Introduction
Pride and Prejudice is a classical novel written by Jane Austen. The novel portrays the themes of social inferiority, big family burdens, the importance of wealth, and the consequences of prejudice.
Summary of the novel Pride and Prejudice
The classic novel begins with the most prominent 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.” These lines unveil Mrs. Bennet’s nature and feelings. Mrs. Bennet has five daughters whom she wants to marry off to suitable and wealthy men. Soon, she hears of Mr. Bingley’s new arrival at the nearby estate Netherfield. Mr. Bingley is a young gentleman who has recently rented the nearby estate, Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet wants Mr. Bingley to marry one of her daughters. Therefore, she, with her five daughters, joins the party at Netherfield. At the ball, shy Jane captures Mr. Bingley’s interest. Mr. Bingley apparently becomes numb and voiceless when he suddenly meets with shy Jane, who is the oldest of the sisters.
Jane is well-known and famous for her sweet temper and beautiful look. On the other hand, the encounter between Elizabeth and Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy, seems to be less cordial. Austen indicates the interest of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in each other. Moreover, she shows the convention of first impressions: Mr. Darcy’s pride holds him aloof, and Elizabeth’s prejudice against Mr. Darcy’s snobbery holds her family aloof.
Soon, the next character, the pompous Collins, arrives at the party with the desire to marry one of Mrs. Bennet’s daughters.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet intends to turn the attention of Collins towards Elizabeth, but Elizabeth refuses his marriage proposal. During this time, Elizabeth meets the new guest, Wickham. There is a friendly and mutual discussion between both of them, and he informs her that Darcy has refused him his inheritance. Elizabeth firms her prejudice when she sees Darcy persuading Mr. Bingley to leave for London. Meanwhile, Mr. Bingley leaves for London. Having seen this, Elizabeth’s hatred and dislike double, and she convinces herself that Darcy has broken the newly formed relationship of her sister and Mr. Bingley. However, Mr. Darcy recollects the pleasant moments of having arguments with Elizabeth. Darcy feels blossoming love for Elizabeth because of her intelligence and vitality.
Climax of the novel Pride and Prejudice
Elizabeth goes to visit newly married Charlotte. Where she sees Darcy, who immediately proposes to her, but Elizabeth refuses his offer. Elizabeth considers Darcy a wicked man and accuses him of breaking up Mr. Bingley and Jane’s newly founded ties and also reveals her dislike because of denying Wickham his inheritance. Subsequently, Darcy writes a letter to Elizabeth, explaining that he believes Jane could regrow Mr. Bingley’s affection. He also explains that Wickham has wasted his inheritance and now tries to marry Darcy’s 15-year-old sister in order to get possession of her inheritance.
Conclusion
In the end, Lydia, one of the Bennets’ daughters, elopes with Wickham. Elizabeth receives a great shock hearing the news. She thinks such could ruin her family’s reputation. Soon after, the family receives the news of Wickham and Lydia’s marriage. During this time, Mr. Darcy convinces Mr. Bingley to return back. Shortly after, Mr. Bingley returns back and becomes engaged with Jane. Eventually, Darcy again proposes to Elizabeth, and she accepts this time with her fervor.