Book Review: Pride and Prejudice

By Lindley Homol

Just the mention of the title Pride and Prejudice can cause groans among many readers who consider Austen’s work to be glorified “chick lit.” Many people think they know the story already: average girl meets wealthy man, a series of misunderstandings occurs, chaos ensues and is resolved, the two fall in love in the process and live happily ever after. This hackneyed plot summary is the reason why many readers will not give the classic a chance and it is, paradoxically, the very reason they should. The familiarity of this plot summary attests to the lasting affect Pride and Prejudice has had on literature. Something about Austen’s story has left an enduring impression that has caused this basic plot to be the originator of a myriad of imitations. Yet these trite imitators never manage to come close to the original because they, like the novel’s detractors, focus on the story’s romance. This cursory reading neglects the witty and insightful social commentary underlying Austen’s novel.

Although the innumerable Pride and Prejudice imitators attest to the timelessness of the novel, they miss the timely aspect of Austen’s tale. Elizabeth Bennett is a lasting heroine not because she married a wealthy man and lived happily ever after, but because she made choices in a time when women had none. When Mr. Collins, the heir to the Bennett property, proposes to Elizabeth, she turns him down even though their marriage would mean financial security for her family. Elizabeth even rejects Mr. Darcy initially, a man much wealthier than Mr. Collins. Modern readers expect and assume that Elizabeth will wait for a suitable offer from a man she can love and respect. Yet Elizabeth’s rejections would seem absurd to most of her contemporaries, such as her friend Charlotte Lucas, who accepts Mr. Collins’ proposal because she expects no better offer. Elizabeth Bennett puts her own happiness and ideals first, even if it means poverty and social stigma. By refusing both men, Elizabeth ultimately asserts her independence and her right to choose, a right most women take for granted today, thanks in part to Austen and her works.

Because Pride and Prejudice is Austen at her finest, it ends well for its heroine. Instead of discounting the entire novel because of an idealistic ending, however, readers should see Pride and Prejudice with fresh eyes and consider how few options women had outside marriage. They should think of how very few lives ended happily due to women’s inability to be independent or choose for themselves. Those who scoff at one of literature’s most famous romances should thank Austen for creating Elizabeth Bennett, a fiercely independent woman whose very existence highlighted the dire need for increased rights and opportunities for women.