Pride and Prejudice PDF

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 1 JANE AUSTEN ---- --------------------------------------------------------------- 2 BACKGROUND OF THE NOVEL 3 PLOT SUMMARY 4 CHARACTERS 5 SOCIAL CONTEXT AND CLASS STRUCTURE 6 THEMES: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 7 JANE AUSTEN'S ENGLAND 8 WRITING...

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 1 JANE AUSTEN ---- --------------------------------------------------------------- 2 BACKGROUND OF THE NOVEL 3 PLOT SUMMARY 4 CHARACTERS 5 SOCIAL CONTEXT AND CLASS STRUCTURE 6 THEMES: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 7 JANE AUSTEN'S ENGLAND 8 WRITING STYLE AND NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES 9 STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE ARISTOCRACY 10 IMPORTANCE OF WOMAN WRITERS AND CHARCTERS IN VICTORAIN PERIOD 11 ANNOTATIONS Jane Austen Born in Steventon (Hampshire) in the south of England, a traditionally conservative, quiet, rural area of the country. Her father was a rector (vicar) and she was educated by him at home. In 1801, the family moved to Bath, a big city in the west of England, but it wasn\'t a happy experience. In 1805, her father died and they returned to Jane\'s beloved Hampshire to live in the country. She died in 1817 at the age of 41 in Winchester. She wrote six famous novels, none of which were popular during her lifetime, but all of which have gained popularity more recently. These novels were: Northanger Abbey - mockery of gothic style of novel writing which had dominated English fiction during the previous twenty or thirty years. Pride and Prejudice. Sense and Sensability. Mansfield Park. Emma. Persuasion. A few smaller works were also written, a few of which were published, but they have not received the attention that the six major novels have. During the course of her career, she took a ten year break (between writing the first and last three major novels). Her life seems to have involved very few incidents of note, periods of quiet frustration at her situation, and a strong connection with her family. **Life and History:** Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England. She was the seventh of eight children born to George Austen, a clergyman, and Cassandra Leigh Austen. Austen grew up in a close-knit family, surrounded by books and encouraged to pursue her intellectual and creative interests. During her early years, Austen received a formal education at home, which included reading literature, history, and languages. She developed a passion for writing and began crafting her own stories and plays. Austen\'s father supported her literary pursuits and provided her with access to a wide range of books, nurturing her literary talents. In her early twenties, Austen started writing her major works. \"Sense and Sensibility\" was written around 1795, followed by \"Pride and Prejudice\" (originally titled \"First Impressions\") and \"Northanger Abbey\" in the early 1800s. Despite her prolific writing, Austen\'s novels remained unpublished during her lifetime. In 1801, the Austen family moved to Bath, a fashionable city at the time. However, after the death of Jane\'s father in 1805, financial circumstances forced the family to relocate several times. They eventually settled in Chawton, Hampshire, in 1809, where Austen\'s writing career gained momentum. In 1811, Austen\'s first novel, \"Sense and Sensibility,\" was published anonymously. It received positive reviews, and Austen continued to work on her subsequent novels. \"Pride and Prejudice\" was published in 1813, followed by \"Mansfield Park\" (1814) and \"Emma\" (1815). Her final completed novels, \"Persuasion\" and \"Northanger Abbey,\" were published posthumously in 1817. Despite her growing success as a writer, Austen lived a relatively quiet and private life. She never married and remained close to her family. Her letters reveal her sharp wit, observations on society, and keen interest in literature and current affairs. Sadly, Austen\'s life was cut short. In 1816, her health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with what is believed to have been Addison\'s disease. On July 18, 1817, at the age of 41, Jane Austen passed away in Winchester, Hampshire. She was buried in Winchester Cathedral. Although Austen\'s literary career was relatively brief, her works have had a lasting impact on English literature. Her insightful social commentary, engaging characters, and masterful storytelling continue to captivate readers, making Jane Austen one of the most beloved and influential authors of all time. **Important Works:** 1. \"Sense and Sensibility\" (1811): Austen\'s first published novel explores the contrasting characters of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, examining themes of love, societal expectations, and the balance between reason and emotion. 2. \"Pride and Prejudice\" (1813): Perhaps Austen\'s most famous work, this novel follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the challenges of love, class, and societal conventions, with Mr. Darcy becoming one of literature\'s most memorable romantic heroes. 