It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone referring to Pride and Prejudice in an original written work is going to begin by adding their own spin to the novel’s iconic first line, and I am no exception. That’s right, dear readers—today, we are beginning our month-long foray into Jane Austen’s most famous novel. Whether you’re reading for the first time or greeting the book like an old friend, welcome to the Jane Austen Summer Program’s Austen vs. Brontë-inspired Pride and Prejudice blog series.
Let’s begin, shall we?
Pride and Prejudice begins with an introduction to the Bennet sisters—Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia—one of whom their mother is determined to see married off to their new neighbor, the mysterious young tenant of Netherfield Park. Jane is the eldest, as well as the most agreeable and beautiful, though shy, young lady of the county. Next in the line-up is Lizzy, a clever bookworm with a penchant for comedy who happens to be this novel’s heroine. The middle sister is Mary, who seeks to distinguish herself by sharing her dubious talents and wisdom at the most inappropriate times, followed by the youngest sisters Kitty and Lydia, who are described in turn as vain, silly, flirtatious, and without a bit of sense.
When Jane meets the mysterious new tenant—Mr. Bingley, a handsome, charming young gentleman of large fortune—sparks fly instantly, to the delight of her mother and sisters. But his haughty, disagreeable companion Mr. Darcy, another handsome gentleman with even more money than Bingley, soon makes an enemy of Elizabeth after publicly insulting her on the night of their meeting. However, as Jane and Bingley grow closer, consequently forcing Darcy to spend time in Elizabeth’s presence, he finds himself rather intrigued by her “fine eyes” and “light and pleasing” figure, much to his own chagrin.
Elizabeth, for her part, still wants nothing to do with Mr. Darcy, having lately heard Mr. Wickham’s account of Darcy’s abuses. Mr. Wickham is a young officer come to Meryton with the rest of the militia who quickly wins over the Bennet sisters with his good looks and pleasing manners. Elizabeth is particularly fond of him, especially after he shares his tragic past: Mr. Darcy’s late father, who was Wickham’s own beloved godfather and loved him as dearly as another son, bequeathed the rectory on his estate to Wickham upon his coming-of-age, but when he died, the younger Mr. Darcy refused out of jealousy to hand over the living that was promised to him. Naturally, Elizabeth is indignant on Wickham’s behalf and determined to hate Mr. Darcy more than anyone.
Around this time, we’re also introduced to Mr. Collins, the Bennet sisters’ cousin who is slated to inherit Longbourn, their family home, upon their father’s death. Mr. Collins comes to Longbourn at the urging of his esteemed patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who has encouraged him to marry, hoping to select a wife among his five lovely cousins. After Mrs. Bennet informs him of Jane’s impending engagement to Mr. Bingley, Mr. Collins soon fixes his attentions on Elizabeth, whom he attempts to court with little success. This ridiculous man—simpering and pompous, clearly having never heard the phrase no means no—is no match for our dear Lizzy, whose rejection of his marriage proposal will go down in literary history as one of the most iconic cringe-fail moments of all time.
Volume One of Pride and Prejudice concludes with Mr. Collins’s surprise engagement to Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s best friend. Heartbroken by the news, Lizzy cannot understand how her one and only “kindred spirit” could possibly agree to marry such an odious man. But Charlotte, at age twenty-seven, no longer holds any hope of marrying for love and has contented herself with the promise of a comfortable home and life independent from her family.
And if that weren’t enough—Jane at the same time receives a letter from Mr. Bingley’s sister Caroline informing the Bennet family that their party has departed from Netherfield to join the hustle and bustle of London, where Caroline hopes Bingley will form an attachment to Darcy’s younger sister Georgiana. Although Jane is dejected by the news, she is careful not to let her feelings show. Elizabeth, however, is enraged on Jane’s behalf, concluding that Caroline—perhaps with Mr. Darcy’s assistance—has conspired to break apart their happy union because they do not approve of the Bennet family’s lower social standing.
Oh, to be young and crossed in love! So far, Mr. Darcy doesn’t seem like a dashing hero at all, does he? It’s strange to read the first half of the novel knowing that he is one of the most ogled fictional men of all time. And what’s with Mr. Bennet’s inappropriately overt favoritism toward Elizabeth? If I were Mary or Kitty, my father’s clear disdain might just wind up being my gothic villain origin story… but I digress.
Anyway, if you liked this short-and-sweet debrief on the first twenty-three chapters of Pride and Prejudice, be sure to join us next week as we dive into Volume Two, covering chapters 24-42. Until then, leave your thoughts on Volume One in the comment section below!
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