I
happened to read the book ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen recently. I had
first read this book during my teenage years and those days, I thought of it as
nothing more than a love story set in the 18th century.
When
I started reading this book again after a gap of around 25 years, the
perspective was completely different. I started with hesitation as I knew the
writing style would be archaic and the story would be slow compared to the
later fiction that I have been accustomed to. However, this book had so many
takeaways that I could not resist penning them down for future reflection.
1.
Writing Style
– The long winding sentences, though archaic in form, are so profound and every
phrase significant that it is indeed a pleasure to read them.
A
sample - “He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a conviction
that if they saw him depart, they could not fail to conjecture his design, and
he was not willing to have the attempt known till its success might be known
likewise; for though feeling almost secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had
been tolerably encouraging, he was comparatively diffident since the adventure
of Wednesday.”
2.
Characterization
-
Each
character is so carefully described and if you actually look around you, shades
of these personalities are seen in the real world even today.
Mrs
Bennet – Scheming woman, whose
sole aim in life is to get her daughters married. She doesn’t mind parading them
in front of gentlemen or military officers. The happiness of her daughters in
the marriage is of no consequence. She just wants them to be married and stay
close to her.
Mr
Bennet – Father of five
daughters, with no property of his own. However, never saved his income or
planned for their welfare. Took refuge in his books and solitude, instead of
shaping the personalities of his daughters.
Jane
Bennet – Shy and demure. Never
allowed her feelings to be shown to others. Always optimistic and finds good in
every person and every situation. Gives allowance to people for their mistakes.
Elizabeth
Bennet – Witty, lively and
playful. Being the protagonist and the one with the ‘Prejudice’ in the title, her
character has been described in great detail, the different moods, the transformation
of her prejudice to cordiality to gratitude to love has evolved. Unafraid of
authorities or titles, not swayed by wealth or power, of course she had her
share of faults too - her rude rejection of Mr Darcy, the pity
towards Charlotte for marrying Mr Collins.
Charles
Bingley – Easy-going personality,
but one who is diffident and depends on the judgment of his friend more than
his own feelings.
Lydia
Bennet – Frivolous and
insensitive to the feelings of family members or others. Wholly focused on balls,
dresses, officers and gossip. No sense of purpose in life.
Wickham – Double-faced person. Appears very charming and
pleasing to everyone, but no qualms in double-crossing them. Leaves debts wherever
he goes, and spreads rumours. No sense of obligation, responsibility or gratitude.
…
and many more.
3.
Various aspects that people look for in a marriage –
Charlotte
Lucas - Marriage is a necessity and if the partner has
a good character, connections and job, it is enough to have a fair chance of
happiness.
Lydia
Bennet – Freedom and opportunity
to attend many balls and parties.
Elizabeth
Bennet - Looks for a lively, well-read and superior partner
with whom she can carry on interesting debates and learn something new each
day. One who can understand her frankness. Wealth and material comforts are not
the primary objective.
Jane
Bennet – Believes in love and
affection in a marriage.
4.
Prejudices can be overcome with an open mind.
Though
Elizabeth was strongly prejudiced against Darcy, she read his letter with an
open mind. She was able to put away the past instances when she encountered him
at Pemberly estate and remain civil. Similarly her prejudice against the happy
marriage of Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins was overcome when she visited them for
six weeks and observed them.
5.
Good deeds are done not to impress but to see joy in
the eyes of one you love.
Most often, people do good deeds to impress someone
they love or hope for a benefit from. However, the character of Darcy is shown
to be so magnanimous and helpful. After seeing Elizabeth in distress over the
elopement of Lydia with Wickham, he ensures their return and arranges money for
repayment of all debts and gets them married. Over and above this, he requests that
this information should not be disclosed to Elizabeth and her family. He has only
done it for their joy and comfort.
6.
Take cognizance of feedback and work on overcoming
shortcomings.
Elizabeth turns down the proposal of Darcy with very
harsh words and in so doing, she reveals her impressions of his character based
on his actions and words. Though completely shocked, stunned and angry, he does
not regret his proposal. Instead, he reflects on what she has said and tries to
amend his shortcomings, not just in interactions towards her but to all.
Of course, there are many more, but no wonder, this
book is considered one of the classics. Even after so many centuries of this
book, it can still be read and considered a masterpiece in this fast paced,
technologically advanced era.