3. \"Mansfield Park\" (1814): Austen delves into the complex world of Fanny Price, who faces personal and moral dilemmas while growing up in the wealthy household of her relatives. The novel addresses themes of morality, social status, and the nature of love. 4. \"Emma\" (1815): The eponymous protagonist, Emma Woodhouse, is a well-meaning but misguided matchmaker in this novel. Austen explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the consequences of meddling in the lives of others. 5. \"Northanger Abbey\" (1817): A witty and satirical novel, it parodies the gothic fiction popular at the time, following Catherine Morland\'s experiences in the titular abbey. Austen cleverly examines the power of imagination, the dangers of naïveté, and the realities of love. 6. \"Persuasion\" (1817): Austen\'s final completed novel, \"Persuasion,\" revolves around the story of Anne Elliot, who re-encounters Captain Wentworth, a man she was once persuaded to reject. Themes of second chances, regret, and the complexities of love are explored. **Themes:** - Marriage and Society: Austen\'s works often delve into the social expectations and pressures faced by women in finding suitable marriages, as well as the impact of societal conventions on personal happiness. - Class and Social Status: Austen provides insightful commentary on the rigid class structure of her time, exploring the limitations and privileges associated with different social positions. - Morality and Virtue: The moral dilemmas and ethical choices characters face are central to Austen\'s novels, highlighting the importance of personal integrity and moral character. - Love and Relationships: Austen\'s novels offer nuanced portrayals of love, emphasizing the complexities, misunderstandings, and personal growth that come with romantic relationships. - Satire and Wit: Austen employs sharp wit and satire to mock societal follies, hypocrisy, and the conventions of her time. **Awards:** It is important to note that during Austen\'s lifetime, she did not receive formal awards or accolades for her works. Her novels were published anonymously, and her authorship was not widely known until after her death. However, Austen\'s literary reputation has soared in subsequent years, and her works have received critical acclaim and numerous adaptations in various forms of media. While Austen did not receive awards during her lifetime, her novels are now considered classics of English literature. Her enduring legacy is evidenced by the admiration and influence her works have had on subsequent generations of writers, scholars, and readers worldwide. **MASTER OF PURE NOVEL** Austen is often regarded as the master of the \'pure novel\'. In other words, she was an expert in her art and nothing is absent from her work. During the C18th, novels were often long and disorganized. Austen wanted compact and limited works. Idea of Pure novel includes the following: \(a) A concentration on humans and mutual reactions. (Subjects are therefore marriage and relationships) \(b) No large gallery of characters, no invention, no contrasting scenes. (Austen was writing at the time of the Napoleonic wars and the Industrial Revolution; both of these topics are absent from her work) \(c) A concentration on design - The parts make up the whole. (Every chapter has its reason in Austen\'s work) \(d) Relations between characters and relations to a central theme. (Austen always limits the theme/subject) \(e) Recognition of limits. (Other C19th novelists tried to write about everything) A TYPICAL AUSTEN NOVEL 1\. Focus on a small group of people. 2\. A middle-class, provincial (countryside) setting. 3\. The subject of courtship and marriage. 4\. An economy of material. Everything in the novel has its place. 5\. The use of irony and moral commentary. 6\. Humor: Making fun of the manners of the middle-class. 7\. Contempt towards stupid people/characters. 8\. Extensive use of dialogue: Minimal scene setting. 9\. Admiration of self-command, consideration of others, knowledge of the heart and the principle of right from education. 10\. Attainment of self-knowledge is the key to happiness **BACKGROUND OF THE NOVEL** \"Pride and Prejudice\" is a novel written by Jane Austen and first published in 1813. It is considered one of Austen\'s most famous and influential works. The novel was written during a time when Austen was living in Chawton, Hampshire, and it reflects the societal norms and expectations of early 19th-century England. Austen began working on \"Pride and Prejudice\" in 1796, originally under the title \"First Impressions.\" However, the novel underwent revisions and was not published until many years later. The novel draws inspiration from Austen\'s own experiences and observations of the society in which she lived. The background of \"Pride and Prejudice\" is set in the Regency era, a period that overlapped with the Georgian era and King George III\'s reign. During this time, England experienced significant social, economic, and political changes. The rigid class structure and social conventions of the time heavily influenced Austen\'s portrayal of society and characters in the novel. \"Pride and Prejudice\" explores the themes of love, marriage, class, and societal expectations. It focuses on the Bennet family, particularly the five Bennet sisters: Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. The novel revolves around the challenges and complexities of courtship, as well as the social pressures faced by young women in finding suitable husbands. The central plot revolves around the budding romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Their initial encounters are marked by pride, prejudice, and misunderstandings. However, as the story progresses, they confront their own biases and learn to overcome their initial impressions, leading to a deeper understanding and eventual love. Austen\'s writing style in \"Pride and Prejudice\" is characterized by her sharp wit, social commentary, and keen observations of human nature. Through her vivid and engaging characters, she satirizes the societal norms and expectations of her time, highlighting the absurdities and hypocrisies prevalent in the upper-class society. The novel was initially published anonymously, simply attributed to \"A Lady.