Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

• About Jane Austen

 

Jane Austen was an English novelist whose books, set among the English middle and upper classes, are notable for their wit, social observation and insights into the lives of early 19th century women.

Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775 in the village of Steventon in Hampshire. She was one of eight children of a clergyman and grew up in a close-knit family. She began to write as a teenager. In 1801 the family moved to Bath. After the death of Jane's father in 1805 Jane, her sister Cassandra and their mother moved several times eventually settling in Chawton, near Steventon.

Jane's brother Henry helped her negotiate with a publisher and her first novel, 'Sense and Sensibility', appeared in 1811. Her next novel 'Pride and Prejudice', which she described as her "own darling child" received highly favourable reviews. 'Mansfield Park' was published in 1814, then 'Emma' in 1816. 'Emma' was dedicated to the prince regent, an admirer of her work. All of Jane Austen's novels were published anonymously.

In 1816, Jane began to suffer from ill-health, probably due to Addison's disease. She travelled to Winchester to receive treatment, and died there on 18 July 1817. Two more novels, 'Persuasion' and 'Northanger Abbey' were published posthumously and a final novel was left incomplete.

• summary of pride and prejudice

    

The novel opens with one of the most famous lines in English literature: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” The statement is seemingly what Mrs. Bennet thinks as she sets her sights on the newly arrived Bingley, who she is sure will make a suitable husband for one of her daughters. At a ball, Bingley takes an immediate interest in the beautiful and shy Jane. The encounter between his friend Darcy and Elizabeth is less cordial. Although Austen shows them intrigued by each other, she reverses the convention of first impressions: the pride of rank and fortune and prejudice against the social inferiority of Elizabeth’s family hold Darcy aloof, while the pride of self-respect and prejudice against Darcy’s snobbery hold Elizabeth equally aloof.

The pompous Collins soon arrives, hoping to marry one of the Bennet sisters. Mrs. Bennet steers him toward Elizabeth, but the latter refuses his offer of marriage. He instead becomes engaged to her friend Charlotte. During this time, Elizabeth encounters the charming Wickham. There is a mutual attraction between the two, and he informs her that Darcy has denied him his inheritance.

After Bingley abruptly departs for London, Elizabeth’s dislike of Darcy mounts as she becomes convinced that he is discouraging Bingley’s relationship with Jane. Darcy, however, has grown increasingly fond of Elizabeth, admiring her intelligence and vitality. While visiting the now-married Charlotte, Elizabeth sees Darcy, who professes his love for her and proposes. A surprised Elizabeth refuses his offer, and, when Darcy demands an explanation, she accuses him of breaking up Jane and Bingley and of denying Wickham his inheritance. Darcy subsequently writes Elizabeth a letter in which he explains that he separated the couple largely because he did not believe Jane returned Bingley’s affection. He also discloses that Wickham, after squandering his inheritance, tried to marry Darcy’s then 15-year-old sister in an attempt to gain possession of her fortune. With these revelations, Elizabeth begins to see Darcy in a new light.

Shortly thereafter the youngest Bennet sister, Lydia, elopes with Wickham. The news is met with great alarm by Elizabeth, since the scandalous affair—which is unlikely to end in marriage—could ruin the reputation of the other Bennet sisters. When she tells Darcy, he persuades Wickham to marry Lydia, offering him money. Despite Darcy’s attempt to keep his intervention a secret, Elizabeth learns of his actions. At the encouragement of Darcy, Bingley subsequently returns, and he and Jane become engaged. Finally, Darcy proposes again to Elizabeth, who this time accepts.

1) Compare the narrative strategy of the novel and movie.

• Pride and Prejudice: The Book

In the novel, we see the world through Elizabeth’s eyes. The focus is on women, on how hard it was to be a woman at the beginning of the 19th century and on how strong Elizabeth was despite this. The story follows her development as a young adult. By the end of the book, she learns the dangers of hasty judgment and knows how to differentiate between superficial and actual goodness.

The story wittily and beautifully depicts the manners, class differences, education, and importance of money and marriage in the Regency era in England. It’s an interesting and often funny read that keeps you engaged until the very end. It’s a love story with a happy ending, but it’s also so much better than this makes it sound.

• Pride & Prejudice: The Film

The first noticeable difference between the film on one side and the book and series on the other is that the time period in the film is changed from 1813 to the 1790s. The Director, Joe Wright, wanted to show England after the French Revolution. He also disliked the style of the Regency Era. This change is very noticeable in the way people dressed in the film vs. the series.

