A review by pantslint
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

funny lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Aww. I can see why this is a timeless classic. While the diction and literary expression are different, it reads like a contemporary romance (wow, shocker—modern romance draws a lot from classic romance!). The messy dramatics of the ensemble characters. The slow-burn lovers. The detailed narration of the female lead's inner thoughts. The overarching, encompassing theme of the book (which happens to also be its title!). The obvious understanding that this book was not only written by a woman, but also written for women and the female gaze.

There are some absolute bangers of prose in this book, lots of them that deal with Elizabeth's characterization:
  • Elizabeth saying, "I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine." (Ch. 5)
  • Darcy saying, "Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast." (Ch. 10)
  • Mr. Bennet absolutely decimating his own daughter with "Let us hope, therefore, that her being there may teach her her own insignificance." (Ch. 41)
  • Lizzy to Lady Catherine, "I do not possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer." (Ch. 56)
  • And again, "But you are not entitled to know mine (referring to wanting to know her nephew's concerns); nor will such behaviour as this, ever induce me to be explicit." (Ch. 56)
  • And AGAIN, "I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me." (Ch. 56)

Why is it always "you're cute" and never "YOU MUST ALLOW ME TO TELL YOU HOW ARDENTLY I ADMIRE AND LOVE YOU"?????
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