It’s one of the most popular/beloved books in the English Language- and for good reason! I love it myself!

What makes the book so special, in your opinion?

Please share your thoughts!

I just don’t get the appeal of this book at all. It’s boring, it’s stuffy, and moves at a glacial pace. I had to force myself to pay attention because the dialogue and writing prose is so…thick (I understand if that was the norm at the time). If I didn’t, I would get to the bottom of a page and realized I hadn’t retained anything.

As for the content…at the risk of sounding crude, the whole book seems to be about upper class women either 1) complaining about their husbands or 2) complaining about finding a husband.

I feel like I could watch any of the “Real Housewives of____” shows and get the same effect.

My wife explained that it’s a commentary/satire of how things were for women at the time. I get that…I suppose Jane Austen was reflecting a woman’s inability to control her own life/social mobility during the time and setting.

But at the same time, these people are well fed and well taken care of during an era of near constant war, famine and other challenges to survival to the other 95% of the population in England during the early 1800’s.

What am I missing?

I’m a dude in my 30’s who never had an interest in P&P or its ilk. I must admit I was …well…prejudiced!

I was talking to my wife about Succession and how good Matthew Macfadyen is. I mentioned that I didn’t even know he was British until I watched a clip of him on a talk show. She suggested we watch P&P and I must admit I agreed primarily because I wanted to laugh at “Tom Wambsgans” acting like some corny romantic heartthrob.

Suffice it to say that I was blown away. Not just by how Macfadyen transformed, but the whole cast as well as the scenery, cinematography, and most importantly, the dialogue! I find myself hanging onto every word. It is an elevated dialogue that keeps me totally enrapt at the risk of missing a biting insult or important social context. I imagine the dialogue is similarly impressive in the book? Is that correct?

I never wanted to watch this movie because I truly don’t care who someone marries, in real life and especially in fiction. I was unprepared for a type of storytelling that would make me care about who someone marries! I suppose that is what great art is all about.

I also had the presupposition that this movie was made for women who identify with Elizabeth and crush on Darcy. What I didn’t expect was to see myself in Darcy and to crush on Elizabeth! Darcy’s line about not having the talent of conversing easily with people he doesn’t know was a beautiful expression of what I think is a common feeling.

Actually, that goes for all of the male characters. I don’t know why but I expected them to be all flat. Mr. Bennet is an inspirational father-figure and I’d be lying if I didn’t see myself in the bumbling, socially clueless and utterly unromantic Mr. Collins. I wish I had watched or read this when I was a teenager!

This is a shout out to anyone else who foolishly did not give P&P a chance as well as a request for more. What else have I been missing??

I have a list of the top 100 classical literature must reads and my goal is to finish them all. I’m about 26 books in. I started reading pride and prejudice by Jane Austen because it’s on the list and I’m about 120 pages in. I have to say that I find it so boring and reading it feels like a chore. Can people who love the book tell me why?

I read Pride and Prejudice a while ago and recently I saw the movie, so I've been thinking about this book way too much in my spare time lately. Do you think the writer is an actual genius for such a masterpiece or analyzing it in detail do you think it's just another book? Also, what do you think of Mr. Darcy, do you think his character is overrated?

I personally enjoyed it because of the way Mr. Darcy was, he is the type of man I'd love to have next to me. I find him to be an interesting character and I feel we could learn a lot of stuff about both Darcy and Elizabeth if we both pay close attention to them.

In case you haven't read it, Pride and Prejudice is a romantic novel (with a bit of comedy as well) that was written by Jane Austen in 1813. I personally think of it as a light-hearted novel and it centers on the relationship of Elizabeth who is the daughter of a gentleman and Darcy who is an aristocratic landowner. It also has an adaption to movies that you can find on streaming platforms such as Netflix and this one I bet will make you develop such a crush on Darcy lol!

Yesterday I started with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and after reading all day long into late at night I finished it this morning. Now I can't stop thinking about it and I feel the need to write.