Keira Knightley is definitely my favorite Elizabeth, even though Ehle’s portrayal of the character was more faithful to the book. Knightley’s Elizabeth is more feisty and impassioned than what she should be according to the novel. As for their appearance, I’d say Knightley is closer to what Elizabeth should look like than Ehle. I didn’t like Matthew Macfadyen much as Darcy, and the chemistry between him and Knightley was mediocre in my opinion. Again, I personally loved Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) and Lydia (Jena Malone) but also Rosamund Pike as Jane and Simon Woods as Mr Bingley.

The Bennet family is more loving than in the book, and Mr Bennet seems to be a better and more present father. Mr and Mrs Bennet seem to still love each other despite their differences, while in the book it’s hinted that their marriage isn’t a happy one anymore. This makes the characters more likeable, and it’s understandable that this is desirable in a movie.

2) Write an illustration of the society of Jane Austen's time.

Rules for Society During the English Regency

Below is a list of standard practices of behavior during this time period and some of the ways the story is impacted as

a result. How do they differ from today’s accepted standards of behavior? How are they similar?

General Behavior

• A man always walks or rides on the outside of the woman on the street (so that she is protected from the street).

• You should not fidget, bite your nails, or scratch. You hould stand or sit sedately and move in a smooth and graceful manner.

• Be cheerful and smile, but do not laugh loudly.

• A man never smokes in the presence of ladies. After dinner is served at a dinner party and the women retire to the drawing room the men may remain behind to smoke.

• You should not sit with your legs crossed (unless gracefully at the ankles)

• Never lift your skirts above the ankles.

Gentleman should bow to a lady before leaving, rather than simply walking away.

• Among men, handshakes are exchanged only between those of equal class.

• Gloves must be worn at all times and may only be removed at the supper table (or buffet).

Greeting/Introductions

• A man always waits for a woman; she acknowledges him first with a bow and then he may tip his hat, using the hand furthest away from her.

• It is rude to introduce yourself; you must wait to be introduced formally by someone else, especially when the other person is of a higher rank. This is why Elizabeth tries to dissuade Mr. Collins from approaching Mr. Darcy.

• When acknowledging a woman with whom a man is familiar, with whom he wishes to speak, he may turn and walk with her as she speaks. It is not mannerly to make a woman stand in the street.

• When first meeting a gentleman the lady should acknowledge him with a bow of the head and a curtsey. When a lady knows a gentleman she may acknowledge him with a bow of the head.

• A lady waits to be introduced to a gentleman

and never introduces herself.

• When introduced to a man a lady never offers her hand, she merely bows/curtsies politely and says, “I am happy to make your acquaintance.”

• If someone greets you, or visits you, you must respond in kind. This is why Elizabeth thinks Darcy is proud and contemptuous when he barely acknowledges Wickham, and why Jane is offended that Caroline’s return visit to her at her aunt’s house is rudely brief.

• When entering the dining room, people

generally enter in couples, with the rank of the ladies determining the order. This is why after she returns with Wickham, Lydia declares she will enter before her sisters, as a married woman outranks an unmarried one.

Visiting/Travel

• A lady may never call on a man alone.

• Visitors should give advance warning of their arrival (like Mr. Collin’s letter to Mr. Bennet).

This is why it is especially shocking when Lady Catherine arrives unannounced.

• In a carriage, a gentleman sits facing backward. A gentleman should never sit next to a lady when he is alone with her in a carriage unless he is her direct relation.

• A lady under thirty years old should not walk. alone without another lady, man, or servant unless walking to Church in the early morning. This makes Elizabeth’s walk to Netherfield to visit Jane mildly scandalous.

Dancing/Balls

• A lady never dances more than two dances with the same partner. Two would last approximately half an hour.

• Dancing is one of the few places respectable women can talk to a man privately (that’s why balls play such an important role in finding a spouse.)

• It is considered rude for a lady to turn down an invitation from a gentleman to dance.

• A man at a ball is expected to dance if there are any ladies not already engaged. This is why it is an affront that Darcy does not dance with Elizabeth at the first ball. Status of Women in the Aristocracy

• As Darcy and Elizabeth discuss, women are expected to be “accomplished”, which includes activities such as reading, riding, singing, playing piano, sewing, dancing and playing music. Society does not allow ladies of a higher class to have a profession.

• Women have no power of earning money, therefore it is their duty to marry as well as possible (hence Mrs. Bennet’s obsession).

• If a woman does not marry, she is forced to rely on the charity of her male relatives.

• Whatever a married woman inherits becomes the property of her husband (which is why Wickham actively seeks a wealthy and naïve heiress).

