headedness Lizzy!

Now that the topic of Darcy has come up, I’d just like to mention that he has the most character development in the whole book. How can one begin to explain Fitzwilliam Darcy? Let’s start with the negatives. He’s got to be one of the most egotistical, rude, and judgemental characters that I have ever read about. He not only insults everyone he meets, but he’s so judgemental that he doubts the intentions of everyone around him- even sticking his nose in matters that don’t concern him. Clearly, him and Elizabeth never get along, and take any chance they get to insult each other. It’s absolute madness.

Despite saying that, I’d like to believe it’s the arguments that made them like each other in the end. We can already tell that Darcy wouldn’t really be happy with someone who was calm (*cough* Anne *cough*.) Even though Darcy is in fact a rude, egotistical person, I’d have to say that he was also compassionate and kind (only to some though.) He’s obviously extremely protective over his younger sister and his best friend, he saved Lydia, he pays Whickam a large amount just to make Elizabeth happy, and the list goes on. We end up learning the true intentions behind every one of Darcy’s actions. Remind us of another hot headed character in the book? Back to Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth is also an extremely judgemental person and she clearly gives no second chances. What’s a character without their negative traits and big egos though?

By the end of the book, we can really see how much they really are perfect for each other.

Lastly, of course we have the cutest line ever written in the history of books. “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” Coming from Darcy, he might as well have proposed. Actually, jokes on us. He did propose. All in all, Pride and Prejudice is one of the most beautifully crafted books I’ve ever read. A straight 10/10.

By Keerthana Pagidela