“PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY JANE AUSTEN”

A Review Essay Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

in the Course World Literature

WRITTEN BY:

Gerald R. Palileo

College of Computer and Information Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
2-1

MR. JESUS EMMANUEL VILLAFUERTE

Professor, World Literature

FEBRUARY 2023
“Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen”- A Review Essay written by Gerald R. Palileo (BSIT 2-1
SY 2022-2023)
Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in

possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

- Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a timeless classic that examines issues of
social class, love, and personal growth. The novel, first published in 1813, is set in the
early nineteenth century and follows the narrative of Elizabeth Bennet, the second of Mr.
and Mrs. Bennet's five children, as she navigates the complications of love and social
standing.

The novel is set in a civilization where social class is highly valued; marriage is
viewed as a means of securing a family's future. The Bennets are members of the middle
class, the lower rung of the nobility. Moreover, it was written during a period of significant
transition in England and represents some of the social and economic developments that
occurred in the early nineteenth century.

The Industrial Revolution, which lasted from the late 18th century to the early 19th
century, was characterized by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and technological
innovation. It was a watershed moment in the economy and society, with traditional
agricultural and artisanal industries giving way to modern factories and mass production.
During this time, a new middle class emerged as new sectors created new jobs and
possibilities.

Some of the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution can be seen in "Pride
and Prejudice," particularly in the contrast between the nobility and the rising middle
class. The Bennets, for example, are members of the rising middle class who made their
money by owning and managing land. They are comfortable but not wealthy, and their
social standing is determined by their family connections and ability to marry well. Mr.
Bingley, Jane Bennet's affluent suitor, on the other hand, is a member of the nobility. He
made his money through trading and is now able to purchase a vast estate and enter the
world of the landed aristocracy. However, some people still regard him as socially inferior
because of his background.
“Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen”- A Review Essay written by Gerald R. Palileo (BSIT 2-1
SY 2022-2023)
Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa

The novel's persistent topic is the conflict between the nobility and the rising middle
class, which represents some of the social and economic changes that occurred
throughout the Industrial Revolution. The tale also portrays how women's roles changed
throughout this time period. Women's roles in society began to change when the economy
transitioned from an agricultural to an industrial base. With the rise of factory labor, many
women found new prospects outside the home, while their options remained limited in
comparison to men's.

In "Pride and Prejudice," we can observe the limited educational and career
opportunities open to women. Marriage was seen as the fundamental aim for women
since it provided one of the few avenues to economic security and social prominence.
This is portrayed in Charlotte Lucas' character, who marries Mr. Collins despite not being
in love with him. She considers marriage to be a realistic decision that will provide her
with financial security and a comfortable life.

While "Pride and Prejudice" is not directly about the Industrial Revolution, it does
represent some of the changes that occurred during this time. The novel depicts the
conflict between the nobility and the emerging middle class, as well as the limited
opportunities accessible to women at the time. And so, it offers a glimpse into the social
and economic transformations that shaped England in the early nineteenth century.

In addition, the novel's central plot revolves around Elizabeth and her relationship
with Mr. Darcy, a wealthy, proud, and reserved gentleman. When they first meet,
Elizabeth is prejudiced against him due to his cold and distant behavior. Mr. Darcy, in
turn, is proud and disdainful of Elizabeth and her family's social status. However, as the
novel progresses, their attitudes towards each other begin to change as they learn more
about each other and grow as individuals.

Austen also examines the place of women in society throughout the novel,
particularly in light of their constrained options for marriage. Women's options in Austen's
era were limited, and those who did not wed were viewed as social misfits. Jane,
Elizabeth's older sister, is an illustration of this. Her modest demeanor and reluctance to
“Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen”- A Review Essay written by Gerald R. Palileo (BSIT 2-1
SY 2022-2023)
Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa

make a statement finally cause the wealthy Mr. Bingley, whom she loves, to pass her by
despite her beauty, kindness, and gentleness.

The secondary plot of the book is on Lydia, Elizabeth's younger sister, and Mr.
Wickham, a charming but dishonest soldier. The Bennet family suffers because of their
elopement, and Elizabeth's chances of finding a suitable husband are all but destroyed.
The incident also emphasizes the social pressures placed on women to find a successful
marriage and uphold their family's reputation.

The writing of Jane Austen is smart, perceptive, and full of subtle humor. Her social
critique is sharp, and her characters are well-developed and complex. The relationship
between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, which is characterized by a number of
misunderstandings and miscommunications, is one of the novel's most notable features.
They both experience substantial personal growth as their relationship grows, which
enables them to view one another differently. While Mr. Darcy learns to let go of his own
preconceptions and broaden his perspective, Elizabeth learns to overcome her pride and
prejudice.

The use of sarcasm and satire in Austen's writing is another noteworthy feature.
Her characters frequently act and speak in ways that are inconsistent with their genuine
emotions and social expectations. For instance, Austen satirizes Mr. Collins, the arrogant
and uncaring cousin of the Bennet household. His ridiculous and arrogant actions
demonstrate the ridiculousness of social norms and the peril of prioritizing status over
merit.

In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice is a novel that continues to resonate with

readers today because of its perceptive commentary on societal standards, the
complexities of human relationships, and the power of personal growth. Its ongoing
appeal reflects Austen's enduring influence as a writer and her ability to depict the
complexities of human behavior and emotion. It is a timeless masterpiece whose
intriguing characters, insightful social criticism, and timeless themes continue to captivate
readers. Her characters are approachable and memorable, and her writing is sharp,
smart, and full of comedy. The novel is a must-read for anybody interested in literature,
“Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen”- A Review Essay written by Gerald R. Palileo (BSIT 2-1
SY 2022-2023)
Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa

history, or the nature of human, and it is still a beloved and influential piece of fiction
almost two centuries later.

REFERENCES

Dillon, S. (2022, August 24). Pride and Prejudice. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pride-and-Prejudice

Hall, R. (n.d.). Pride & Prejudice and the Purpose of Marriage | Forbes and Fifth | University of

Pittsburgh. https://www.forbes5.pitt.edu/article/pride-prejudice-and-purpose-marriage

Heaverly, A., & EWK, E. N. (2020). Jane Austen's View on the Industrial Revolution in Pride and
Prejudice. Linguistics and Literature Journal, 1(1), 1-6.

Wright, J. (Director). (2005b, September 16). Pride and Prejudice (2005). StudioCanal, Working

Title Films, Scion Films.