?It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in a want of wife?. This is the opening line of Jane Austen?s ever-popular novel, which sets the tone of her sparkling comedy of manners and morals.
It is one of the popular romantic love stories and it has stood the test of time. It was first published
in1813, (yes it is 1813) and since then has captured the imagination of readers.
Gurinder Chadda?s (of Bend it like Beckham fame) forthcoming movie ?Bride and Prejudice? featuring beautiful Aishwarya, Namrtha Shirodhkar, Vivek Oberoi and other international stars is also based on it. In late 1980?s Hindi serial ?Trishna? was made based on it. Though it was published centuries ago it still shows that people have not changed though the world has progressed so much.
It is love-story of spirited Elizabeth and proud Darcy. It is story of how Darcy must conquer his
overwhelming pride and Elizabeth must conquer her prejudices against him. It is not love at first sight, it develops over a period of time. It looks like a typical hindi movie with a rich hero and a poor
heroine but what sets it apart is how Elizabeth and Darcy finds lasting contentment only after taking the route through self-knowledge.
Though it is a love-story of Elizabeth and Darcy, I appreciate the way author has given background of family ?Bennet family, where each character, for example Elizabeth father Mr. Bennet, her mother, is so close to reality. The story can also be descried as mother anxious to marry her five daughters. The background is classical English countryside, which is people by impoverished clerical families, eligible country squires, foolish snobs and husband hunting women. While one may think that there would be lack of events, or one would just read about balls , the beauty of the book is the exquisite touch which renders commonplace things and characters interesting Let me give you some excerpts
When Elizabeth?s friend Charlotte becomes engaged to Mr. Collins (who was distant relative of her and also heir to her father?s property being the nearest male relative)
?Engaged to Mr. Collins impossible!?
?Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza-Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman?s good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?
But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a strong effort for it, was able to assure her with tolerable firmness that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, and she
wished her all imaginable feelings.
?I see what you are feeling?, replied Charlotte-?you must be surprised, and very much surprised-so lately as Mr. Collins was willing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have doe. I am not romantic. You know, I ever was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast of entering the marriage state’’
It is still true na, people get married because that is what expected of them and reasons for marriage(mostly arranged) are similiar.
Another excerpt is when Mr. Darcy first acknowledges of his interest in Elizabeth to his friend, Mr.Bingley’s sister.
? My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been mediating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow?.
Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such reflections.
Mr. Darcy replied with great intrepidity?
?Miss Elizabeth Bennet.?
?Miss Elizabeth Bennet!?, repeated Miss bigley. ?I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favorite-and pray, when am I to wish you joy?.
?That is exactly the question wich I expected you to ask. A lady?s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy.?.
?Nay if you are serious about it, I shall consider the matter to be absolutely settled. You will have a
charming mother-in-law?
Typically that;s the kind of conversation that happens when one just expresses one’s liking for someone.
It shows relationship between different characters.
Quoting from book about friendship between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy
?between him and Darcy there was a steady friendship, in spite of great opposition of character.
Bingley was endeared to Darcy by the easiness, openness, and ductility of his temper, though no
disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own, and though with his own he never appeared
dissatisfied. On the strength of Darcy?s regard, Bingley had the firmest reliance, and of his judgment
the highest opinion. In understanding Darcy was the superior. Bingley was by no means deficient, but Darcy was clever?.
I feel it has all the masala. It has the lively family; it follows the love story of three daughters
Jane, Elizabeth and Lydia. It has Darcy falling in love with Elizabeth, being rejected by her, still
helping her family when Lydia runs away. It has Jane and Bingley love story, how they get separated and then get reunited. It has rich aunt trying to marry her daughter to Darcy. It also has how two friends Mr. Wickham and Mr Darcy became enemies and how Mr.Wickham tried to play the victim. Not to mention the love story of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) is often regarded as the greatest of English women novelists on the basis of her size novels. She is noted particularly for her sparkling social comedy ad accurate vision of human relationships; they are still as widely read today as they have ever been. Her other fives novels are Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility (made into a movie starring Hugh Grant). Other than Pride and Prejudice I have enjoyed Emma.