Pride and Prejudice FAQ and Facts

Check out our contents below for answers to popular questions and top facts about Pride and Prejudice. You can also check out more resources here.

Who is the author of Pride and Prejudice? Who wrote it?

The Pride and Prejudice author is Jane Austen.

Jane Austen was an English novelist born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in English literature.

Austen lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time when societal expectations for women were restrictive, and their roles were primarily limited to domesticity and marriage. Despite these limitations, Austen defied conventions by writing and publishing her novels, which offered astute social commentary and insight into the lives of women in her time.

Austen's works often explore themes such as love, marriage, social class, and the position of women in society. Her keen observations of human behavior, sharp wit, and her ability to create memorable characters have made her novels enduring classics.

Some of Austen's other notable works include Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. Her writing style is characterized by elegant prose, subtle irony, and a satirical depiction of societal conventions. Austen's novels provide a glimpse into the lives of the British landed gentry, offering a critique of their values and the constraints placed upon women of her time.

Despite achieving modest success during her lifetime, Austen's literary reputation grew significantly after her death in 1817. Her works have since been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, cementing her place as a beloved and influential author in the literary world.

More Resources

Read Chapter 1

What is the Pride and Prejudice word count?

The word count of Pride and Prejudice is approximately 110,000 to 120,000 words.

This varies depending on the edition and the specific printing. Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice consists of 61 chapters and is considered a moderately long novel in terms of word count.

What is the length of Pride and Prejudice (how many pages)?

Pride and Prejudice is usually 300 to 400 pages long.

The number of pages in a printed edition of Pride and Prejudice can vary depending on various factors, including the publisher, font size, formatting, and any additional content included in the edition (such as introductions or annotations).

However, as a general guideline, a standard edition of Pride and Prejudice typically spans around 300 to 400 pages. It's important to note that this page count may differ between different editions and can also be influenced by the size and layout of the pages. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the specific edition or printing you have in order to obtain an accurate page count.

More Resources

Read Chapter 1

What genre is Pride and Prejudice?

The Pride and Prejudice genre is romance, satire, or novel of manners.

Pride and Prejudice falls under the broader genre of classic literature as well. The novel of manners is a genre that focuses on the social customs, manners, and behaviors of a particular society, often using wit and satire to comment on the society's values and conventions. Jane Austen's works, including Pride and Prejudice, are known for their keen observations of the manners and social mores of the English gentry during the early 19th century.

While the novel is centered around the romantic relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, it also delves into various social themes, such as class distinctions, marriage, and the role of women in society. These elements contribute to its classification as a romance novel as well.

Overall, Pride and Prejudice is a complex and multifaceted work that blends elements of romance, social commentary, and wit, making it a classic of English literature and appealing to a wide range of readers.

What is the reading level of Pride and Prejudice? (What year in school do students read Pride and Prejudice?)

The Pride and Prejudice reading level is usually high school students or above.

This corresponds approximately to grades 9-12 in the American school system, or around ages 14-18. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Pride and Prejudice may be studied during secondary school (ages 11-16) or as part of A-Level English Literature courses (typically taken by students aged 16-18). However, Pride and Prejudice is also read and enjoyed by many adults.

The novel's complexity arises from several factors. Jane Austen's writing style, while clear, can be complex due to its use of 19th-century English, which might present a challenge to some readers, especially those not familiar with older English literature. Her sentences often have a complex structure and use a sophisticated vocabulary. Furthermore, Austen frequently uses irony and subtle humor, which require a certain level of reading comprehension and understanding of the social context of the time to fully appreciate. Finally, understanding the novel's themes, character development, and social commentary requires a more advanced level of reading comprehension.

More Resources

Read Chapter 1

What is the Pride and Prejudice year written?

Pride and Prejudice was written between 1796 and 1797 but not published in 1813.

Jane Austen is the author, but it was initially published under the pseudonym "A Lady." The novel received positive reviews for its wit, social commentary, and engaging characters. Since its publication, Pride and Prejudice has become one of Austen's most renowned and beloved works, standing the test of time as a classic of English literature.

What is the time period or era in which Pride and Prejudice is set?

Pride and Prejudice is set during the Regency era or time period.

The novel is set in the early 19th century, specifically in England during the Regency era. The Regency era refers to the period from 1811 to 1820 when King George III of England was deemed unfit to rule due to his mental illness, and his son, the future King George IV, served as the Prince Regent. The novel captures the social and cultural norms, customs, and expectations of the British landed gentry during this time.

More Resources

Read Chapter 1

What is the first or opening line of Pride and Prejudice?

