Referencing (even quoting from) this article, create at least two comments in which you discuss why you think we should read Pride and Prejudice? Here's the article again: "How to Read Jane Austen"
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This blog was created for the purpose of exploring contemporary issues discovered during the study of early British Literature in order to promote critical thinking and combine personal reflection and social interaction.
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109 comments:
Obviously, there are many reasons to read Pride and Prejudice, seeing as that it is a best-selling novel and many people call it there favorite. But, through Easton's "How to Read Jane Austen", i have come up with three reasons at the core of reading Pride and Prejudice. First, if one is a lover of history, through this novel, they can learn. Through Austen's critical attitude of society in the 1800's, the way of society is revealed. Although Austen does not "develop elaborate descriptions of her settings," the reader clearly sees her criticisms of society and therefore, learns more of the attitudes and actions of people living in this period.
Secondly, as most people enjoy, there is humor in this novel through the immense amount of irony, as Easton states. She sees and shows what is wrong in the world, yet does it by showing how extreme the mistakes of the world are, which creates humor. Austen magnifies everything, from pride to love, to make a character have such a large pride, or such a great love, that it has become funny, and who doesnt like to laugh?
Lastly, even though Easton says to not "read Jane Austen for romance," there is romance in this novel, which every high school student thoroughly enjoys. BEcause of romances, people fall in love with characters in the book, and therefore desire to continue reading and reading repeatedly. The reader becomes the matchmaker and loves watching romances, such as Darcy and Elizabeth's, flourish and become public.
Because of these three things, the novel Pride and Prejudice truly captures readers. For these reasons, i believe every person should read Jane Austens, "Pride and Prejudice."
Jane Austen was so different from many of her fellow writers. Celia A. Easton even states in her articles “How to Read Jane Austen” that some authors “such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain [despised] Jane Austen's novels as insipid, narrow, period pieces.” In her writing, Austen does the unthinkable: she challenges and satirizes the firm beliefs and foundations of society. She creates a new path for women to follow, and she does it, says Easton, “with humor.” Her purpose for writing novels such as Pride and Prejudice was not to create a gooey romance with a good plot. Her purpose was to criticize society, and this is why reading Austen is important. She analyzes something that was a natural part of life back then, and exposes its flaws to the public eye. Yet Austen is subtle with her critiques, masking them with humor and irony to soften the blow. Austen teaches her audience about society by satirizing it, and we, the readers, can learn from those she teases.
Also , Jane Austen brings to life the idea of the “strong heroine,” as Easton mentions in her article. This is important for women, that a female author living when she did, wrote a novel that did not portray the main character as a damsel in distress, but rather as an independent woman. Jane Austen also uses romance to guide her novel; she doesn’t base everything on it. She challenged the way other writers of her time felt and wrote, and she scorns the idea of the damsel in distress. Her uniquely unabashed writing style and critiques of her own world separate her from other female writers, and make her works important pieces that we need to read. No one wants to read the same, boring thing over and over again. Austen’s irony and humor are so different from anything else, that her novels, despite recurring plot lines, are very special and exclusively hers.
I would have to agree with Mary, there are so many reasons to read Pride and Prejudice. The fact that it’s a bestseller is just a reflection of how wonderfully Austen portrays the classic love story of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. I must admit that I, among many others, am somewhat biased towards this book because it is one of my favorites. In "How to Read Jane Austen" Easton points out how different Austen is from other writers of her time, she used satire and comedy to criticize the absurdity of her society, which other authors, at the time, found her opinion appalling. Austen was also "the novelist in English who perfected narrative irony," which would offer us a unique experience if we were to study PandP. Studying the novel would also give us the chance to learn about the culutre and society of the 1800s.
Austen also creates strong heroines in her story, which I think we can all apreciate since we go to an all girls school that strives for excellence. The romance in the novel also makes it a great book to read. Watching as the drama unfolds between Darcy and Elizabeth is highly entertaining and is full of suspense, always making the reader wonder if they will truly end up together no matter how many times the person has read the book. Studying the classic romance and the social critism and irony presented in PandP would be a wonderful opportunity, and for that reason I believe that we should study Jane Austen's PandP.
I think that the fact that many of Jane Austen's novels, including Pride and Prejudice, are misunderstood by so many of their readers brings a challenge for us to rise to. If so many readers had difficulty reading Jane Austen, then, now that we know how to Not read Jane Austen, we should try to read her novels correctly so that we can take away as much as possible from them.
I also think that Austen's extreme social criticism of her time in Pride and Prejudice can be studied by the reader. She lived then, so most of her descriptions must be pretty accurate. Her criticism of the social interactions and principles of English country life are a very important part of her novels. Her very strong feminine heroines are another reason to read Pride and Prejudice. A lot of novels have masculine heroes, so it is good to have a change.
Although i do not know the popularity of this novel when it was first released, it seems as if this novel would not be popular because of the making-fun of society it does. However, as time goes on, the novel becomes more and more popular and read for pleasure, yet also, as i said before, to really see the problems in society at that time. Just as today, there may be a book that criticizes the way we look at celebrities to find trends and such, causing the people of today to be offended. However, in 100 years, this book could be highly popular, showing the people in the future was it was like to live in the early 2000's.
