Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is a charming book with an air of romance that brings a feel-good factor from within. It is one of Jane Austen's most popular works. The title represents the way in which the two protagonists of the novel think of each other.   

The story  

Elizabeth, the second daughter in the Bennet family has four sisters - the simple-minded Jane, the diligent Mary, Kitty, and the coquettish Lydia. Their foolish mother is eternally in search of rich suitors for them. When the handsome and upscale Mr. Bingley moves into town, she immediately attempts to couple him with Jane. Bingley's friend, Mr. Darcy is first perceived as a proud and ill-natured man. But as their misunderstandings clear, Elizabeth and Darcy grow fond of each other. Several other characters constitute the subplots in the story.  

Depiction of Marriage  

Jane Austen states simple truths about marriage through her characters very subtly. The marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth brings to light the virtues that constitute a successful marriage. In the beginning, Elizabeth and Darcy are distant from each other because of their prejudice and misunderstandings. Through the course of the novel, they start understanding each other. Their relationship reveals the importance of getting to know one's partner before marrying. The marriage between Jane and Mr. Bingley is also an example of successful marriage. Lydia and Wickham's marriage is an example of a bad marriage. Their marriage was based on good looks and attractiveness. The relationship seems strong in the beginning but fades away once they can no longer see those qualities in each other. The same can be said about Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet. The marriage between Mr. Collins and Charlotte is an economic adjustment. Charlotte married him to gain financial security. The novel shows how she sometimes  suffers in silence.  

Movie Adaptations

There have been numerous TV and movie adaptations for this novel. Bride and Prejudice (Bollywood musical starring Aishwarya Rai, Matin Henderson), Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen) and Pride and prejudice (Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth) are fairly good adaptations of the novel. There are several novels in the market whose stories and characters are 'inspired' by Pride and Prejudice. But it remains many people's preference over the movies and the imitations because of its sheer originality and completeness.