Pride and Prejudice Analysis Essay

Jane Austen (1775-1817) from British descent is the author of the book “Pride and Prejudice.” The genre of the book is satirical novel of manners. The publisher of the novel is Egerton Whitehall and the publication date is January 28, 1813, so far, the book has had three volumes. In her heyday, Austen concentrated on romantic fiction among other writers during her time. In that time, women’s role was limited to household work and that is why the title read the author of “Sense and Sensibility.”

Austen main theme focuses on the environment that develops the young adults’ character and morality. Austen uses a love story where young people forge relationships and the challenges they face. In addition to that, the book depicts of how women that lack own fortune forsake love to seek engagement to acquire status in society. Bennet family lives in a calm and quiet environment in Longbourn. News that Charles Bingley, a wealthy young man rents a manor causes conflict in Bennet family. The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet together with their five unmarried daughters that include Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Mrs. Bennet acts in haste in the attempt of marrying off one of the daughters to Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickman, Mr. Collins, or Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet tries to get the men’s attention to the daughters. At the end of the story, she achieves her objective where each of them marries one of her daughters. Mr. Bingley has an attraction to Jane; Mr. Darcy has an attraction to Elizabeth, while Mr. Wickham settles for Lydia. Mr. Collins is a cousin to the Bennet household and a direct heir of Mr. Benett estate perceives it as his duty to marry one of the girls. Elizabeth rejects him and he settles for Charlotte Lucas. The relationship between Jane and Mr. Bingley fails the test of time as Mr. Darcy approaches his colleague and informs him that Jane does not love him. Her only interest is the elevation of social status in society. Mr. Bingley adheres to the counsel and leaves Jane heartbroken. Mr. Darcy uses that for own advantage since his relationship with Elizabeth is bound to wither.

Some of the ideals and concerns that the book addresses include wealth, self-knowledge, and the issue of marriage. Establishing a marriage from a rich family is a guarantee to a prosperous life. The characters criticize themselves for past mistakes when the marriage turns sour. The book’s vocabulary and style is old fashioned. The manner of talking and writing is in indirect form. The author often uses irony and subtle remarks. During that era, the society adhered to strict rules and principles where social prestige was of immense importance. One cannot predict the character traits of characters together with their ideals. The issue captured on love, friendship, and intrigues in society is an immortal topic that confronts the historical and modern life. Austen achieves in setting the book with many intrigues that keep the reader interested to keep on reading without getting bored.

The book rouses an emotional issue concerning the reason for marrying and companionship. Mrs. Benett should better keep quiet other than voice her reckless opinion. People that have money and social status should not perceive himself or herself better than anyone else should. An observation at divorce statistics in the contemporary world, it is hard to say whether marrying is the best way for opposite gender to spend their lives together. One should make a personal decision on whether or not they should get married and for what reason. Marriage can give one certain reliability that the husband and wife will take their relationship seriously while it is not a guarantee of long-lasting love. Marriage is what an individual makes of it. For instance, Darcy appreciates Elizabeth as his wife while Charlotte perceives matrimony as matter of luck. Jane believes on romantic love and acquisition of social prestige.

References
Austen, J. (1994). Pride and prejudice. Champaign, Ill.: Project Gutenberg.