A Close Reading of "Pride and Prejudice" Chapter 1
             The 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 unfavourable, on the other hand the theme of love, desire and marriage. Where the opening line signals marriage, the title hints at the values and qualities underpinning such marriages. This contradiction is continued throughout the first chapter particularly through Mrs. Bennet. She introduces the key theme of the economics of marriage. One could be mistaken in believing that marriage occurs when two people have met, fallen in love and decide to continue their life together. This image contrasts strongly with Mrs. Bennet's plans; "you must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them ... it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them". Austen uses her narra...