Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has been cherished and revered by a consistently large audience for many decades. So how has a novel, published 205 years ago, continued to remain relatable and relevant in modern society? The universal themes of Pride and Prejudice on both the interpersonal and societal levels, such as love, marriage, and class, keep people constantly returning to the story, but in addition, it is Austen’s light, crisp, and direct telling of both characters and plot that yields a nuanced, literary and intimate experience for the reader, while still being able to express a complex thought. “She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet.” (Elizabeth, 8, Pg. 177) "Happiness
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Such language allows the novel to remain relatable, even as the use of a language evolves. Austen infuses her words with irony and social realism. Austen understands human nature and society; more specifically, she understands the norms and values we insert into society in order to create structure (something that we as humans, continue to do), whether that structure is beneficial or negative for society.
I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever." (Darcy, 11, …show more content…
While society considers her behavior to be 'unladylike,' Elizabeth's genuine concern for Jane, her sister, trumps social graces. Nonetheless, the Bingley sisters describe Elizabeth's behavior as "dirty" and "incredible" behind her back. However, they treat Elizabeth "politely," revealing the ingenuous two-faced attitude and dishonesty that is inevitable in adhering to social convention. Therefore, Austen’s characters, especially those in Pride and Prejudice break the mold, such as Elizabeth Bennet, who is not norming to the ideal image of a young lady looking to wed, rather she is bold, with a certain sense of direction, opinions, and undeniably, prejudice. “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” (Chapter 5, pg. 10) She does not approve of societal norms, yet, her prejudice of certain proposals shows her irony. “There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.” (Chapter 24, Pg. 78) Protagonists in literature who break the mold or seem ahead of society are forever appealing to the audience. We like the sense of intrigue it brings, almost allowing us to
Such language allows the novel to remain relatable, even as the use of a language evolves. Austen infuses her words with irony and social realism. Austen understands human nature and society; more specifically, she understands the norms and values we insert into society in order to create structure (something that we as humans, continue to do), whether that structure is beneficial or negative for society.
I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever." (Darcy, 11, …show more content…
While society considers her behavior to be 'unladylike,' Elizabeth's genuine concern for Jane, her sister, trumps social graces. Nonetheless, the Bingley sisters describe Elizabeth's behavior as "dirty" and "incredible" behind her back. However, they treat Elizabeth "politely," revealing the ingenuous two-faced attitude and dishonesty that is inevitable in adhering to social convention. Therefore, Austen’s characters, especially those in Pride and Prejudice break the mold, such as Elizabeth Bennet, who is not norming to the ideal image of a young lady looking to wed, rather she is bold, with a certain sense of direction, opinions, and undeniably, prejudice. “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” (Chapter 5, pg. 10) She does not approve of societal norms, yet, her prejudice of certain proposals shows her irony. “There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.” (Chapter 24, Pg. 78) Protagonists in literature who break the mold or seem ahead of society are forever appealing to the audience. We like the sense of intrigue it brings, almost allowing us to