The last time I read Pride and Prejudice I was thirteen or fourteen. I knew the story because I had grown up watching the old BBC version--no not the Colin Firth 1995 adaptation, I can't stand that one--the 1980 adaptation, I love that one. My impression than was that it was good, but I didn't see what all the fuss was over. And I loved Emma way more than Pride and Prejudice.
My impression this time was vastly different.
I completely fell in love with the book, and its heroine and hero.
I love the way Austen writes. I enjoy the witticism. She truly is a witty writer, and the wit flows in this book more than I remembered. I needed to read carefully, so I could pick-up all the nuances of her sentences as her characters interact with their personal thoughts and with other characters. " [ Elizabeth] sighed at the perverseness of those feelings which would not have promoted its continuance, and would formerly have rejoiced in its termination."
Austen is incredible at giving a criticism in 'kind' terms. Mr. Collins says to Elizabeth, "My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all matters within the scope of your understanding." Or the highly known Mr. Bennet statement, "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least."
As in life, Austen fills Pride and Prejudice with a variety of characters, and I love the variety. As I read Pride and Prejudice this time, I focused on trying to understand her characters better. Looking deeper at the clues, Austen gives about each character in the story which reveal his/her true character. Each character adds to the richness of the book, and each assists Elizabeth as she grows up. I feel like I have a better grasp of the characters than ever before.
I finished the book last night, and I was reflecting on why I loved it so much. 1. The witty writing. 2. Watching the heroine and hero grow up. I truly enjoy seeing the change, the maturing which occurs. They both realize that first impressions should not be trusted. They realize that they cannot trust their feelings and thoughts all the time. As they grow up, they grow closer together because together they assist each other to mature more and become better people. While the Bennet family is on pins and needles waiting to discover Lydia and Wickham, Elizabeth ponders her and Darcy.
She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man, who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved, and from his judgment, information, and knowledge of the world, she much have received benefit of greater importance.
I know this post is disjointed, and I'm struggling to express my utter love for Pride and Prejudice, so I'm going to stop. Maybe I need time for more reflection. I know for sure that I'll never find a movie adaptation worthy to compare to the book (though the 1980 adaptation does a good job). I know I will reread Pride and Prejudice many more times in my life because I have completely fallen in love with it.
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