A Novel by

# Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen

1813

❦

"It is a truth universally acknowledged..."

Discover the Story
01

## The Novel

Set in rural England in the early 19th century, Pride and Prejudice tells the story of the Bennet family and their five unmarried daughters.

When the wealthy and eligible Mr. Bingley rents a nearby estate, Mrs. Bennet sees an opportunity to marry off her eldest daughter, Jane. At a ball, Jane forms an attachment to Mr. Bingley, while her sister Elizabeth meets his friend, the proud Mr. Darcy.

What follows is a masterful exploration of manners, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England.

61 Chapters
122K Words
20M+ Copies Sold
02

## The Characters

### Elizabeth Bennet

The Protagonist

Intelligent, witty, and independent, Elizabeth navigates society's expectations while staying true to her principles.

### Fitzwilliam Darcy

The Romantic Lead

Wealthy, reserved, and initially perceived as arrogant, Darcy's true character is revealed through his actions.

### Jane Bennet

The Eldest Sister

Beautiful, gentle, and always sees the best in people.

### Charles Bingley

The Amiable Gentleman

Wealthy, good-natured, and easily influenced by his friends.

### Lydia Bennet

The Youngest Sister

Frivolous, flirtatious, and impulsive, causing family scandal.

### George Wickham

The Antagonist

Charming on the surface but deceitful and manipulative.

03

## Themes

### Pride

Darcy's pride in his social position initially prevents him from acknowledging his feelings for Elizabeth, while Elizabeth's pride in her discernment blinds her to Darcy's true character.

### Prejudice

Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy, formed from their first meeting and Wickham's lies, nearly costs her happiness. The novel shows how first impressions can be misleading.

### Marriage

The novel examines marriage from multiple perspectives: for love, for security, for social advancement, and the rare ideal of marrying for both love and compatibility.

### Class

The rigid class structure of Regency England shapes every interaction, from who may marry whom to how characters are judged by their connections and fortune.

04

## Memorable Quotes

"

> It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

— Opening Line
"

> I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.

— Elizabeth Bennet
"

> You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.

— Mr. Darcy
"

> Till this moment I never knew myself.

— Elizabeth Bennet
"

> My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.

— Mr. Darcy