Pride and Prejudice Review (2books)

At some point in our lives we have all been guilty of prejudice. The main character in Jane Aunten's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet, based her ideas of her future love, Mr. Darcy, on false assumptions. Before she even spoke to him, she wrote him off as a snobby, rich, aristocrat who cares about nothing but himself. In fact, Mr. Darcy was not snobby at all. Although Mr. Darcy himself prejudged Elizabeth as a person of inferior class and improper. Elizabeth Bennet did not fit into the normal shape of a lady in the 1800's. She was not afraid to voice her opinion, to disagree, or to stand up for herself. Instead of acting like a pet like the other women trying to catch a husband, she made her ideas known. Characters in the novel such as Mr. Bingly, Mr Bingly's sister, Mr. Darcy, Darcy's snobby Aunt, the Priest, and Elizabeth's own mother all disapproved of her unconventional manners. All of Elizabeth's peers were guilty of prejudging Elizabeth. The Japanese culture is very similar to the one Elizabeth was stuck in. Women are to be quiet, obedient, and polished. I am half Japanese. When I go to Japan, I have to basically put on a fake social veneer to conform to the expectations of Japanese culture. I don't want to disappoint my family or even worse have other people judge me for my personality. Elizabeth's character did something that I am not brave enough to do, to be bold. Her boldness especially attracted me to the character as well as give me something to look up to. In the time period of the movie, instead of race being an important factor, it was class. I my self am guilty of prejudice in a form other that racism. I have written people off as being a meat-head, a jock, a dumb blonde, a geek, old fashioned, red neck, slow, too young, or even labeling someone as just another guy trying to get laid. This book made me more aware of the many facets of prejudice.

Many modern comedies are slap stick. Though I enjoy this genre on occasion, I prefer reading comedy in the form of wit and quick retort. Eighty percent of the book is subtle humor. I have a very busy schedule. It includes school, soccer, dance, and many other activities. Being able to unwind and watch some one else act like a fool in love is very relaxing for me. I have had relationships before and it was not fun to be in difficult situations. But, reading about other characters in difficult situations is very entertaining to me, especially since my own feelings are not involved. For example to think of Mr. Bingly fret over what to do about his love and pace in circles out of nervousness is hilarious. I have been in the same situation as Mr. Bingly and it is not an entertaining one. Worrying about the boy I have a crush on calling me back, or what he thinks of me is not my favorite thing to do. But seeing some one else worry is absolutely hilarious. Being a spectator in the game of love is far less painful and much more entertaining than being a player.

While watching love's complexities come to life on screen is enjoyable to watch, love is deeper than butterflies and comedy. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had to overcome many obstacles to finally end up together. Both of them had pride which came in the way of being together. Elizabeth was too proud to be with someone who was so rich. Mr. Darcy as well was far too proud to be with someone who was of inferior class. And they were both too proud to admit that they liked the one another. This tension made me sigh in relief when the characters finally came together in the end. After I finished the book, I wanted to find love much like the main characters found, true, difficult, and everlasting love. Something that not everyone is able to find. Pride and Prejudice, made me realize that the language of love seems the same in the 1800's as it does now. Even though technology, transportation, religion, and environment all change, love has seemed to be solidly uniform. My personal fairy tale would include the magical love that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy found by the end.

Jane Hausten's novel portrays the hardships of love, the humor which goes along with it and the prejudice we all carry. Seeing those things come together makes this a book that reminds me of my own personal love adventures as well as make it an extremely enjoyable read.