Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice: "It is a Truth Universally Acknowledged, that a Single Man in Possession of a Good Fortune, Must be in Want of a Wi

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Word To The Wise, May 31, 2013 - Fiction - 294 pages
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Pride and Prejudice (1813) is one of the most popular novels of the English tongue in which Jane Austen tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a beautiful twenty-year-old woman whose liveliness and intelligence do not prevent her from having false impressions and prejudgments about the people surrounding her. The young woman lives with her middle-class family and her best friend Charlotte Lucas. As the plot unfolds, Elizabeth develops a romantic relationship with a man from a higher social rank and a much wealthier background named Mr. Darcy. The latter gentleman is intelligent, handsome and well-mannered. Nonetheless, he generally leaves a negative impression on strangers who do not know his true nature by showing a proud and haughty attitude, refusing to dance at balls and behaving in a reserved manner. Austen gradually elucidates, nonetheless, that what is often seen by strangers as a condescending behavior is just the awkward appearance of a kind and virtuous gentleman. After numerous bursts of rather childish big-headedness and misunderstanding, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy eventually overcome their pride and prejudice. By the very end of the narrative, Elizabeth accepts Mr. Darcy's proposal when their love for each other succeeds in vanquishing their self-love.

About the author (2013)

Jane Austen's life is striking for the contrast between the great works she wrote in secret and the outward appearance of being quite dull and ordinary. Austen was born in the small English town of Steventon in Hampshire, and educated at home by her clergyman father. She was deeply devoted to her family. For a short time, the Austens lived in the resort city of Bath, but when her father died, they returned to Steventon, where Austen lived until her death at the age of 41. Austen was drawn to literature early, she began writing novels that satirized both the writers and the manners of the 1790's. Her sharp sense of humor and keen eye for the ridiculous in human behavior gave her works lasting appeal. She is at her best in such books as Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), in which she examines and often ridicules the behavior of small groups of middle-class characters. Austen relies heavily on conversations among her characters to reveal their personalities, and at times her novels read almost like plays. Several of them have, in fact, been made into films. She is considered to be one of the most beloved British authors.

Bibliographic information

TitleJane Austen's Pride And Prejudice: "It is a Truth Universally Acknowledged, that a Single Man in Possession of a Good Fortune, Must be in Want of a Wi
AuthorJane Austen
PublisherWord To The Wise, 2013
ISBN1780006241, 9781780006246
Length294 pages
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Fiction / Classics
  
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