Pride and Prejudice – Synopsis and Analysis
Jane Austen's Most Famous Work
A common mistake is to view Jane Austen’s work as quite repressed and straight-laced. In fact, Jane Austen’s writing, and Pride and Prejudice in particular, is incredibly witty and far beyond its time. This is perhaps one of the reasons for the continued success of the novel.
Pride and Prejudice was first published in 1813. It was only Austen’s second novel, and yet it has remained an extremely popular work. In fact, it is Jane Austen’s most famous novel and it has been adapted repeatedly, both for film and television. Most notably it has inspired other works of fiction, such as Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’ Diary, which pays homage to its source with the aptly named hero, Mark Darcy.
Background of The Novel
Many critics have assessed the title as a foundation for assessing the novel. However, it was originally to be titled First Impressions and was apparently changed while the novel underwent revisions, during which time two other works were published under the title of First Impressions. It is also possible that the title was merely chosen to compliment Austen’s previous work Sense and Sensibility.
Unfortunately for Austen, she sold the rights for the novel to a man named Thomas Egerton. Egerton therefore was responsible for the risks involved if the novel should fail. However, it also meant that he was entitled to all of the profits. Austen reportedly sold the rights for Pride and Prejudice for £110. Egerton made an estimated £450 from the first two publications of the novel.
Austen's Writing Style
The novel is written in a style called ‘free indirect speech’ meaning that although the narrative is told in the third person the reader is predominantly given the views of Elizabeth. Furthermore, the narrative takes on the style of Elizabeth’s thoughts and in the manner in which she speaks. This results in the very witty style which Austen uses. Subsequently, it is easy and thoroughly enjoyable to read.
Synopsis of Pride and Prejudice
Upon the commencement Pride and Prejudice the reader is introduced to Mrs Bennet, a strong woman who knows her own mind. Mr and Mrs Bennet have five daughters: Elizabeth (also called Lizzy) Jane, Mary, Lydia and Kitty. Mrs Bennet is eager to see them all married to wealthy gentlemen who are suitably placed socially.
It seems as if Mrs Bennet’s luck is in when the wealthy and eligible Mr Bingley moves into a neighbouring estate. Bingley is accompanied with his friend Mr Darcy, who is similarly affluent and available.
Mr Darcy, however, does not make a very good impression. He appears haughty, pig-headed and prideful. Elizabeth takes a particularly strong dislike to Darcy when she overhears him saying to Bingley that there is not a “….woman in the room, whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.”
The feelings of animosity seem to be reciprocated and Darcy becomes an even more dislikeable character when he says of Elizabeth, “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”
Destiny throws Darcy and Elizabeth together again, as they repeatedly meet at several occasions and functions. At first, neither seems to be able to look beyond first impressions, but it soon becomes clear that a strong affection is growing between the pair. However, the big question is: Can either of them swallow their pride and admit that they were wrong?
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