You know what time it is. It’s Pride and Prejudice HBO max time.

A forever staple in my life, more consistent than my night routine.

Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is my first love. It is a book that got me giggling under my sheets in the middle of the night. It got me day dreaming about Mr. Darcy in my English classes. And, it inspired me to one day be as witty and courageous as Elizabeth Bennett.

The novel follows the lives of the Bennett family in the early 19th century England, primarily focusing on the headstrong and intelligent Elizabeth who refuses to marry.

Cue Mr. Darcy

Behold! The dashing Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and seemingly standoffish gentleman who’s got the brooding and enigmatic thing down to an art form. From the moment Elizabeth lays her eyes on him, she decides he is more insufferable than a never-ending game of charades at a family christmas party.

Prepare for misunderstandings that would give Shakespearean comedy a run for its money. As hilariously tangled as things get, this is a comedy of manners that knows how to untangle its threads. Will Mr. Collins ever stop babbling about Lady Catherine de Bourgh long enough to see the world around him? Will anyone eventually figure out what on earth Mr. Bingley is smiling about?

Most importantly, will I ever recover from this scene?

Themes

“Pride and Prejudice” explores a multitude of themes, offering keen insights into the human condition and societal norms of its time. The following are two I personally found most important:

Love and Marriage

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

Jane Austen

This famous opening line of the novel humorously sets the tone for the exploration of love and marriage in the society of the time. Austen portrays various types of relationships and marriages, ranging from those based on genuine affection and compatibility to those driven by financial considerations or social pressure. The contrasting unions of characters like Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and Lydia and Wickham illustrate different facets of this theme, highlighting the complexities of romantic relationships in a society where marriage often held social and economic significance.

Pride and Prejudice

Is it just me? I never realized the actor in Pride and Prejudice also played Tom in Succession...

Anyways…

The two qualities (pride and prejudice) are explored throughout the novel and surprisingly not confined to a single character. Mr. Darcy’s initial pride and Elizabeth’s initial prejudice create a barrier between them; however, as the story progresses, both characters learn to overcome these flaws and reach personal growth. The turning point comes when Elizabeth receives Darcy’s letter, explaining the truth about Mr. Wickham’s deceit and his efforts to separate Jane and Mr. Bingley. This moment of self-reflection challenges Elizabeth’s prejudices and prompts her to reevaluate her judgments.

“I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities!… How humiliating is this discovery!… Till this moment, I never knew myself.”

Elizabeth Bennett

Conclusion

Get ready for a parade of parasols, bonnets, and societal norms that could put a contortionist to shame. “Pride and Prejudice” is a whirlwind of witty banter, unexpected proposals, and a healthy dose of romance that proves that love, laughter, and the occasional ridiculous relative are truly timeless.