It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
Synopsis of Pride and Prejudice
In Jane Austen’s popular novel, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet is part of a family that has one goal: to marry off all of their daughters to wealthy gentlemen. Set in the late 1700s, this romantic novel includes prideful lovers and disobedient sisters. Elizabeth is a young woman with high self-esteem. She hates the way some others look down on her family because of their rank in society. When at a ball, she meets a certain Mr. Darcy, a wealthy young man who appears to be judging everyone and everything. Elizabeth immediately vows to dislike him forever. Mr. Darcy, however, secretly falls in love with the enchanting girl.
At home, Elizabeth has her own problems, with a man named Mr. Collins proposing to her, her older sister’s true love leaves town, and her youngest sister runs off with a not so kind officer. Amidst it all, Mr. Darcy still keeps loving her. He then proposes, and Elizabeth is mortified. She declines the offer, but finds that true love takes time and patience. In many different ways, Mr. Darcy secretly helps their family out of their financial problems and Elizabeth begins to see the real Mr. Darcy: a kindhearted, socially awkward man. In the end, Elizabeth and two of her sisters are married happily, Elizabeth to her dear Mr. Darcy.
Intended ages according to author/publisher
There are no intended ages given by the author, but I would suggest this book for those who have been exposed to dating/courting.
Violence
No fighting or violent scenes. There are several arguments, but I would not count them as violent.
Language
There is a bit of 18th century language, but only used a few times throughout the book.
Relationship/Morality
The whole book is about the Bennet sisters trying to marry wealthy men since they are of a lower rank in society. The youngest sister, Lydia, runs off with a man without her parents’ consent.
Magic or Spiritual Realms
None. There are no fantasy elements. This story is placed in the late 1700s to early 1800s.
Intense Scenes
The most intense scene would be between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy when he proposes, and she declines him. This turns into a heated argument between the two.
Positives Messages
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Elizabeth thought Mr. Darcy was proud and vain but found out it was really her pride that stopped her from seeing the good in Mr. Darcy.
Our Thoughts
While the story itself was intriguing and at some points satisfactory, there are topics and morals that would spark up conversation. Love life is complicated, and full of many twists and turns. I would not encourage this book for young readers. Older readers however, girls especially, who delight in Victorian tales and romance novels, would adore this book.
- Ages 4-6: Not recommended
- Ages 7-8: Not recommended
- Ages 9-10: Not recommended
- Ages 11-12: Not recommended
- Ages 13-15: I do not recommend it for readers in this age range since it is focused on romance, but parents can decide for themselves.
- Ages 16-18: Recommended
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Ahh Pride and Prejudice is such a classic!!! Love this review!!