Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Many things have been said and comments and analyses still go on about the great English classic novel of the 19^th century Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

After my reading this novel twice (first in French then in English) and watching the successful adaptation to TV series of 1995, I have decided to add my contribution in order to underline the various qualities of this book that can still be considered a masterpiece in more ways than one. Hence, whether for the style, the intrigue, the characters-building or the ideas expressed in the novel, Pride and Prejudice is worthy reading more than once and highlights the undeniable qualities of Jane Austen who not only ranks among the greatest writers of Great-Britain but of world history of literature, with other works of importance such as Emma, Sense and Sensibility or Persuasion.

When talking about Jane Austen (born in 1775 December 16^th-Died in 1817 July 18^th) once cannot neglect the historical context in which her literary career flourished, namely the Victorian Era or the 19^th century in England, nor can any keen observer ignore the fact that this writer born in Steventon belongs to a stream of British female novelists whose works flourished in 19^th century such as the three Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily and Anne) and George Eliot.

It goes without saying that entering the battle field of literature for a woman in those times of conservatism was not romp in the Heather, especially since these women writers often denounced social inequities which harmed all vulnerable social classes, men and women alike, old and young, in a general atmosphere characterized by oppression and lack of freedoms.

Thereby, a question that someone may legitimately ask is: what’s the subversive aspect of Pride and Prejudice novel and can we consider it to be socially engaged and maybe feminist with the standards often used nowadays to describe a literary work as feminist?

In the first place, what comes to mind reading the first chapters of the Jane Austen’s notorious novel is its satirical tone and its approach of human relationships and society analysis rather than a politically driven point of view or a severe social comment like in Charles Dikens’s books or the famous novel of Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre.

Pride and Prejudice deals, before all, with the way English families of the Victorian Era get allied with each other through marriage institution after meticulous examination of each family regarding its social rank, its wealth, daughters’ physical appearance. Besides, it often appears that the motivations of the future husband or son-in-law  may be less disinterested than it seems. Under the more refined manners lie the secrets, complots and ill-intentions of a real small jungle depicted with keen precision, humour and Jane’s Austen ability to create various characters of both sexes with different temperaments, qualities and points of views. And precisely here arises what could be considered the “feminist” aspect of Jane Austen, because if by feminist we mean a female writer’s capacity to get out of shackles and enter new spheres that were previously reserved to men then Pride and Prejudice fits these criteria.

Moreover, women’s emancipation has been also impeded by the action of some women who consider themselves the guardians of traditions and order, and it’s worth mentioning that Jane Austen also portrays very negative female characters, ranging from the snobbish Caroline Bingley to the arrogant and contemptuous Lady  Catherine, not to mention Mrs Bennet and her unapologetic and ridiculous attempts to look like she comes from an upper social class, embarrassing highly her two smart elder daughters Anne and Elisabeth and her husband Mr Bennet who doesn’t spare his wife any sarcasm, as he does towards his youngest daughters, the foolish Mary, Kitty and Lydia.

Of course, men are not safe from the Jane Austen’s fiercer satirical tone, as she depicts the pedantic Mr Collins who is so aware of his importance that he thinks no woman could refuse his solicitations.

The title of the novel suits perfectly the mindset of the different characters evolving throughout the novel, since all their actions are motivated by their high self-esteem and their suspicion towards others regarding their social class, whether high or low, their reputation or the first impression left at first sight. But the character who crystallises the best notions of “pride” and “prejudice” is undoubtedly Fitzwilliam Darcy who, in the first place, inspires antipathy and animosity among the people who don’t know him, amid whom Elisabeth Bennet, the smart and rebellious young girl unsatisfied with her condition. Later on, the relationship between Darcy and Elisabeth evolved as Darcy becomes less proud and agrees to unfold a part of the secrets that had reinforced the prejudice against him, knowing that the pride of Darcy made much harm, on some occasions, like when he didn’t reveal the true nature of the maleficent Wickham, who will cause so much damages to Elisabeth’s family.

From this short essay it appears clearly that Pride and Prejudice is a rich novel tackling several issues with a fluid aesthetical English style ; Jane Austen managed to reach universal themes from a local story set in the British countryside of the 19th century, and when she can be regarded as a great writer with a great W without considerations of sex or gender one can but notice the feminine touch that transpires subtly in her writing, for the good and enrichment of literature, far from some sterile controversies of nowadays.

Lyes Ferhani