When one hears the phrase “classical literature” I think Pride and Prejudice is one of the top books that comes to people’s minds. I’m ashamed that it has taken me so long to read it. Jane Austen has been one of the most influential authors in history, and has quite the collection of great novels (also including Emma and Sense and Sensibility).

I have to admit, when I started the book, I was quite disappointed. After hearing so much about how wonderful the novel was, the plot left me wanting. Typical to the era, the Bennet family spends their time either hosting or attending dinners and balls. I had a difficult time finding anything interesting or admirable about the novel to set it apart from other works of this era. It fell short of my expectation.

Then enters Mr. Darcy.

I am curious as to why so many women (including myself) are attracted to the dark, Darcy characters in novels versus the kind and quiet Mr. Bingley’s (who in this case is also is handsome and has plenty of money). Through Darcy’s arrogance, readers can’t help but be disgusted at this prideful man. But then they fall in love with him (at least I did). I’m not sure how or why. Heathcliff of Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, is one of my favorite fictional characters of all time, and he is clearly the antagonist of the book. I would love to know why we are more drawn to these kind of characters.

Prior to reading the novel, I had not seen any movie or show of it, so I was unaware of how Hollywood chose to interpret the characters. (Side note — any Poldark fans out there? As I was reading Mr. Collins’ lines, I couldn’t help but envision a Reverend Whitworth kind of character). I am looking forward to watching the movie now, and hope to not be disappointed in how the characters are portrayed (sometimes, movies knock it out of the park, and other times, they disappoint).

While I do not think I would put Pride and Prejudice on my “reread” list, it was a quick read, and I enjoyed it in the end.

“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense”

Question for anyone who has read the novel: why does Mr. Bennet take such a strong liking to Mr. Wickham in the end? Considering all that took place, I could not understand why he chose to favor him as he did.