This semester, my English class read a classic British Literature novel called Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen wrote this book during the 18th century, which was at the tail end of the Enlightenment. In Austen’s novel, she commonly critiques the status of women, social classes, and marriage through the life of the Bennet family, particularly Lizzie and Jane Bennet.

During this time period, the role of women was primarily domestic, and their main purpose was to keep the home. Meaning, that it was essential to be married as a young woman to be a part of society. The Bennet family consists of 7 people; Mr./Mrs. Bennet, Jane (22), Lizzie (20), Mary, Catherine, and Lydia. Since there are no sons in the family, the Bennets have to marry off their daughters.

The book starts off with Mrs. Bennet anouncing that a rich young man named Mr. Bingley has moved to the town that the Bennet family lives in. This is exciting because it provides an opportunity for one of the Bennet girls to be married. In addition to Mr. Bingley moving to his estate called Netherfield, his close friend Mr. Darcy moves along with Bingley’s two sisters.

A couple of days after Mr. Bingley moves, the upperclassmen of Merrytown attend a ball.  Jane immediately catches the interest of Mr. Bingley, whom everyone admires. However, Mr. Darcy is immediately disliked by everyone–especially Lizzie. After the ball, Jane and Bingley become closer, and it looks as if she is going to be proposed to soon. Mr. Darcy also slight interest in Lizzie, who does not notice due to her feelings of pride and prejudice. The situation of Bingley proposing to Jane does not last, and the Bingleys and Darcy leave Merrytown.

Meanwhile, the Bennet family is visited by Mr. Collins, who will inherit the Bennet’s estate and fortune once Mr. Bennet passes away. Mr. Collins proposes to Lizzie, who rejects him due to numerous reasons. Mrs. Bennet is furious, seeing that the chance of marrying one of her daughters is taken away. Numerous events happen (it would be too much to summarize), but in the end, Lizzie gets over her feelings of prejudice against Darcy and they get married. Jane and Bingley also get married. The story concludes with a satisfying and happy ending.

Personally, I loved this book and found it to be entertaining to read. The hardest part about reading this classic was keeping track of all of the characters because there are many. Despite this, I found Pride and Prejudice humorous. The multiple plot twists helped to make this novel enjoyable to read. Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was learning about the 18th century; I feel that this book is a good representation of what life was like back then. Overall, this was an excellent novel to read, and I would recommend it to those who want to get out of their comfort zone.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.