\" However, over time, Austen\'s authorship became widely known, and \"Pride and Prejudice\" gained immense popularity and critical acclaim. The novel has since become a literary classic, praised for its memorable characters, engaging plot, and insightful exploration of themes that remain relevant to this day. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE The original title of the novel was \'First Impressions\' in 1796-7. It is probably Austen\'s most popular novel, mainly due to the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. It is full of wit and irony and gives the readers an ending which satisfies them. THE PLOT 1\. Bingley (a rich, single man) leases Netherfield. 2\. Bingly falls in love with Jane. 3\. Elizabeth and Darcy have a misunderstanding. 4\. The Bingley sisters are antagonistic towards the Bennets. 5\. Elizabeth starts to like Wickham. 6\. Darcy prevents Bingley from marrying Jane. 7\. Mr Collins asks Elizabeth to marry him - she refuses - he asks Charlotte Lucas - she accepts. 8\. Elizabeth visits Collins - meets Darcy accidentally. 9\. Darcy condescendingly proposes marriage - Elizabeth refuses due to his prevention of Bingley and Jane\'s marriage. 10\. Darcy writes a letter of confession about his behaviour in the Jane-Bingley marriage incident. 11\. Elizabeth goes on holiday - accidentally meets Darcy again. 12\. Lydia and Wickham run away together - Darcy finds them and forces them to marry to avoid family shame for the Bennets. 13\. Bingley returns to Jane - they decide to marry. 14\. Darcy and Elizabeth agree to marry. PRIDE: A high or overbearing opinion of one\'s worth or importance. PREJUDICE: A preconceived opinion, bias or partiality. Both words are connected - Prejudice can be a division of Pride. DETAILED PLOT \"Pride and Prejudice\" is a classic novel written by Jane Austen and first published in 1813. Set in rural England during the early 19th century, the story revolves around the Bennet family, particularly the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet. The novel begins with the introduction of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, who have five unmarried daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. The Bennet family estate is entailed, meaning that it can only be inherited by a male relative, which puts pressure on the daughters to marry well in order to secure their future. When a wealthy young man, Mr. Bingley, moves into a nearby estate, the Bennet family is excited about the prospect of a favorable marriage for one of their daughters. Mr. Bingley is accompanied by his sisters and his close friend, the proud and arrogant Mr. Darcy. Bingley is immediately attracted to Jane, while Darcy finds himself reluctantly drawn to Elizabeth, despite his initial disdain for the Bennet family. As the story progresses, Jane and Bingley\'s relationship blossoms, but it faces obstacles due to misunderstandings and the interference of Bingley\'s snobbish sister and Darcy. Meanwhile, Elizabeth forms a negative opinion of Darcy based on his detachment and her prejudice against him. However, Darcy begins to fall in love with Elizabeth\'s wit and intelligence. The plot thickens when Elizabeth\'s younger sister, Lydia, elopes with a militia officer named Wickham, causing a scandal. Darcy secretly intervenes to rescue the situation and ensure the couple\'s marriage, which exposes his true character to Elizabeth. In the midst of these events, Elizabeth\'s relationship with Darcy evolves as she gains a deeper understanding of his character through revelations about his role in helping Lydia. Overcoming her own pride and prejudices, Elizabeth eventually realizes that she has misjudged Darcy and that she, too, has been guilty of prejudice. In the end, Elizabeth and Darcy confess their love for each other, and the novel concludes with their engagement. The story highlight's themes of social class, marriage, pride, and the importance of self-reflection. \"Pride and Prejudice\" is a timeless love story that explores the complexities of human relationships, challenges societal norms, and celebrates the power of overcoming personal biases. It has become one of the most beloved and enduring works of English literature. **Character Name** **Description** -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elizabeth Bennet The witty and independent-minded protagonist of the novel. She possesses a strong sense of individuality and is known for her quick wit and intelligence. Elizabeth is initially prejudiced against Mr. Darcy but eventually learns to admire and love him. Fitzwilliam Darcy The proud and wealthy hero of the