A close reading of Pride and Prejudice
A Close Reading of "Pride and Prejudice" Chapter 1The opening line of "Pride and Prejudice" is arguably one of the most famous and universally loved openings of a novel, as a statement it reveals a great deal about the novel. Indeed it sets the stage for a first chapter that is both easily interpreted yet laden with double entendres and complications. The opening chapter plunges us into the exclusive and privileged world of Mr and Mrs Bennet. It is extremely fast paced, however at no time did I feel left behind in the metaphorical whirlwind of the characters lives. Despite the fact that there are no vast descriptions of the surrounding areas, the costume or the characters physical appearances I had a clear mental image of how it would, albeit this may be influenced by the TV adaptations. However, I believe that Austen writes so well that we need no more than what she gives us to understand the first chapter and the characters she rapidly develops. I feel it is most relevant to start, not with the opening line rather with the title of the novel, is very revealing and key to our first impressions. The title is, in relation to the opening line of the book ironic. On one hand we have two characteristics that are definitely un
We can draw on the romantic elements of the novel or the seriously critical feminist elements. favourable, on the other hand the theme of love, desire and marriage. The upbeat tempo of the first chapter leaves us wanting more, yet Austen's style of writing also leaves us feeling satisfied. It is key to remember that as readers we now live in a world where women often operate independently of men, and where marriage does not equate to the same level of power and influence. Austen's participation within the novel is enough to keep us informed on her opinions whilst allowing us to see from others perspectives and develop our own thoughts and feelings. She introduces the key theme of the economics of marriage. " Certainly we are left feeling that Austen does not find such women or behaviour agreeable. This serves to plunge us straight into a dialogue that creates an intimacy between the two characters and us who we actually know very little about. The way Austen casually deals with it contradicts this and creates a sense of irony and also displays a subtle feminist rebellion. Arguably one say that upon entering this small exclusive world we should accept their beliefs that money and marriage are two inextricably intertwined things However, one can never fully achieve this because there is always an external voice be it a narrator or Austen herself criticising this idea. Austen uses her narrative abilities only at the beginning and end of this chapter. it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them". In making Mrs Bennet the key antagonist when it comes to the economics of marriage Austen shows that women knew that marriage was a business to be planned and organised.
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