Let’s not go mad by detailing this well known plot. Elizabeth Bennet meets Fitzwilliam Darcy. He’s a snob and she can’t forget he said she wasn’t pretty enough to tempt him to dance. As the story unfolds they recognise the follies of their arrogance and judging by first impressions.
This is a third re-read for me. I first read this as a teenager, then again in my twenties. I was keen to read it again, now I’m an active writer, but I’ll admit I was nervous about reviewing something that is loved by so many, and upheld as a classic of English literature.
First, the style of this two hundred year old novel is not easy to digest for the modern reader. It follows a narrative form, with the author as the omniscient narrator and there’s lots of telling. In fact, it’s practically all telling rather than showing. The sentences are long, at at times rambling, and the paragraphs sometimes can take up an entire page. However, the chapters are nice and short and make it quite easy to read in small chunks.
There’s also very little description. The only specific description I recall is that we are told Mr Darcy is tall. It’s all very minimalistic in terms of description regarding the character’s appearance, their clothing, and the setting, compared to modern fiction.
What makes this story is the characters, and the changes they both undergo over the course of the tale. Elizabeth Bennett is often hailed as one of the most complex characters in English literature. That may be generous, in my opinion. I don’t see what’s so complex. At the crux of it, her pride is delivered a blow when a pompous guy snubs her, insults her appearance and points out the foibles of the members of her family, which she openly recognises. It’s a classic case of don’t insult me or my family, only I can do that. Then she jumps on the charming Wickham bandwagon because she’s overly eager to find someone who dislikes Darcy with equal disdain, despite knowing as little about Wickham as she does Darcy.
While Mr Darcy is undoubtably an arrogant snob, I can’t help but feel for the charmless introvert with poor social skills, especially when she rejects his proposal with such cutting dialogue. There is, however, vindication for Darcy when the truth of his history with Wickham, and his selfless actions to save her family, is revealed and Elizabeth is left with egg on her face.
But hey, they both come to regret their pride induced outbursts, overcome their prejudice, and live happily ever after. Except, I imagine, when they have to deal with her vulgar mother, silly sisters, and obsequious cousin, Mr Collins. Plus, don’t forget good old Wickham who, in my mind, keeps popping back to embarrass them and ask for a handout every now and again.
Elizabeth Bennett holds a special place in my heart not because of the supposed complex nature of her character, but because, instead of being ever so nice and overly generous towards others – like her perfect sister, Jane – she’s snarky and blunt, yet still manages to snag the handsome rich guy.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🙄it’s Austen for heavens sake!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
