Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

EdeeIvey · Post by **EdeeIvey** » 16 May 2016, 13:41

The first time I read P&P, I loved it for its entertainment. The second time I read it was for a Jane Austen literature class, and I came to appreciate it so much more after learning a bit of the context. Many of Austen's novels are social commentaries. Elizabeth bucks against the expectation that marriage will save her from some imaginary horror of singleness. Instead, she upholds her standards against the presumptuous Mr. Collins, and even the Mr. Darcy whose wealth should've tempted if his personality did not. The love she eventually develops for him becomes more realistic after the initial rejection. She doesn't fall head over heels for him simply because he decides to pursue her. No, she challenges his integrity even while he questions her as well.

sklein43 · Post by **sklein43** » 26 May 2016, 11:20

I actually just read this book a few months back. I read it because I am interested in the classics at the moment. These are the books we were supposed to read back in school, but never did. Or if we did, we did not appreciate them. I did not expect to like the book as much as I did! I found myself unable to pull myself away from reading it, and often thinking about it throughout the day. Definitely surprised myself on that. I actually watched the movie once I was done with the book, because I felt like I wanted more. My husband was not thrilled, he had zero interest in watching that movie with me. I do, however, understand why when we are in school that we dread having to read these books. They are a little harder to follow, and you almost need life experience to relate and/or comprehend what is happening. While there are so many quotable lines, my favorite: "Our scars make us know that our past was for real". So simple, yet so perfect and true.

Vanessa Foster Neal · Post by **Vanessa Foster Neal** » 06 Jun 2016, 14:04

My mother, a retired teacher, used to have my sister and I read from a list of books, poems, prose, and the dictionary for the summer. She felt it was a way to prevent the summer slump and give us something to do. Her love for British shows and reading rubbed off on me. However, reading Jane Austen was very confusing to me at first. I couldn't understand at that age, what it was she was trying to express. Years later, after a big breakup, I started to reread all these books my mother made me read as a tween. It all began to make sense when I became older. There was so much wit, heartbreak, disasters and triumphs. There's frustrating misunderstandings and humble realizations. Jane's books are beautifully articulated and constructed, but if you haven't had some life disappointments, in my opinion, you may not be able to fully appreciate her stories.

Jon-Joe · Post by **Jon-Joe** » 13 Jun 2016, 15:43

I absolutely love Pride and Prejudice! I used to watch the BBC adaption all the time with my sisters when we were younger and this story is a huge part of my child hood. This is my favourite book yet out of any that I have read, and that is due to the unique experience that I embarked upon when reading it for the first time aged 16. As I have said I watched it a lot as a child and so when it came to reading the book, I knew the whole story back to front and already had images of particular scenes in place. However what reading the book did to me was dug up my dusty old recollections of times sat in my old house watching the VCR of Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and turned it on its head. I had to reexamine my views of many characters and events in the story all because previoulsy I had never truly understood the sarcastic humour Austen so skillfully developed throughout the book. I have never had such a great experience of upheaval in my own opinion of literature and it was truly wonderful.

2purpleweaz2 · Post by **2purpleweaz2** » 26 Jun 2016, 22:34

I simply believe the love that finally broke free between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth is the most honest and beautiful thing one could hope to find just once in their lifetime.

ckopietz · Post by **ckopietz** » 28 Jun 2016, 22:58

purrin wrote:I simply loved it! I loved the narrative. But I didn't like Emma as much.

I agree-- Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite books (I've reread it dozens of times) and while I did like Austen's other novels, Emma was one of my least favorites.

Northanger Abbey is likely my second-favorite Austen novel; I was really surprised by the plot and some of the tone it takes on. Reminds me a bit of 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier in some scenes.

Electica · Post by **Electica** » 30 Jun 2016, 03:53

An amazing blend of caustic observations and refined narrative.

MrsCatInTheHat · Post by **MrsCatInTheHat** » 30 Jun 2016, 13:47

I've read Pride and Prejudice twice, which is rather ironic because the first time I read it, I just found it rather lacking. However, the second time was for a book club so it was necessary. I enjoyed it a bit more the second time through as I knew more about the historical time period than during my first reading, so more of the customs made sense to me.

hungrybookcatepillar · Post by **hungrybookcatepillar** » 02 Jul 2016, 05:21

Loved pride and prejudice is a great book that I go back to re read occasionally.

CanIBringABook · Post by **CanIBringABook** » 03 Jul 2016, 14:08

purrin wrote:I simply loved it! I loved the narrative. But I didn't like Emma as much.

Have you tried reading Emma a second time? It sounds counter-intuitive (if you hated it the first time, why read it again?), but there are so many subtle hints regarding what's going on between the characters. Who's in love with whom? Who knows whom? Why is Frank Churchill always hanging out with the elderly Bates ladies? What does Emma actually think about Mr. Knightly?

FFM2016 · Post by **FFM2016** » 05 Jul 2016, 23:02

My first encounter with a Jane Austen book was "Northanger Abbey" as the required reading for my examination in English Literature aged 15.
Northanger Abbey is viewed as a great Austen work, taking a lot of inspiration from "The Mysteries of Udolpho" which by the way is the only book I have ever not finished! I did not enjoy the gothic nature of Northanger Abbey and was worried that Austen's other books would be similar.
Then I read "Mansfield Park" and fell in love with Austen. I enjoyed the book so much that I raced out to buy the other works available in my local bookstore.

"Pride and Prejudice" is my second favorite Jane Austen. Whilst I agree that it may not be as hard-core compared to many other great works of English Literature, it is as many on this thread have said - accessible. It is relatively easy for teenagers to pick up and start reading and get pulled into the story. It has relatable characters and educates the reader about the era without becoming too dry or long winded.

For those who like to watch screen adaptations - the BBC television version wins for me. It contains much more of the actual book and is much closer to my imaginary version than the movie version.
FFM2016

ashnance · Post by **ashnance** » 08 Jul 2016, 07:37

I really enjoyed Pride and Prejudice! But I have to say, I do side more on the Bronte Sisters team. I'm such a British Lit fan though, so I struggle not love all of these books!

bruce-mesnekoff · Post by **bruce-mesnekoff** » 10 Jul 2016, 06:53

Yes, I agree with your comments.

Thanks
Bruce Mesnekoff

TMAREY · Post by **TMAREY** » 10 Jul 2016, 16:31

It's brilliant, really. That and Sense and Sensibility, which I have read many times.

Luna Burke · Post by **Luna Burke** » 11 Jul 2016, 23:49

AlysonofBathe wrote:If you're not accustomed to the genre (I was going to say it's Victorian lit., but it's about twenty years too early), it can definitely be a little slow going, but I think it's a very accessible introduction for readers looking to explore this period of literature.

I agree with you, if you are not used to the style of writing it can take some getting used to. Once you do get used to it though, Austen unfolds the story beautifully. She takes her time telling it and your patience really pays off! Pride and prejudice is my favorite novel by Austen, followed by Northanger Abby. All of her books are worth a read.