Film Adaptation: Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice is a Romance Novel by Jane Austen and the second of six complete novels the author published. This book is the embodiment of ‘never judge a book by its cover’ because both Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy judge each other on birth and first impressions, which, with a great deal of miscommunication and great verbal sparring, makes for an exciting read. Elizabeth is determined to dislike Mr. Darcy for as many reasons as she can find without actually seeking the truth from him, and Mr. Darcy is determined not to fall so entirely without hope for Elizabeth by sticking his two cents in where they do not belong and trying his hardest to be indifferent towards her. It is certainly up for debate as to who is more proud and who is more prejudiced.
There were so many things that I adored about this book. The first and most important is the enemies-to-lovers trope; I love it when two main characters verbally spar with one another. It makes me laugh every time, and it is even more enjoyable when you see the characters enjoy it themselves. This is one of the many reasons why I loved it when Elizabeth invited herself to Netherfield to care for her ill sister Jane. One was the fact that she loved Jane so much as to walk the distance without a single care or second thought and then practically stroll into the house looking a mess without much thought on her appearance at all. The second is that, despite the clear hostility she was experiencing, she stayed for Jane and did not let her sister hear a word about how she was feeling about it. Another, obviously being the verbal sparring that I mentioned above, between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, started during this time, and it was brilliant. I liked how, despite their words, they both smiled at the interaction, and while it is mentioned later in the book that Mr. Darcy fell for the “liveliness” of Elizabeth’s mind, I believe it began in Netherfield. I also believe that, despite Elizabeth’s claim of falling for Mr. Darcy while visiting Pemberley, it was at Netherfield that her strong dislike for Mr. Darcy began to recede.
It brings me so much joy when a male main character falls for the female main character first, and even though Mr. Darcy’s profession of love left a lot to be desired, it was bold that he was the first to express it, and even after receiving the too-right rejection, his actions still showed his love for her. Who doesn’t enjoy hearing the phrase “actions speak louder than words” and then seeing it put into practice? Albeit him aiming to do so quietly and without Elizabeth’s knowledge, it was adorable to read. I have to mention Mr. Darcy’s letter because, although it was not a complete delight to read for Elizabeth, it was complete honesty, and I was thankful she finally received it as I was getting very tired of her having listened too eagerly and too loyally to Mr. Wickham’s account. My inbox is open if someone wants to write me a letter that is not only two pages long but also fills the inside of an envelope
Pride and Prejudice is much more than just a love story; it depicts various types of love and reasons for marriage. Of course, the main focus is on Elizabeth and her journey with Mr. Darcy, who is equally proud and prejudiced; it also showcases the kind of love that happens almost too quickly between Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, who could not be better matched; a marriage of desperation between two people who might as well be mirror images of one another in Mr. and Mrs. Wickham; a marriage of convenience with some affection between Mr. and Mrs. Collins; and young love that dwindles after marriage in Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. I enjoyed that the book did not consist solely of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, as I imagine the miscommunication would have become tedious. Pride and Prejudice also showcases familial love in the chaos of the Bennet household. Each member of the family had a favourite (like most families), Jane and Elizabeth being each other’s, but Elizabeth still loved all of her family, faults and all, even if they caused her more than some embarrassment. The dynamic of all the family members together always made me laugh, especially Mr. Bennet. I know that a lot of people find Elizabeth to be irritating when reading Pride and Prejudice, and I admit she did annoy me at one point, but I loved how opinionated, witty, and sure of herself she was. I loved her strength, and I love Jane Austen for not just writing her as such but for creating an equal match in Mr. Darcy.
There were only two things that I disliked about Pride and Prejudice, and they did not affect my final rating of the book, but I thought I would note them. Firstly, I wanted more dialogue between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth towards the end of the book. I was just hoping for some more sparring, which I imagine would happen many more times throughout their lives together. Instead, Jane Austen chose to write paragraphs explaining what their conversations were about, and I feel like I read scores upon scores of Lydia and Mr. Wickham that I could have done without. Finally, I’ve often wondered why Mr. Bennet said that Mr. Wickham was his favourite new member of the family. At first, I thought maybe it was sarcasm because I would not put that past him, but now I am doubting that. Is it because of all that he was able to pull off or how he can fit in everywhere like a sweet-talking chameleon, or is it purely because he has taken Lydia far away from the whole family, which truly is a blessing?
I gave this book Five out of Five Stars because, well, how could I not? This is the second time I have read this book; the first time was when I was in secondary school, and it is still just as great. Jane Austen opened my eyes to regency books, and I have been obsessed with period dramas since I first watched the 2005 film adaptation of this book. I have no doubt I will be reading this book many more times over the years to come.
In all honesty, this is the only book I have read by Jane Austen, despite having watched every film and TV series that has been inspired by her work. Therefore, I intend to read more of her work in the future. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age, as I read it as an early teen and a mid-twenties adult and loved it equally at both ages. I believe this book would be enjoyed by those that love enemies-to-lovers books, verbal sparring, chaotic families, headstrong and outspoken female main characters (in a charming sort of way), male main characters that fall first, love matches, HEAs, and a final chapter that may as well have been wrapped in a lovely little bow. Pride and Prejudice, welcome to my ever-growing comfort pile, and what a pretty addition you make!
Favourite Quotes
“”But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.””
page 43
“”And your defect is a propensity to hate every body.” “And yours.” he replied with a smile, “is wilfully to misunderstand them.””
page 57
“”In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.””
page 185
“”-Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly.””
page 202
“”I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected to me.””
page 338
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Finer Details:
Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Pages: 367
Publisher: Penguin Classics an imprint of Penguin Books
Publication: (First) 1813, (By Penguin Classics) 1996, (This edition) 2008
Language: English
Rating: 5/5