This book is perfect in a every way. The characters feel so human, the dialogue is incredibly funny but really moving at other times. I learned so much about Jane Austen's times and how every little bit of etiquette can make a huge difference in terms of the impression you make socially. Above all I was so fascinated by the female perspective which was so genuine, not concerned about representation or agendas or anything like that of today's times. It just felt natural and honest.

While reading I just felt real emotion growing inside me and this rarely happens even though I read a lot. I honestly think it made me a better person overall.

Would love to read other opinions about it!

I've heard so many people speak highly from this book and I started reading it because of recommendations and the fact that it is considered one of the classics and a must-read. Now, I may be a fifth through or something, and honestly, I don't really get the hype so far. I am having a hard time with the language (I'm not a native speaker, but I am reading in English, while I have no problems with modern English whatsoever, the old language seems harder to understand) and I feel like the story is a lot of people meeting and meeting again and again. Frankly said, I lack an overview of all the people and because of the fact that I don't understand every sentence, I feel like I might not get something here? Does it change in style throughout the book massively? Or do you get used to that? Is it only my language problem? It's not that I find the book bad, just not that outstanding.

I just finished reading Pride and Prejudice and I really enjoyed it. Whenever I was taking a break, I felt strong desire to go back to reading. I really do wanted to be reading that book 24/7. In a nutshell, I loved the book. But if someone asks what exactly I enjoyed, I wont be able to give in-depth answer. I know that for my taste that period of time is a bit boring, nothing really important or shocking happens in the book, there are no plot twists, some serious problems described in the book are resolved very very easily, without any effort. An author could make many intriguing and devious plot twists but seemed like she missed every opportunity of it. The novel is dull, feelings described there are not much emotional, rather shallow. The book doesnt make you feel like crying or laughing or hating or intrigued, its just pleasant to read and thats all. Long story short, Im confused. I love the book, I enjoyed every moment of reading it though Im struggling finding what made me so attached.

Excluding personal prefrences, what are the aspects universally found in this specific novel that is not in any of her other novels? I have been trying to figure out why P&P appeals greatly to the majorty of her fans when all her stories are unique unto themselves and two ideas strike me:

• I feel the fact that this one reads like a chicklit (humorous and engaging) and despite the scandal is still lighthearted and delightful. Funnily enough she said something about it (this novel) wanting more tragedy or a serious tone // thank god she didn't!

• In comparison to her other Heros, I noticed that Mr.Darcy is a simp (someone who does something for the benefit of the person they like) and justifiablly so! She paints the picture of a prince charming coming to save a damsel in distress very realistically, in her other novels none of the other Male Heros do something (or are given the oppurtunity) this dramatized (in plot and action) that makes the ladies swoon like how Mr.Darcy saves Elizabeth's sister for her sake. Think about it, if this minor element were deleted (and Mr.Darcy's pride is justified in some other non challant way) his 'reformation' wouldn't have been as charming. Perhaps maybe most of his appeal would have been lost.

P.s the seconardy and minor charecters compared to her other novels here are just so much more interesting! It seriously adds to the overall, no matter if they seem one dimensional at times.

Share your thoughts, I'm curious to know.

I just don’t get the appeal of this book at all. It’s boring, it’s stuffy, and moves at a glacial pace. I had to force myself to pay attention because the dialogue and writing prose is so…thick (I understand if that was the norm at the time). If I didn’t, I would get to the bottom of a page and realized I hadn’t retained anything.

As for the content…at the risk of sounding crude, the whole book seems to be about upper class women either 1) complaining about their husbands or 2) complaining about finding a husband.

I feel like I could watch any of the “Real Housewives of____” shows and get the same effect.

My wife explained that it’s a commentary/satire of how things were for women at the time. I get that…I suppose Jane Austen was reflecting a woman’s inability to control her own life/social mobility during the time and setting.

But at the same time, these people are well fed and well taken care of during an era of near constant war, famine and other challenges to survival to the other 95% of the population in England during the early 1800’s.

What am I missing?

For me, it's (mostly) the position of women and the mistakes they make. It's true that women have advanced greatly since the time the novel was written. They have access to education, employment opportunities and various legal rights. However, they're still expected to marry well. It's still believed that 'a single man (and woman) with a large fortune must be in want of a partner'. Moreover, sometimes young women still make the mistake of believing 'first impressions' are the only impressions.

