Sunday, 15 October 2023

Jane Austen's Pride and prejudice

 
This blog is thinking activity assigned by megha mam in this blog i am going to answer the questions given in the task but before answering the questions let me introduce you with the novel.



Pride and prejudice :


"Pride and Prejudice" is a novel written by Jane Austen and published in 1813. It is one of Austen's most famous and enduring works and is considered a classic of English literature. The novel is set in rural England and revolves around the lives, manners, and marriages of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet, and the wealthy and aloof Mr. Darcy.

The novel is set in the early 19th century and focuses on the societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly regarding marriage and class.

The story begins with the arrival of Mr. Charles Bingley in the neighborhood, a wealthy and eligible bachelor. He is taken with Jane Bennet, the eldest Bennet sister.

Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley's friend, initially snubs the lively Elizabeth Bennet at a local ball. This leads to misunderstandings and judgments on both sides, stemming from pride and prejudice.

The novel explores themes of love, reputation, class, and societal pressures as it follows the evolving relationships of the characters.

As the story progresses, Mr. Darcy's true character is revealed, and he and Elizabeth navigate their feelings for each other.

The novel ends with several romantic resolutions, including the marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

"Pride and Prejudice" is celebrated for its witty and ironic narrative, as well as its sharp social commentary. It remains popular for its enduring themes and engaging characters, making it a beloved classic in English literature.


  • Comparing narrative strategy of the movie and novel.

In 2005, British director Joe Wright adapted the classic Jane Austen novel Pride & Prejudice into a movie. The film is one of the many adaptions of Pride & Prejudice, including a 1940 American adaption, an Italian television miniseries, and several British miniseries.

Narration of the novel:


The novel uses a third-person omniscient narrator who provides insights into multiple characters' thoughts and feelings.Jane's use of free indirect discourse creates a direct connection between the reader and the characters, offering a deeper understanding of their inner worlds.While the novel's narration is omniscient, the narrative often centers on the character of Elizabeth Bennet, allowing readers to closely follow her thoughts and experiences.The early use of letters in the novel serves as a narrative device to provide insights into characters' perspectives, such as Mr. Darcy's letter to Elizabeth, which deepens the reader's understanding of his character.


Narration of The movie:




 The film focuses on character development and employs the visual medium to portray characters' emotions, allowing the audience to connect with them on a personal level.

The film employs visual motifs and symbols to convey deeper meanings and emotions, such as the use of natural settings and changing seasons. Both the novel and the film adaptation maintain the core narrative elements of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." While the novel has the advantage of a deeper exploration of characters' thoughts and emotions through narration and dialogue, the film leverages the visual medium to create a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience. Each version uses narrative strategies suited to its medium, providing unique but complementary experiences for readers and viewers.


  • Illustration of the society of jane Austen's time:

Pride and Prejudice is set in England at some point in the very late 1700s-early 1800s. The exact dates are unclear, but we know the action takes place some time during the Napoleonic Wars (1797-1815) because Austen references soldiers and regiments.

In this novel jane has illustrated the society of her time beautifully in her novel Pride and prejudice. That includes gender,class, social pride and there's many elements of that time.


1. Class Structure: 

Society was highly stratified, with a clear distinction between the upper class (nobility and gentry) and the lower class (commoners and servants). Social status was largely determined by birth and wealth. For example mrs bannet wanted to marry off her daughters with  high class man.

2. Marriage and Social Mobility:

 Marrying into a higher social class was a common aspiration, and many characters in Austen's novels seek advantageous marriages. Marrying well was a way to improve one's social and economic status.

3. Gender Roles: 

Gender roles were strictly defined. Women were expected to be modest, virtuous, and accomplished in domestic arts, such as needlework and music. Men held positions of authority and were expected to provide for their families. in this also we can see that there's still society has gender roles.

4. Education:

 Education for women was limited, focusing on accomplishments and social graces rather than academic subjects. Men received more extensive education and opportunities. 


5. Social Etiquette:

 Strict social etiquette and manners governed interactions. How one conducted oneself in social situations, including balls and gatherings, was of great importance.mostly important girls at that time had to behave in manners.

6. Literary Culture: 

The period saw the rise of the novel as a popular form of entertainment and commentary on society. Austen's works are an example of this trend.

7. Societal Expectations: 

Individuals were expected to adhere to societal norms and codes of conduct. Deviation from these norms could lead to social ostracism.


Jane Austen's novels often explore and satirize the nuances of this Regency-era society, delving into themes like love, marriage, class, and societal expectations. Her characters navigate the rigid social structures and expectations of their time, making her novels a reflection of the society in which she lived.

  • Alternative endings to the Novel

If mr. Darcy Never let down his pride:



The title of the novel is significance of the main characters of the novel. Like Mr.Darcy represents the pride in this novel .

He belongs to a high class family. He is educated and young and he thinks about him self as a perfect person. He is not that out spoken person in the novel. Like whe she met elizabeth Bennet for the first time he didn't like her.because of his pride . But at the end of the novel he let go of his pride and confessed his feelings towards elizabeth bannet. But what if he Never let go his pride and Never confessed his feelings for her?

If Mr. Darcy had never let go of his pride and failed to confess his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," the story might have taken a different turn.  Mr. Darcy's inability to overcome his pride and prejudice would result in a missed opportunity for both him and Elizabeth.  Elizabeth could have married someone else, perhaps Mr. Collins or another suitor. The novel might then focus on the consequences of her marrying without love and the challenges of such a marriage.  Elizabeth might choose to remain single and focus on her own independence and personal growth.  The Bennet family and Mr. Darcy may continue to have limited interaction, and the story could emphasize the enduring class and social divides of the time.  

If Elizabeth Bennet had agreed to marry mr.collin:

If Elizabeth Bennet had agreed to marry Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," it would have resulted in significant changes to the story and the lives of the characters. The Bennet family's financial situation would be secure, as Mr. Collins is the heir to Longbourn estate. Marrying him would mean that the Bennet family could continue to live on their property without the fear of being displaced upon Mr. Bennet's death. The dynamics within the Bennet family would shift. Elizabeth's decision to marry Mr. Collins might lead to tensions and conflicts within the family, as her strong-willed and independent personality clashes with Mr. Collins's obsequiousness.

 Elizabeth's decision to marry Mr. Collins would be a personal sacrifice for financial security. She would likely have to suppress her own desires, ambitions, and sense of self to conform to Mr. Collins's expectations. Elizabeth and Mr. Collins have little in common, and their values and personalities clash. The novel's plot and character dynamics would be significantly altered. The focus of the story might shift more to other characters, such as Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet's reaction to Elizabeth's marriage to Mr. Collins would be an interesting aspect to explore. Overall, Elizabeth's decision to marry Mr. Collins would fundamentally alter the narrative, character dynamics, and the themes of the novel.







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