One of the great assets of English literature is the work written by Jane Austen. Her novels are not distinguished by the melodramatic plot, but by a subtle understanding of human nature. Therefore, they have not lost their relevance for a long time. The pearl of her work is the novel "Pride and Prejudice."
A brief history of writing and publishing
Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice when she was just 21 years old. Initially, the young writer called him "First Impressions." Jane Austen did not like too sentimental stories, coupled with strict moralizing works. It is much more interesting to try to understand the nature of man.
Some critics have noted that Austin's works lack a dynamic narrative. But they simply could not understand the whole depth and subtlety of the creative intention of the young writer. Therefore, publishers refused to print First Impressions. The novel was published much later, after the success of the book "Reason and Feelings." Jane Austen carefully reworked her work, thanks to which a combination of wit, serious reflection and worldly wisdom appeared in it.
main characters
In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen describes the lives of the Bennet, Bingley, and Darcy families.
Elizabeth Bennett is the main character, the second daughter of Bennett. Not very special beauty, the most expressive in her appearance are the eyes. She is very smart for her age, witty. Elder's best friend is Jane.
Jane Bennett is Bennett's eldest daughter, the most beautiful girl in the area. It has a very kind, gentle and gullible character.
Mr. Darcy is Bingley's best friend. He owns a very rich and beautiful estate - Pemberley. Smart and insightful, does not like new acquaintances, has impeccable manners, very proud.
Mr. Charles Bingley is a charming young man, disposing to others. Kind and trusting.
Caroline Bingley is Mr. Bingley's sister. Pretty beautiful, educated, trying in every possible way to interfere with the communication of Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Georgiana Darcy is Mr. Darcy's younger sister. A very modest and kind girl, by nature the exact opposite of her older brother.
Mr. Bennett is the father of the family. Smart, likes to make fun of others. He does not respect his wife because he considers her stupid. His beloved daughter is Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet is the mother of the family. A silly woman whose purpose is to successfully marry her daughters. Favors the youngest daughter - Lydia.
Mary Bennett is the third daughter. She does not have beauty and talents, therefore she is constantly studying.
Katherine Bennett is Bennett's fourth daughter. Whimsical, repeats everything after Lydia.
Lydia Bennett is the youngest of the sisters. A frivolous person for whom the main thing is balls and entertainment.
Summary
The plot of "Pride and Prejudice" takes place around three families - Bennett, Darcy and Bingley. Bennets live in the province and occupy an honorable public position among the immediate families. But really educated and interesting are the two oldest daughters - Jane and Elizabeth.
Not far from them, a certain Bingley took the estate, who turned out to be a pleasant young man. There is sympathy between him and Jane. Darcy is interested in talking with Elizabeth, although at first there is a feeling of hostility between them.
Caroline Bingley is doing her best to destroy the relationship between couples. At first, her cunning plans were successful, but thanks to a closer acquaintance with the Darcy family, Elizabeth changes her mind about him. But all hopes of happiness were nearly destroyed by Lydia’s rash act.
But still Charles Bingley makes an offer to Jane, and Mr. Darcy - Elizabeth. They acquire estates not far from each other and both couples live in harmony and harmony.
Description of provincial life
In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen ridicules the flaws of provincial education. Namely, the fact that people did not seek to broaden their horizons, and their whole interest was not in the development of spiritual qualities, but in their social position and material prosperity.
Most clearly all these qualities were manifested in Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest daughters - Kitty and Lydia. It was for this reason that Mr. Darcy, who did not like stupid and ignorant people, did not seek to make acquaintance with the Bennettes. But Eliza and Jane made a favorable impression with their education, manners and moral education.
Theme of pride and prejudice
The relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy developed gradually. The girl made an opinion about him, based on the story of a unfamiliar person. Despite the fact that she was proud of her insight, Elizabeth was guided by prejudice.
And Mr. Darcy had to overcome his pride for his beloved. Therefore, their relationship after they got married became really strong and harmonious.
Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice is a classic that does not lose its relevance. And readers are still worried and laughing with the main characters of the book.