The Classics Adventure: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Are you ready to continue on the Classics Adventure?

Next up is Jane Austen’s second writing (and I’m guessing one of her most popular): Pride and Prejudice.  This is my second time reading the novel and I even took the opportunity to give Pride and Prejudice (Joe Wright version) another watch (and another for good measure).  Don’t ask me how many times I’ve seen it because if I happen to look at my shelves of movies and it catches my eye, I’ll watch it. It doesn’t help that its now on Netflix tempting me for a rewatch constantly and its just so hard to resist. You can check out my review HERE!

 Pride and Prejudice

By: Jane Austen

When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes the friendships, gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life. – Goodreads

The story of Pride and Prejudice and Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are absolutely amazing.  Its pretty much the basis of most romantic comedies these days if you think about it. The chemistry of the characters and their development and growths is charming to read.  Lizzy is very similar to Mr. Darcy and right away, its obvious that they are meant for each other even though they don’t quite have great impressions of each other, more so for Lizzy than for Mr. Darcy as we come to realize. From hate to love are strong feelings and the key that first impressions can prove to be full of prejudice.

I’m going to look at this book as volumes because its split in 3 volumes.  The first one is pretty much the set-up of the premise to get to know the Bennetts, especially Lizzy and Jane and the handsome bachelors, Bingley and Darcy.  Its a little slow because not a whole lot happens but nearing the end of Volume 1, the engaging plot starts forming and we start seeing the affections and feelings grow.  The plot thickens and new characters along the way add to conflicts and misunderstandings and clarifications.

Whats great with Pride and Prejudice is that it never feels like its stopped.  There’s always something to look forward to next.  Some other adventure, physically or mentally and the characters, especially Lizzy grow and change as people should. Plus, the language is beautiful.  Jane Austen weaves some extremely lovely characters that we just can’t help but grow to love gradually. Each is crafted with so much care.  Bingley and Jane have much more naive and simple natures whereas Lizzy and Darcy are more head strong and firm on their beliefs.  While they have the supporting characters of the younger sisters, Mr. Collins and Lady de Bourg which light up our emotions a little also, along with the tiresome Mrs. Bennett and the extremely reasonable Mr. Bennett.

There isn’t really that much to say except that I loved this even more the second time and I had to raise my 4 stars to a 5 even with a slow ending.  There is extra appreciation the second time reading it because it pulled me in again.  The elegant writing, the chemistry between Lizzy and Darcy and the fact that it feels like the ultimate romantic comedy ever just makes this one of the most enjoyable reading experiences! 🙂

Have you read Pride and Prejudice? What are your thoughts? Do you like Jane Austen? Which is your favorite novel of hers?

One thing I’d like to mention: I’m glad the movie (Joe Wright version) keeps some of my favorite dialogues in the novel.  It wouldn’t be the same 🙂

Next on the reading list: 3 more indie books and after that, The Classics Adventure continues with Mansfield Park 😉