Pride and Prejudice: the Lacking Margins

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Pride and Prejudice: The Lacking Margins Pride and Prejudice, a passionate novel by Jane Austen, published anonymously in three volumes in 1813. A masterpiece of English literature, composed with penetrating wittiness and exquisite character delineation, it concentrates on the tumultuous relationship amongst Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. The work, which Austen initially titled First Impressions, is the second of four novels that Austen published during her lifetime. Although Pride and Prejudice have been scrutinized for its lack of historical circumstances, the permanence of its personalities in a pleasurable effervescence that is infrequently infiltrated by functions exceeding that is an authentic depiction of the circumscribed hospitable environment in which Austen relished. She portrayed that world, in everything its lacking margin pride and prejudice, with unbending exactitude and caricature. At the similar time, she placed at its center, as both its principal star and most perceptive critic, a character so well-conceived and rendered that the reader cannot but be gripped by her story and wish for its happy culmination. In the end, Austen’s novel has remained popular largely because of Elizabeth, and because of the enduring appeal to men and women alike of a well-told and potentially happily ending love story. Pride and Prejudice: The Lacking Margins Pride and Prejudice are set in rural England in the early 19th century, and it follows the Bennet family, which includes five very diverse sisters. Mrs. Bennet is enthusiastic to see all her daughters married, particularly as the inexpensive family estate is to be acquired by William Collins when Mr. Bennet dies. At a reception, the prosperous and recently arrived Charles Bingley takes a paramount interest in the eldest Bennet daughter, the charming and humble Jane. The rendezvous amidst his colleague Darcy and Elizabeth is abruptly welcoming. Although Austen shows them fascinated by each other, she modifies the committee of first reactions: pride of position and fortune and prejudice against the polished mediocrity of Elizabeth’s family hold Darcy separate, while Elizabeth is equally fired both by the pride of confidence and by prejudice versus Darcy’s snobbery. The arrogant Collins subsequently arrives, hoping to marry one of the Bennet sisters. Elizabeth, however, refuses his offer of marriage, and he instead becomes engaged to her friend Charlotte Lucas. During this time, Elizabeth encounters the charming George Wickham, a military officer. There is a mutual attraction between the two, and he informs her that Darcy has denied him his inheritance. After Bingley abruptly departs for London, Elizabeth’s dislike of Darcy increases as she becomes convinced that he is discouraging Bingley’s relationship with Jane. Darcy, however, has grown increasingly fond of Elizabeth, admiring her intelligence and vitality. While visiting the now-married Charlotte, Elizabeth sees Darcy, who professes his love for her and proposes. A surprised Elizabeth refuses his offer, and, when Darcy demands an explanation, she accuses him of breaking up Jane and Bingley. Darcy subsequently writes Elizabeth a letter in which he explains that he separated the couple largely because he did not believe Jane returned Bingley’s affection. He also discloses that Wickham, after squandering his inheritance, tried to marry Darcy’s then 15-year-old sister in an attempt to gain possession of her fortune. With these revelations, Elizabeth begins to see Darcy in a new light. Shortly thereafter the youngest Bennet sister, Lydia, elopes with Wickham. The news is met with great alarm by Elizabeth since the scandalous affair, which is unlikely to end in marriage, could ruin the reputation of the other Bennet sisters. When she tells Darcy, he persuades Wickham to marry Lydia, offering him money. Despite Darcy’s attempt to keep his intervention a secret, Elizabeth learns of his actions. At the encouragement of Darcy, Bingley subsequently returns, and he and Jane become engaged. Finally, Darcy proposes again to Elizabeth, who this time accepts. 2020 February 12

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