Pride and Prejudice

Counted among the most popular romantic novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice was first published in January 1813. The novel is a satirical commentary on British society around the turn of the 19thcentury, and the demands it placed on women then. It follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, a strong, dynamic woman who learns the ins and outs of the society she lives in and about how to navigate it. Way ahead of her times, Elizabeth's encounters with Mr. Darcy, a perpetually annoyed gentleman, are a reflection of her take on marriage and the rules of propriety that society lays at the feet of a woman. Austen deftly offsets Elizabeth's cool, sarcastic demeanor with her sister Jane's softness, as well as their father unquestioning acceptance of Elizabeth's choices with their mother's socially conditioned but well-intentioned worries for her daughters in the novel. The story reinforces the importance of familial support towards marrying for love. Pride and Prejudice continues to be popular among the masses as well as critics for its timeless themes of love, family, gender, as well as society and class. It was well-received even when it was published and its popularity has only increased with time, with its sharp yet entertaining social commentary.