Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice”—also translated as “Pride and Prejudice”—is considered by many admirers of the writer’s work to be her favorite. And it is also her most famous work.
It is known that Jane Austen began writing this novel at the age of 21. When she tried to get it published, her optimism collided with the publishers’ pessimism. The manuscript of “Pride and Prejudice” was rejected, and for more than fifteen years it lay with the writer, waiting for its time. The success of the 1811 work “Sense and Sensibility” encouraged publishers to approach the author’s creations with much more interest. Having retrieved the preserved manuscript of “Pride and Prejudice,” Jane Austen carefully edited it and submitted it for publication. That is how readers first encountered a work that is considered the pinnacle of the author’s creativity.
The plot of “Pride and Prejudice” transports readers to England of the late 18th century. In the modest Bennet family there are five daughters, so the theme of marriage is especially acute. When a well-off young gentleman named Mr. Bingley arrives in the province together with the same bachelor and well-provided friend, Mr. Darcy, the family’s measured life is turned upside down. Bingley meets the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, and mutual sympathy arises between them. In turn, Mr. Darcy begins to communicate with Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest. To the girl, he seems arrogant and self-satisfied, and the relationship that develops between them resembles a serious confrontation. Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy will have to overcome pride and prejudice in order to understand their own feelings.
It is worth noting that “Pride and Prejudice” is one of Jane Austen’s most frequently adapted novels. Four of its classic film adaptations are known: three are English and one is American.