• If a woman engages in sexual activity or even the vaguest hint of it, she is considered ineligible for marriage or for any lower class (but respectable) position such as governess, teacher, or paid companion. This is why it

was so important to get Lydia married to Wickham after they  had run off together.

• Formal, academic education is not considered important for women. Most women are taught at home, and studies

focused on “accomplishments” and wifely duties rather than academics.

Conversation

• Conversation should be appropriate to your gender, age, and class.

• Women should not debate—for example, fiscal or military policy—but they may comment on the price of veal or the welfare of their cousins in the army.

• Shouting, arguing, or whistling are essentially forbidden.

• When speaking to someone of a higher social standing, it is critical to remember the correct forms of address and be polite but not overly familiar.

• It is not polite to discuss money or the advantage of a particular marriage in public. This is why Elizabeth is so embarrassed when her mother declares the likelihood of Jane’s marriage to Bingley.

3) What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth never got together? What if Lydia's elopement had a different outcome? Explore the consequences of these changes and write alternative endings to the novel.

Exploring alternative endings to 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen allows for interesting deviations from the original narrative. If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth never got together or if Lydia’s elopement had a different outcome, the consequences would significantly impact the plot and the fates of the Bennet family. Below are two alternative endings based on these what-if scenarios:

1. If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Never Got Together:

In this version, Elizabeth Bennet’s rejection of Mr. Darcy's initial proposal in Hunsford remains final. Darcy, stung by the rejection and Elizabeth's harsh critique, returns to Pemberley and eventually marries another woman—perhaps someone like Anne de Bourgh, as Lady Catherine intended.

Elizabeth continues to live her life with no romantic involvement with Darcy. Despite the deepening affection she might have realized for him, her stubborn independence and pride keep them apart. The Bennet family’s fortune remains precarious, especially after Mr. Bennet's death. Jane Bennet eventually marries Mr. Bingley, but without Darcy’s intervention, Bingley is easily swayed by his sisters, resulting in a late and reluctant marriage after Jane’s reputation has been somewhat tainted by Lydia’s elopement.

Elizabeth remains single for years, possibly considering offers from less desirable suitors. She becomes a governess or a companion for wealthy relatives, a fitting but unfulfilling role given her intelligence and vivacity. Though Darcy later regrets their estrangement, societal norms and his own sense of honor prevent him from reaching out to her again.

In the end, Elizabeth, though resilient and self-sufficient, leads a less happy and prosperous life, always wondering what could have been had she been willing to set aside her pride.

2. If Lydia’s Elopement Had a Different Outcome:

In this scenario, Lydia Bennet’s elopement with Wickham takes a far darker turn. Rather than Wickham being forced to marry her, he abandons her entirely, fleeing to the continent. Lydia, disgraced, is left behind without prospects and becomes the source of scandal, destroying the Bennet family’s reputation. This devastates the family. Without Darcy’s intervention, Wickham’s villainy comes to light, but it is too late to salvage Lydia's honor or the family’s standing.

The Bennet family falls into financial ruin. Jane’s engagement to Bingley is called off, as Bingley’s family refuses to associate with a family touched by such a scandal. Elizabeth, unable to bear the disgrace at home, considers taking up a post as a governess. Mr. Bennet, wracked with guilt over his earlier negligence, grows more reclusive, and Mrs. Bennet’s nerves become unbearable as her dream of marrying off her daughters is shattered.

Mr. Darcy, though still in love with Elizabeth, feels obligated to distance himself from the situation. He is torn between his love for her and the damage the scandal has done to her family’s reputation. In the end, Darcy marries someone more socially appropriate, but he never fully recovers from his feelings for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, forever marked by her family’s fall from grace, remains single. She takes solace in intellectual pursuits, but she is left wondering what her life could have been if Wickham had never crossed their path or if Darcy had been willing to stand by her.

In both of these alternative endings, the lack of resolution between Darcy and Elizabeth, or the different outcome of Lydia's elopement, leads to a darker and more somber future for the Bennet family, highlighting how crucial Darcy's actions were in salvaging their reputation and prospects in the original novel.

Conclusion:

These alternative endings highlight how pivotal Darcy’s intervention and his relationship with Elizabeth are to the Bennet family’s survival and happiness. Without their union or Darcy’s actions, the family faces disgrace, financial ruin, and unfulfilled lives, emphasizing the importance of love, redemption, and social harmony in Austen’s original conclusion.

Refrences ;

“Alexander Pope.” Encyclopædia Britannica, www.britannica.com.

 “Alexander Pope Study Guide.” Nikagrizila, www.nikagrizila.com.

 “Study Material on Alexander Pope.” Study Material, www.studymaterial.com.