“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
Thus begins the epic tale of Pride and Prejudice; one set in Regency times when the entirety of a woman’s life centres around the prospect of marrying well. Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a mother with such wishes, and sister to four others, aspires to greater achievements than purely gaining a husband. For, says she, “I am convinced that nothing but the deepest love will cause me to enter into matrimony.”
This Miss Bennet, one so strong in her feelings against marrying for material wealth, meets the infamous Mr Darcy who, with ‘ten thousand a year’, considered an eligible prospect by her mother, wounds Elizabeth’s pride by refusing to dance with her at a ball. His proud, reserved nature is discovered, and the gentleman becomes the scorn of Meryton, while his curious acquaintance Mr Bingley the centre of every young girl’s attentions. Elizabeth grows in her dislike for the proud Mr Darcy as they continue to accidentally meet, speaking only when forced.
When the romance of a most beloved sister goes terribly wrong due to the intervention of Mr Darcy, Elizabeth finds herself infuriated with the man and cannot understand when he confesses his admiration and love for her.
Yet another event occurs in the sphere of Elizabeth’s family in regards to her youngest sister, causing her entire world and opinions to be gradually changed. This book is, indeed, a romance quite amusing and intriguing, written perhaps to question the acceptable views of the author’s time.
(A side-note - the synopsis is complete! I seriously recommend this book for reading as it is not only extremely well-written, but contains some of the lost art of storytelling in the traditional semse. Well worth the read! There are also two movies made of this book, both having their place.
Illustration 100% done by me!)
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