story. Darcy is initially seen as arrogant and aloof, but as the novel progresses, his true honorable and compassionate nature is revealed. He falls in love with Elizabeth despite their initial misunderstandings. Jane Bennet Elizabeth\'s beautiful and gentle older sister. Jane is kind-hearted and believes in the goodness of others. She falls in love with Mr. Bingley and serves as a contrast to Elizabeth\'s more spirited personality. Charles Bingley A wealthy and amiable young gentleman who becomes Jane Bennet\'s love interest. Bingley is friendly and easily influenced by others, particularly his sisters and Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bennet The father of the Bennet sisters. He is a sarcastic and humorous man who often finds amusement in the ridiculousness of his wife and daughters. Mr. Bennet is intelligent but lacks the motivation to take charge of his family\'s affairs. Mrs. Bennet The mother of the Bennet sisters. Mrs. Bennet is obsessed with marrying off her daughters and securing their social status. She is often seen as foolish and annoying by both her family and society. Lydia Bennet The youngest and most immature of the Bennet sisters. Lydia is flirtatious and impulsive, which leads to her elopement with Mr. Wickham. Her actions cause great distress to her family and jeopardize their reputation. Mr. Wickham A charming and deceitful officer in the militia. Wickham initially gains the sympathy of the Bennet family and Elizabeth, but his true nature is eventually revealed as he attempts to manipulate and deceive others. Charlotte Lucas Elizabeth\'s close friend and eventual sister-in-law. Charlotte is pragmatic and marries Mr. Collins for financial security, showcasing the limited options available to women in society. Mr. Collins The pompous and obsequious cousin of the Bennet sisters. Mr. Collins is the heir to the Bennet estate and proposes to both Elizabeth and Charlotte. He is often seen as absurd and lacking self-awareness. Detailed Description of Characters in Pride and Prejudice: **Elizabeth Bennet:** Elizabeth Bennet is the novel\'s protagonist and the second eldest of the Bennet sisters. She is known for her wit, intelligence, and strong sense of individuality. Elizabeth initially forms a negative opinion of Mr. Darcy due to his proud demeanor, but as the story progresses, she learns to see beyond appearances and falls in love with him. Elizabeth\'s character embodies the themes of prejudice, societal expectations, and the importance of personal growth. **Fitzwilliam Darcy:** Mr. Darcy is a wealthy and aristocratic gentleman who is initially seen as aloof and arrogant. However, as the story unfolds, his true honorable and compassionate nature is revealed. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth despite their initial misunderstandings and works to overcome his pride and prejudice. His character development showcases the power of self-reflection and personal growth. **Jane Bennet:** Jane Bennet is the eldest sister of the Bennet family, known for her beauty, kindness, and gentle nature. She is often seen as the ideal woman of the time, representing the societal expectations placed on women to be beautiful, gentle, and submissive. Jane\'s character also explores the themes of love, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness. **Mr. Bennet:** Mr. Bennet is the father of the Bennet sisters and is known for his sarcastic wit and detachment from his family. He is often seen as the voice of reason in the family, bringing humor and perspective to their daily lives. Mr. Bennet\'s character represents the challenges of being a father in a patriarchal society and the importance of maintaining a balance between humor and responsibility. **Lydia Bennet:** Lydia Bennet is the youngest and most immature of the Bennet sisters. She is flirtatious, impulsive, and often disregards societal norms. Lydia\'s actions, particularly her elopement with Mr. Wickham, bring shame to the family and highlight the consequences of reckless behavior. Her character explores the themes of youth, rebellion, and the impact of societal expectations. **Mr. Wickham:** Mr. Wickham is a charming and deceitful officer in the militia. He initially gains the sympathy of the Bennet family and Elizabeth through his stories of mistreatment by Mr. Darcy. However, his true nature is eventually revealed, showcasing the dangers of trusting appearances and the importance of discernment. Mr. Wickham\'s character represents the themes of deception, social class, and the consequences of dishonesty. **Charlotte Lucas:** Charlotte Lucas is Elizabeth\'s close friend and eventual sister-in-law. She is pragmatic and marries Mr. Collins, despite his flaws, for financial security. Charlotte\'s character represents the limited options available to women in society and the pressures they face to secure their future. Her decision to marry Mr. Collins explores the themes of marriage as a social contract and the sacrifices women often make for stability. **Mr. Collins:** Mr. Collins is the pompous and obsequious cousin of the Bennet sisters. He is the heir to the Bennet estate and proposes to both Elizabeth and Charlotte. Mr. Collins represents the societal expectations placed on men to secure their wealth and status through marriage. His character also explores the themes of social climbing, pride, and