Friday, September 11, 2009

Pride and Prejudice----Evergreen Classic

This week I had enough of thrillers and felt like a bit of romance,so I picked up an old favourite--Jane Austin's 'Pride and Prejudice'.I first read this book as a post-graduate student in college.It was then part of the syllabus of my MA course.Since then I have read the book four times and each time I have been able to lose myself in the magic of the book.The central characters of this Early Nineteenth Century novel are two very determined individuals Mr.Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet "Lizzie".Their love story is set amidst balls,provincial gossip,drawing room intrigues,people vying  for matrimonial catches,the scandal of an elopment and misunderstandings arising from pride and prejudice.The clash and awakening romance between Lizzie and Darcy and the story of how they overcome various challenges and grow to understand and appreciate each other more,is extremely emotionally fulfilling.However ,what sets Pride and Prejudice apart from an M&B is the fine delineation of characters,not just the main ones but also the supporting characters.So,we have a match-making mamma, a critical husband,one studious sister,an unassertive sister,a couple of giddy younger sisters,a pompous cousin,a rascally Wickham,a sensible aunt and uncle,an easily influenced friend,a patronizing Lady Catherine de Bourgh,etc.The interaction of the whole host of characters brings alive the period,the interaction of the social classes then and social mores of the time.The book is an intelligent read.Also as the language is simple and modern the book is easy to read and enjoy.So if you have not yet read this amazing book,don't miss it,or you will really be missing out on something great.

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