I've never really sat down to think about what my favorite book of all time is, but I think that (right after the Bible of course) Pride and Prejudice really takes the cake.

The way Jane Austen is able to protray such varied characters with their own goals and ambitions, all perfectly logical and consistent from their own point of view and thus not forcing any awkward plot lines is just spectacular. When Lydia runs off with Wickham, you really feel "that is just like something Lydia would do, silly child".

Her humor and wit is amazing and having spoken to friends about the book it seems that much of her sarcasm is lost on people.

The opening line, one of the best in literature; "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife", is clearly a jab at female expectations of men. Why on earth should Mrs. Bennet assume that Mr. Bingley automatically wanted a wife and didn't want the bachelor lifestyle? Because he was single and had money. Throughout the story, why was it that Jane never said: "Perhaps he doesn't want me because he wants to remain single?" Because he was single and had money. There was always someone else that he must have wanted instead, whether Ms. Georgiana or someone else, because: it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

I also think that Elizabeth is the most amazing character ever created. I think her growth throughout the book perfectly mirrors that of Darcy and how she evolves from this young and headstrong woman into a more mature and reasonable character, just like Darcy evolves from a young and headstrong man into a more mature and reasonable character, both in their own ways; he by being challenged by her, her by being aided by him. A match made in heaven.

I also think it shows its timelessness by evoking some of the same discussions we might have today. One of my favorite scenes from the book is rather early on, when Jane is sick and staying with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth goes to visit them and ends up in a discussion with Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bingley about "an accomplished woman". Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bingley lists the requirements for an accomplished woman, including a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages. Furthermore a certain something in her air and manner of walking... (what a fantastic sentence. Austen's vocabulary is just... wow! I love her!).

Anyways, Elizabeth opposes this "accomplished woman" as pure fiction, impossible to find: "I never saw such a woman. I never saw such capacity, and taste, and application, and elegance, as you describe united." I actually remember hearing my mother say something like: "See! Men have too high expectations of women [yada yada yada]." In other words, Austen was speaking straight to my mothers heart.

Well, Ms. Bingley actually comments the following after Elizabeth leaves the room: "Elizabeth Bennet is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own; and with many men, I dare say, it succeeds." Something you can definitely hear today as well!

This is the greatness of Jane Austen: she is able to have two character speak their minds with such ease and recognizability that it feels like you're in 2024.

Hi, sorry if my English is not perfect, it’s not my first language. I just need to say this because I see many people loving the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice and honestly I don’t get it. I have watched it many times but it just feels like a "lazy" version.

I rewatch the 1995 BBC version at least once a year, and it’s just perfect. The clothes, the way they talk, the slow story, everything feels elegant and real. Colin Firth as Darcy is amazing, and that lake scene?? Iconic. I feel like the actors understood the characters. Yeah cinematography it's not modern but I love it!

But the 2005 version… why does everybody look so unkept?? The hair is messy all the time like they just got out of bed, the dresses look dirty, and even the house feels like a farm. I don’t like how they made everything look “romantic” but it lost all the class. And that final scene with Darcy walking in the fog with no jacket?? What is that??

Anyway, I needed to say it. BBC version forever but I'm bias because I watched it first when it came out in the 90s. But when the movie was announced I was so hyped only to get a big disappointment. Anyone else feel like this?

Was just rewatching it yesterday. It is a rare film that actively moves me, but P&P just takes my breath away; I even get teary-eyed at a few moments, which is almost unheard of for myself. Every frame just oozes elegance, charm and romance. I love it most ardently, it has bewitched me body and soul.

I finally got around to reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Slow at times, throughly engaging at others, Pride and Prejudice is a literary masterpiece that is worthy of all the praise it has received.

The novel revolves around the family of Bennets with Elizabeth Bennet the principal character. Mrs Bennet is eager to marry off her daughters when Mr Bingley and his friend Mr Darcy happen to arrive in their neighbourhood.

