Jane Austen was a popular 19th century author whose works became more popular after her death. Not only have her works been widely studied, they have been turned into movies, again and again. Despite popularity through the decades and some say it has become the template for many of today’s romance novels.
Pride and Prejudice is a story about society and the relationships of family. Its focus is on one family, the Bennett’s, specifically the two eldest daughters; Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Jane. Societal law demands upon the death of the supporting male, all funds and fortune are entailed to the next living 'male' relative. This puts the Bennett family at a disadvantage because they have five daughters. Mr. Bennett’s fortune will pass to his estranged cousin, Mr. Collins.
Because of these circumstances it is Mrs. Bennett’s direst wish to make sure her daughters are married off to stately gentlemen as soon as possible. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." So speaks Mrs. Bennett to her husband. And, of course, a single woman in search of a good fortune must equally be in want of a husband who has one! Well, that’s what the novel is about.
All the semantics is quite fun despite being somewhat confusing at times. You almost need a map to keep the lineage, women and suitors straight. It took a few pages to get into the dialogue. Strangely, I find it easier to read it aloud, although, someone listening to me probably wouldn't think so. There's a formality to reading Jane Austen not present in today's writing. Even the way the characters address one another. Mrs. Bennett refers to her husband as "Mr. Bennett".
Despite having unique personalities I found it confusing to keep each "Miss Bennett" straight when more than one was involved in a scene and didn't know who was who or that the perspective had changed until the next paragraph. Austen switches back and forth between their formal and given names. I also find the point of view flips back and forth carelessly. Something not widely used today.
Pride and Prejudice has a comedic feel to it but I didn't find myself chuckling or laughing aloud from their antics and dialogue. It is really quite dramatic. I found the story to be more ironic than comedic.
What I really enjoy about the novel is the look into society, culture, relationship dynamics and women in an era I have no way to comprehend. It's a historical lesson hidden within a love story and once the journey was over, most enjoyable.
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