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A review by moth_meg
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
5.0
Thank you Jane Austen! It’s crazy to me that a book published in 1813 has me so obsessed. Austen’s writing is witty and romantic, and I can’t count the times this book had me smiling like an idiot. The highlight of the book is definitely the dialogue (and occasionally the excerpts from letters). I noticed that Austen tends to “tell” not “show” when it come to the inner thoughts and feelings of her characters. I think this is the aspect in which the age of the book shows most clearly, as more contemporary books (especially romances) tend to try to keep the reader guessing .
I think that there is also a lot to be said about the commentary Austen makes on the social norms of her time. She displays strong and reasonable female characters alongside ridiculous caricatures of feminine silliness. She clearly illustrates how unmarried women are considered burdens upon their families and challenges the concept of what it means to be an accomplished woman. Most importantly, Austen gives us a couple who share a mutual respect and challenge each other to change for the better. This dynamic is what makes Pride and Prejudice a classic that stands the test of time.
Spoiler
which sharply contrasts Austen’s choice to reveal Darcy’s attraction to Elizabeth very early on in the bookI think that there is also a lot to be said about the commentary Austen makes on the social norms of her time. She displays strong and reasonable female characters alongside ridiculous caricatures of feminine silliness. She clearly illustrates how unmarried women are considered burdens upon their families and challenges the concept of what it means to be an accomplished woman. Most importantly, Austen gives us a couple who share a mutual respect and challenge each other to change for the better. This dynamic is what makes Pride and Prejudice a classic that stands the test of time.