pride and prejudice book review.doc

Pride and prejudiceJane Austen is a novelist with an extremely narrow focus that extends, surprisingly, into a wide range of concerns. Her books can be viewed most simply as eerily good romance novels, more broadly as sharp critiques of nineteenth-century vanity, cruelty and folly, and-broadest of all-as an indictment of a social system and economic system dedicated to the marginalization and commoditization of a full half of the human experience.This is the important point to remember about classic literature-the reason why it even became classic in the first place: classic works can be read simply because theyre enjoyable to read, simply because when truth and insight are added to fiendish complexity of plot and a strong capacity for wit, the results are rarely dry fodder for academics. The results are faithful, engrossing portraits of life: satisfying even in their narrowness, ultimately satisfying perhaps because of their narrowness.Pride and Prejudice is a story about society and the relationships of family. Its focus is on one family, the Bennets, specifically the two eldest daughters; Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Jane. Societal law demands upon the death of the supporting male, all funds and fortune are entailed to the next living male relative. This puts the Bennet family at a disadvantage because they have five daughters. Mr. Bennets fortune will pass to his estranged cousin, Mr. Collins. Because of these circumstances it is Mrs. Bennets direst wish to make sure her daughters are married off to stately gentlemen as soon as possible. Pride & Prejudice opens with the arrival of Mr. Bingley who brings high hopes of a possible suitor. They are all amenably introduced and attend a few parties where they had the delight of meeting the most wonderful in his own mind Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy leaves a cold and rude impression on Elizabeth.Bingley and Jane hit it off immediately and everyone thinks its a matter of time before they announce their engagement but without notice to the Bennets or anyone else Bingley and his catty sisters, along with Darcy, pack up and head back to London leaving Jane depressed and wallowing in her loss. This is just one of the on again off again possible matrimonies in Pride & Prejudice. With so many daughters to find husbands for its no wonder the extremes Mrs. Bennet has to go to find them mates. Including sending one off in the rain to become deathly ill and sending another off to visit with soldiers in a neighboring county.All the semantics is quite fun despite being somewhat confusing at times. You almost need a map to keep the lineage, women and suitors straight. It took a few pages to get into the dialogue. Strangely, I find it easier to read it aloud, although, someone listening to me probably wouldnt think so. Theres a formality to reading Jane Austen not present in todays writing. Even the way the characters address one another. Mrs. Bennet refers to her husband as Mr. Bennet. I wondered if this formality carried on into private moments. Pride and Prejudice has a comedic feel to it but I didnt find my self chuckling or laughing aloud from their antics and dialogue. It is really quite dramatic. I found the story to be more ironic than comedic.What I really enjoy about the novel is the look into society, cult