Ibi Zoboi's 'Pride': A Contemporary Retelling of 'Pride and Prejudice'

Study Notes

Ibi Zoboi's "Pride" is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," set in the gentrifying neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn. The novel focuses on the themes of identity, cultural heritage, social class, coming-of-age, and racism.

Zoboi's protagonist, Zuri Benitez, has a strong sense of pride in her Afro-Latino roots and her Brooklyn community. However, her neighborhood is rapidly changing, and the arrival of the wealthy Darcy family threatens to disrupt the community's culture and identity. Zuri struggles to find her place in this changing landscape, as she balances her desire to preserve her heritage with the realities of gentrification and her own personal growth.

The novel explores the complexities of social class, as the wealthy Darcys and the working-class Benitez family navigate their different backgrounds and experiences. Zoboi's reimagining of "Pride and Prejudice" also addresses the issue of gentrification, which is a major concern in many urban neighborhoods today. The novel's characters grapple with the effects of gentrification on their community and their personal lives.

"Pride" is also a coming-of-age story, as Zuri navigates the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. She faces pressure to make college applications, deals with the romantic attentions of several boys, and tries to reconcile her love for her neighborhood with the reality of its changing demographics.

The novel also touches on the theme of race and racism, as the characters confront the ways in which race shapes their experiences and the way they are treated by others. The novel tackles issues of police brutality and prejudice in a way that reflects the current social climate.

Throughout the novel, Zoboi skillfully balances the themes of identity, cultural heritage, social class, coming-of-age, and racism, creating a story that is both timely and timeless. The novel has been praised for its honesty, humor, and heart, and its ability to tackle complex issues in a nuanced and engaging way.

Description

Test your understanding of Ibi Zoboi's novel 'Pride', a modern retelling of Jane Austen's classic, set in Brooklyn. Explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, social class, and racism in this coming-of-age story. Assess your knowledge of the novel's characters, plot, and timely issues.