The characters were well fleshed and drawn out. This was true especially for the two main characters - Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. The character development both of them go throughout the length of the book is so well written. The interactions between the two also formed the most pleasing passages of the novel. Austen provided commentaries by Elizabeth after every event in a book. Every other character was also thoroughly etched out.

To say the book was hard to read would be an understatement. Jane Austen's prodigious ability to write such long sentences that are to be read more than once to absorb them completely, are testament to her writing prowess. But the satisfaction after rejoicing in what she wrote justified all the effort employed in reading her passages.

There are also many memorable quotes that have been endlessly repeated and memorized. Overall, it truly feels like a triumph of English literature and worthy of its prestigious standing.

Haven't read the infamous novel written by Jane Austen the movie is based on. But watched this movie recently and was left spellbound. Few movies may rival the period recreation of the early 19th century era as Joe Wright's team does in this movie. From costumes to production to sets, it appears a lot of intricate work went into creating the appropriate period.

And Joe Wright lets it all breathe out. It's staged like a play. There are plenty of one-take scenes that sometimes go on for more than a minute. Some of these long takes involve dozens of people on screen and it must have been very challenging to shoot these scenes.

Acting from all parties was good but the clear standout was Keira Knightley. No wonder she got the Oscar nomination, it was a committed performance. There is a lot of subtlety involved, delivery of lengthy monologues, back and forth witty dialogue and moments of no dialogue where only expressions do the job. Keira was on form here. Maybe her best performance. I read that she was already a huge fan of the book from Austen so that must have helped.

P&P deals with themes of class difference, etiquette & manners, women's repute, marriage as a form of security and social mobility. In addition, pride and prejudice both unsurprisingly feature throughout as well. Mr. Darcy's pride slowly unravels to be defeated by his love for Elizabeth. It is interesting how when you belong to a certain class, pride just comes along with it, at least in that period. It's expected of you. Elizabeth on the other hand falls to prejudice I felt. She was quick to judge Darcy and formed an ill-informed opinion on him through which she analyzed him throughout the film, only to be proved wrong later. The romance between them becomes the unifying force of course and helps break down their flawed thinking.

The dialogue between the characters deserves a special mention. I believe it is coming from the book or at least inspired from it, because it is rich with subtext, intelligent and precise.

Pride and prejudice is a romance with depth. **8/10.**

I watched Pride & Prejudice (2005 movie) yesterday and was completely enamored by it. So much so that when I had several hours to kill today I watched it again.

I’ve loved the book for a long time but hadn’t watched any of the film adaptations, and this exceeded my expectations tremendously!

Everything about the movie is enchanting. The music, the clothing, the scenery, and the cast are absolutely wonderful. I love the use of the piano in the film.

I greatly appreciated their use of dialogue directly out of the book. It was refreshing to hear a familiar phrase spoken by these characters.

I feel as though the cast was nearly exactly as I had imagined them when reading the book. I’d always pictured Mr. Bennet with brown hair, but I think that the white hair helps signify the underlying urgency for the girls to be married off well; their father is aging and his time left is uncertain. Lydia was strikingly similar to how I had envisioned her, and she played her role beautifully. I believe any actor or actress that can make you feel angry or frustrated towards their character is doing a phenomenal job. I had always pictured Lizzie with more of a dirty blonde hair color, but I imagine that’s mainly because I have dirty blonde hair, and I like to put myself in her shoes.

The song which plays frequently throughout seems to capture exactly what Lizzie’s character is to me. It is beautiful and upbeat but also has notes of unique quality that make you step back and see how the uncertainty and difference in tone creates a whole and complex character.

I really love how they used the film’s runtime. They condensed the book into a 2 hour movie that is a near perfect rendition of the story.

The ending of the movie was so satisfying for me. In the book I always felt a bit longing at the end. I wished that there had been some sort of physical intimacy in the pages which were shared with the reader. Of course this is not necessary to tell a provoking and beautiful love story, but for me personally I felt as if there was a scene missing in the book. The movie’s gentle and PG approach to the ending was exactly what the story needed.

I love this movie dearly and it has quickly made its way to the top of my list of favorite movies. I have yet to watch any of the other films adapted from Jane Austen’s novels, but I look forward to seeing them!