Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Mrs. Wiley’s English IV

Pride and Prejudice was originally entitled First Impressions. It was written between 1796 and 1797, and heavily revised before its publication in 1813. It is the most famous romantic novel. Austen described it as "rather too light and bright, and sparkling," suggesting it needed some "solemn specious nonsense" for contrast.

Summary:

In a twisted version of the classic Cinderella story, the hero, Fitzwilliam Darcy, first sees the heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, at a ball, but he refuses to dance with her. Elizabeth is one of five daughters, second in age only to the beautiful Jane. The Bennet estate is to be left to a male cousin, Mr. Collins, and although the girls are comfortable enough as long as their father lives, their long-term financial survival depends on their marrying.The story revolves around Elizabeth's continued dislike of Darcy and Darcy's growing attraction to Elizabeth. Then, when Elizabeth meets Wickham, who dislikes Darcy intensely—she quickly begins to favor him based on their mutual dislike of Darcy.

A subplot involves her father's heir, the Reverend Collins, who attempts to amend his financial impact on the family by asking Elizabeth to marry him. Elizabeth rejects him, because he is pompous, stupid, and annoying. Also, she has no feelings for him. Her mother insists upon her marrying him, threatening to never speak to Elizabeth again if she doesn’t, but her father comes to her rescue, threatening to never speak to her again if she does. Mr. Collins then proposes to Elizabeth's best friend, Charlotte Lucas, who accepts.

Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, but does so very rudely, stating that against his better judgment and good sense, and excusing her poor background and horrible family, he loves her. Angered by his proposal and the betrayal of her sister, Elizabeth rudely rejects him. Lydia, the youngest Bennet daughter, runs off with Wickham and becomes “ruined.” Elizabeth’s entire family is upset and embarrassed, hoping to stop her from doing anything else stupid. Mr. Darcy finds the two and pays Wickham a very hefty sum in order to secure Lydia a marriage and save Elizabeth and her family anymore embarrassment. This, along with his steadfast love and improved manners, convinces Elizabeth that he is the man for her after all. Jane marries Darcy's friend Mr. Bingley on the same day Elizabeth and Darcy are married. Both of the eldest sisters end up rich, both in love and money.


Essay: Answer five of the following questions in no less than fifty words each.

Due on: ______


1. Pride and Prejudice is Austen's most famous, most beloved book. One element, the initial mutual dislike of two people destined to love each other, has become a cliché of the Hollywood romance. Think of one Hollywood production in which this same situation occurs, and compare and contrast it to the story of Pride and Prejudice.
2. Lydia and Wickham pose a danger to the Bennet family as long as they are unmarried and unchecked, but once they’re married, the danger vanishes. In Pride and Prejudice, marriage serves many functions. It is a romantic union, a financial merger, and a vehicle for social regulation. Think about all the marriages in the book with respect to how well they are fulfilling those functions. Is marriage today still an institution of social regulation?
3. Austen suggests that in order to marry well a woman must be pretty, respectable, and have money. In the world of Pride and Prejudice, which of these is most important? Is that ideal still relevant today?
4. What are your feelings about Mr. Bennet? Is he a good father? Defend your answer.
5. Elizabeth Bennet says, ". . . people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever." Do you agree or disagree with her statement? Explain.
6. Elizabeth is furious with Darcy for breaking up the match between Jane and Mr. Bingley. Although he initially defends himself, she changes his mind. She felt that the relationship between Jane and Mr. Bingley was none of Darcy’s concern. Later in the story, when Lady Catherine tries to interfere in Darcy’s love life, he describes it as an unforgivable offense. Was it unforgivable? Did he have the right to interfere? Should you tell a friend if you think they're about to make a big mistake romantically? Explain your position.