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

Click here to listen to the first line.

Explanation / Analysis:

This Pride and Prejudice first line holds both meaning and significance in setting the tone and themes of the novel. Let's break it down:

"It is a truth universally acknowledged..."

This phrase establishes the idea that what follows is a widely accepted truth, something that is commonly understood and agreed upon. It suggests that the statement to follow holds a certain degree of unquestionable validity.

"...that a single man in possession of a good fortune..."

This phrase introduces the central focus of the novel—wealthy, unmarried men. It highlights the social and economic context of the time, where marriage was often seen as a means of securing financial stability and social status, particularly for women. The mention of a "good fortune" emphasizes the materialistic aspects associated with marriage in Austen's society.

"...must be in want of a wife."

This final part of the opening line suggests that the unmarried man, due to his social and economic status, is naturally seeking a wife. It implies that finding a suitable partner is an expectation placed upon such men, as well as highlighting the prevailing assumption that marriage is a goal for women seeking security and social standing.

Overall, the opening line encapsulates the themes of social expectations, marriage, and the intricate dance of courtship and romance that will be explored throughout the novel. It addresses the societal pressures and assumptions surrounding marriage in Austen's time and lays the foundation for the exploration of pride, prejudice, and the complexities of relationships.

More Resources

Read Chapter 1

Pride and Prejudice what is it about?

Pride and Prejudice is about the themes of love, marriage, social status, and the effects of pride and prejudice on individuals and relationships. It is a novel by Jane Austen that tells the story of the Bennet family, focusing on the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet.

Set in 19th-century England, the story follows Elizabeth's journey as she navigates the intricacies of society and courtship. When the wealthy and amiable Mr. Bingley arrives in a nearby estate, he forms an attachment to Elizabeth's sister, Jane. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's spirited personality clashes with the proud Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley's close friend.

As the narrative unfolds, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy must confront their own pride and prejudices, overcome misunderstandings, and grapple with societal expectations. The novel delves into the complexities of love and the transformative power of self-reflection, challenging societal norms and offering insights into the human condition.

Through wit, satire, and memorable characters, Pride and Prejudice offers a commentary on the social and cultural dynamics of the time while highlighting the importance of recognizing one's own flaws and biases in matters of the heart. Ultimately, it is a story of personal growth, the pursuit of happiness, and the enduring power of love.

Give a description for Pride and Prejudice.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a novel set in early 19th-century England. It follows the story of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet. The novel explores themes of love, marriage, social status, and the impact of pride and prejudice on relationships.

The Bennet family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. The arrival of Mr. Bingley, a wealthy and amiable bachelor, in a nearby estate sparks the interest of the Bennet family and the local community. Jane, the eldest Bennet daughter, forms a connection with Mr. Bingley, while Elizabeth's spirited personality clashes with the proud and aloof Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley's close friend.

As the story unfolds, misunderstandings and misjudgments between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are gradually overcome. The novel explores the complexities of their relationship, addressing issues of pride, societal expectations, and personal growth. Meanwhile, the elopement of Elizabeth's younger sister, Lydia, with a militia officer named Mr. Wickham, creates a scandal that threatens the reputation of the Bennet family.

Throughout the novel, Austen employs her sharp wit and keen observations to satirize the social conventions and values of the time, particularly regarding marriage and class. The story ultimately navigates the challenges of love and societal expectations, leading to the resolution of various storylines and the eventual union of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, as they learn to overcome their own pride and prejudice.

More Resources

Read Chapter 1

What is the main point of Pride and Prejudice?

The main point of Pride and Prejudice revolves around the themes of personal growth, self-reflection, and the importance of overcoming one's own biases and societal expectations in matters of love and relationships. The novel emphasizes the detrimental effects of both pride and prejudice on individuals and their interactions.

Through the characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, the story highlights the transformative power of self-awareness and self-improvement. Elizabeth, initially prone to making hasty judgments based on her own prejudices, gradually learns to recognize her own flaws and preconceived notions. Similarly, Mr. Darcy, initially perceived as proud and aloof, confronts his own arrogance and learns to overcome his social biases.

The novel also critiques the societal pressures and expectations surrounding marriage in Austen's time. It portrays the tension between personal desires and societal norms, highlighting the importance of making choices based on genuine affection and mutual understanding rather than superficial considerations of wealth or social status.

Ultimately, Pride and Prejudice emphasizes the significance of humility, open-mindedness, and self-reflection in fostering meaningful connections and attaining true happiness in relationships. It reminds readers to look beyond initial impressions, challenge their own biases, and value the importance of personal growth and understanding in matters of love and companionship.