Book Review: Pride and Prejudice

“The distance is nothing when one has a motive.”

The first time I met Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet was when I was very young, perhaps 10 or 11, through an abridged version for children in Chinese. I still remember the moment I realized that pride represents Mr. Darcy and prejudice represents Elizabeth. I was in awe of such clever wordplay and felt immensely proud of myself for grasping the subtle symbolism behind the book’s title.

More than ten years later, I decided to give this classic tale a try in English, its original language. It was not an easy read for me. In fact, I DNFed it the first time because of many obscure phrasings and the unfamiliar historical setting of the 19th century. The second time, I was able to finish it because I read the annotated version by David M. Shapard, which included many footnotes explaining word usage, past traditions, and his personal insights, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the Regency era of England.

Playful and witty, Elizabeth Bennet’s charm stems from her refusal to bow to society’s usual rules, where people are concerned with appearances and social expectations instead of authenticity and integrity.

“I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

Throughout the book, it’s clear that she is smart and makes many keen and astute observations about the people around her.

“Affectation of candour is common enough - one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or design - to take the good of everybody’s character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad - belongs to you alone.”

Perhaps this is why she has prejudice towards Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and arrogant bachelor.

Fitzwilliam Darcy, proud for very sound reasons, justifiably views Elizabeth and the rest of the Bennets as lower-class people who might harm his and Mr. Bingley’s family reputation.

“He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections,
he should be in some danger.”

This initial clash between the two creates many clever banters, and though they both dislike each other at the beginning, their ability to recognize their own faults and impressive respective character growth successfully paves the way for their journey from enemies to lovers.

It is not hard to discern why Mr. Darcy is a timeless favorite adored by so many readers, including myself. His earnest and genuine letter to Lizzy, resolving their misunderstandings, and his decision to keep his assistance with Lydia a secret so she will not feel compelled to accept him, make him a swoon-worthy character that stood the test of time.

I did not expect to find myself crushing on him as I did with other male characters in YA books, but I did! How can you not love Mr. Darcy?

“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation.
It is too long ago.
I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”