the absurdity of societal norms. These are the main characters in Pride and Prejudice, each representing different aspects of society, relationships, and the challenges faced by individuals in the pursuit of love and happiness. IMPORTANT THEMES Pride: This theme is about how some characters in the story have an excessive belief in their own importance or abilities. They think highly of themselves and look down on others. For example, Mr. Darcy, who is wealthy and respectable, initially comes across as proud and arrogant. His high social status and wealth make him feel superior to others, which leads him to act condescendingly. Prejudice: Prejudice is when someone forms an unfair and negative opinion about others without knowing them well. In the novel, Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist, exhibits prejudice against Mr. Darcy based on her initial impressions of his prideful behavior. She assumes he is a bad person without giving him a chance to prove himself otherwise. The story revolves around how these two themes affect the characters and their relationships. For instance, Elizabeth\'s prejudice towards Darcy blinds her to his true character, leading her to reject his proposal initially. Similarly, Darcy\'s pride prevents him from seeing the worth of people from different social classes, including Elizabeth, whom he eventually falls in love with. As the plot unfolds, both Elizabeth and Darcy learn to overcome their pride and prejudice. They come to understand the importance of humility, empathy, and seeing people for who they truly are, rather than judging based on appearances or social status. IMPORTANCE OF WOMAN WRITERS AND CHARCTERS IN VICTORAIN PERIOD The Victorian period, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a time of profound social, cultural, and literary changes in England. During this era, women writers and characters played a pivotal role in challenging traditional gender roles, providing unique perspectives on society, and contributing to the advancement of literature. This essay explores the significance of women writers and characters in the Victorian period and their impact on the literary landscape. Breaking Literary Barriers: In the Victorian era, women faced numerous societal constraints, including limited educational opportunities and restricted access to the public sphere. However, a group of pioneering female writers emerged, defying societal norms and contributing significantly to literature. Prominent figures like Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth Gaskell, and George Eliot used their literary talents to create powerful and influential works. By doing so, they broke barriers, proving that women were equally capable of producing compelling and intellectually stimulating literature. Representation of Women\'s Voices: Women writers in the Victorian period offered unique perspectives on the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of women in that society. Their works shed light on the struggles of women living within the confines of strict gender roles and societal expectations. Through their characters, these writers addressed issues such as the limited options for women in education and employment, the plight of impoverished women, and the complexities of love, marriage, and family life. Challenging Gender Norms: Victorian women writers crafted characters who defied conventional gender norms, challenging the prevailing expectations placed upon women. Characters like Jane Eyre (from Charlotte Brontë\'s novel) and Dorothea Brooke (from George Eliot\'s novel \"Middlemarch\") exemplified strong, independent, and intellectually curious women who sought self-fulfillment outside of traditional domestic roles. These portrayals encouraged readers to reconsider societal expectations and advocate for greater gender equality. Social Commentary: Women writers used their works to comment on social issues, including the treatment of women, the working class, and the impact of industrialization on society. Elizabeth Gaskell, for instance, highlighted the harsh conditions of the working class in her novel \"North and South.\" These literary critiques provided valuable insights into the injustices prevalent in Victorian society and influenced public opinion, contributing to eventual social reforms. Influence on Feminism: The works of Victorian women writers laid the foundation for later feminist movements. The themes explored in their novels, such as gender inequality, women\'s suffrage, and the need for greater agency, resonated with later generations of women seeking societal change. These writers inspired feminist thinkers and activists, who, in turn, built upon the ideas presented in Victorian literature to advocate for women\'s rights. The contributions of women writers and characters during the Victorian period were undeniably significant. Their literary endeavors shattered gender barriers, provided a platform for women\'s voices, and encouraged society to critically examine traditional gender norms. These writers not only enriched the literary landscape of their time but also laid the groundwork for future generations of women to continue their pursuit of equality and empowerment. The impact of their works extends far beyond the Victorian era, shaping the trajectory of literature and social progress for years to come.