Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

This week, I want to write about one of the books I've read several times for my book corner: Pride and Prejudice. It wouldn’t be wrong to call it Jane Austen’s most famous novel, or as it is known today, Love and Pride.

Photo: Pelin Yüce

First, let’s briefly talk about the author. Jane Austen was born in 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire. The seventh child of a village parson, Jane was educated at Oxford. She wrote her first novel in 1787 and completed Pride and Prejudice, the book that would later bring her worldwide fame, in 1797. Jane Austen gained her true fame after her death, and her books have been translated into nearly all the world’s languages.

Now, I want to discuss the book a little bit...

Firstly, it’s important to remember that the book presents snapshots of the lives of the 18th-century English aristocracy, the era in which the author lived. It is truly unfortunate that some of the criticisms written about the book today are made as if the author wrote it in the 21st century. I believe that every book should be examined in the context of the conditions of the time it was written, both while reading it and in informative writings about the book.

The book primarily revolves around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy offers a profound exploration of social class differences and personal prejudices. Elizabeth is portrayed as an extremely honest, determined, and intelligent character, with no common traits with the women of her time. On the other hand, Mr. Darcy is depicted as proud and arrogant. In fact, we can say that the Pride in the title symbolizes Darcy, while the Prejudice symbolizes Elizabeth. The various events that force these two characters together ultimately lead them to shed their pride and prejudices and begin to see each other with their hearts.

Elizabeth's strong, independent character and her efforts to understand and control her own emotions are among the appealing aspects of Jane Austen’s book. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy shows that both individuals need to develop themselves individually and mutually. Especially Elizabeth's initial misjudgment of Mr. Darcy based on first impressions and her subsequent process of overcoming this prejudice is an important example of emotional maturation.

I must note that the author’s initial choice of the title ‘First Impressions’ and later changing it to ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was a very astute decision.

Photo: Pelin Yüce

This book encourages us to rethink and question topics we might know about ourselves but are unwilling to admit. It is important to say that this book, which critiques human relationships and the social status differences of the time, is much more than an ordinary love story.

I cannot say that I am fond of love novels. However, I enjoy reading these novels because they encompass human relationships, the process of maturation, and many conditions of the era, allowing me to explore independent snippets of the subject.

If you share my thoughts, I recommend reading it at least once. I am sure you will find different flavors…

Of course, I can't forget to include a few quotes from the book. :)

 “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.”

 “If there is a real superiority of mind, pride will always be in safe hands.”

 “But the unfortunate circumstance of saying bitter things is a natural consequence of the prejudices I have nurtured within me.”

“Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.”

Yolda Bir Kalem, leaving a mark on every journey…