Pride and Prejudice

Title: Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Summary: The basic plot in this classic novel is that Mr. Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennett, and falls in love with her despite her embarrassing social connections. She in turn despises his pride and prejudiced viewpoint. As his love and admiration for her grows, so does her dislike of him (mostly fueled by false impressions and some false information.) However, her good manners prevent her from expressing this dislike right up until he proposes to her, at which point she tells him 'no' and exactly why. He explains himself in a letter, which helps her turn her heart, and they are afterwards thrown together through other circumstances which teach her more and more what a good man he is. Elizabeth ends up completely in love with Mr. Darcy, but doesn't expect him to ever propose again, and you'll have to read it to get the rest!

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this book. It is a classic which has many spin-offs in modern literature and film. The thing I noticed the most from this read-through was that the timing of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's relationship was very important. If she had accepted him at first, even her most worthy relatives wouldn't have been a part of their lives. However, by refusing him but retaining his love his heart was softened. Mr. Darcy was then able to grow out of his pride and show respect wherever it was due, not just within a certain social class. By waiting both of them achieved better understanding for one another, and had a deeper relationship because of it.

Hearts: 5