Pride and Prejudice

---

space

There’s nothing one can write about English classic literature like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that hasn’t already been written.  It’s still a little surprising, I suppose, that a 200-year-old novel about a young woman’s unlikely romance can maintain the interest of someone in my demographic—old guy. 

Still, the beautiful prose, the wit, and the depiction of the social mores of that age are impossible to resist.  Each character is unique and a delight to explore.  Although he is far from perfect, Elizabeth’s father with his devotion to his daughter and his quirky humor is a favorite.  Undoubtedly, I’ll read this book again in a few years.

My version of the book was downloaded from Project Gutenberg.  This 1894 edition features illustrations by Hugh Thomson—known for his pen-and-ink drawings accompanying works by Austen and Charles Dickens.  Of course, one seldom sees this type of illustration in modern novels. 

There’s also a preface by noted English critic George Saintsbury.  His piece is almost as entertaining as the novel itself.  He compares the various heroines of Austen’s works, and muses which one he would most likely have wanted to marry.

If you’ve seen one of the movies or mini-series, and have not read the book, you should at least read the last chapter.  It will make up for the ghastly ending in the 2005 movie starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet.  And it will flesh out the conclusion of the 1995 mini-series showcasing Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.

Better yet, just read the entire book.  Pride and Prejudice is one of those rare classics that will have you going back time and again to revisit your pet passages or renew your acquaintance with a favorite character.

---

Quotes

“What a delightful library you have at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy!”   “It ought to be good,” he replied: “it has been the work of many generations.”   “And then you have added so much to it yourself—you are always buying books.”   “I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family library in such days as these.”

“Come here, child,” cried her father as she appeared.  “I have sent for you on an affair of importance.  I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage.  Is it true?”   Elizabeth replied that it was.   “Very well—and this offer of marriage you have refused?”   “I have, sir.”   “Very well.  We now come to the point.  Your mother insists upon your accepting it.  Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?”   “Yes, or I will never see her again.”   “An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth.  From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents.  Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”

The more I see of the world the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense.

I am going tomorrow where I shall find a man who has not one agreeable quality, who has neither manners nor sense to recommend him.  Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after all.

For his wife he was very little otherwise indebted than as her ignorance and folly had contributed to his amusement.  This is not the sort of happiness which a man would in general wish to owe his wife; but where other powers of entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will derive benefit from such as are given.

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

---

---

---