Like Elise said, Jane creates a new path for women to follow. Through her subtle humor she challenges women to break the molds of society. I absolutely love how critical Austen is of that silly society. It makes you take a step back and wonder how insignificant most of the things you worry about today are. She brings to life the heroine in Lizzy. It is awesome that she said no to wealth when Mr. Collins proposed. Lizzy reassures the reader it is okay to say know when you have a bad feeling.
I'm going to have to disagree with Easton, when she states in her article, "How to Read Jane Austen," not to read it for romance. How is the reader suppose to fall in love and become attached to the characters and want to know what is going to happen. I love Austen even more for being able to write such a love story with so much satire. Who would have thought that I would be anxious to know something as silly as someone getting married? I find it hard to believe that she read PP and never acknowledged the romance
This novel also provides a history lesson of the culture and society of the 1800's. It almost allows you to step inside of a history textbook and get a first hand experience. However it saddens me to think that had I not answered these questions and read the articles, I probably would have missed so much of the humor and lessons learned. I bet many readers to miss the large points than can be related to their everyday lives
I believe it is important to read Pride and Prejudice because it is an excellent example of Jane Austen's incredible skill in knitting a particular point that isn't always going to be easily welcomed into society with something that would. Austen was an unique critic in this sense, considering today most critics lack this skill of blending the accepted with the unaccepted. There is a fine line between these states, and it's quite important to be aware of it as a writer. It could perhaps be possible, as Celia A. Easton remarks, due to her "most thorough knowledge of human nature," that Austen excells.
With what Easton also mentions as "the liveliest effusions of wit and humour," Austen succeeds in not only producing an unforgettable and "universally loved and admired novel," (as the back of our books' state) but also in administering yet one more critique that her culture was learning to endure. Austen particularly voices a specific criticism through Pride and Prejudice against English country life. In addition in Pride and Prejudice, the reader gets an exemplary amalgamation of common Austen characteristics such as utilizing irony, "strong heroines," social critique, and displaying manners and a specific fondness of humor.
~~So as Mary said, there are plenty of reasons for why one should read Pride and Prejudice!
Whether it was intentional or not; I found rather intriguing Austen's power of manipulating the incurably fated romance between Darcy and Elizabeth into such that it resembles the forbidden and impulsive romance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Also as other's have said how can you not love this novel? I , as Grayce, am already biased towards this romance. Also I love a "strong heroine" (as Easton refers to Lizzy)
I think it's important to read Pride and Prejudice because it puts our world into context in that Mrs. Bennet serves as an example of some people in the world who will do anything to better their family name and/or become wealthy. Although sometimes we like to think our world is full of honesty and moral uprightness, there are a lot of people that take complete advantage of situations and people in order to better something for themselves. Even more similar, they do it in the name of love, as Mrs. Bennet did. In the article, Easton mentions that Jane Austen exemplifies her social critique through humor, which is what makes this book so perfect for us to read because from the humorous stupidity and mistakes the characters make, it keeps us intrigued, but still teaches us an important life lesson about the world we live in.
Secondly, Pride and Prejudice includes characters such as Elizabeth Bennet, who, as Easton states, is the "strong heroine" in the novel. Easton points out that becoming a heroine in the novel was no walk in the park due to economic struggles she wrote them to face. But, again, as Easton pointed out, Jane Bennet caught a cold so easily while Elizabeth trudged through the same weather, through the mud, for three miles, to come to the rescue for her sister. More than that, it is so easy to see how independent Elizabeth is from the way she is compared to her two sisters that are boy crazy all the time, and her mother whose number one priority is to marry them off to rich bachelors. Therefore, by reading Pride and Prejudice, and seeing Elizabeth's independence and strength, she becomes the ideal woman for other women to look at and strive to be like.
In Easton's article "How to Read Jane Austen," he claims we should not read Austen because of the plot or romance. However, Jane Austen's ability to write a novel in which her main purpose of writing it is not to create a romantic story but to criticize society as well as other things while still creating a romance in the novel that in enthralling and enticing is a testimony to her skill as an author. We should read this novel because of the brilliant social critique it contains. As Easton writes, Austen uses humor to criticize her own society. The reader can recognize the faults of society Austen is attacking. Austen's critique of her own society challenges us as readers to look at our own society and contemplate what might be wrong.
I agree with Easton that Jane Austen does a fantastic job of building up strong heroines in Pride and Prejudice primarily through the character Elizabeth. Elizabeth's character was one that would not have been otherwise glorified during Austen's time. Elizabeth broke the mold for a single young woman. She was independent, strong willed, intelligent, and she was not afraid to do the unexpected. As Easton says, Elizabeth was intellectually and physically strong and not dependent on men. Elizabeth should be a model for all girls. Elizabeth did not settle for her society's rules and expectations.
Although most readers have misunderstood Austen's writings, such as Pride and Prejudice, I believe that through Easton's article, there are many reasons why this best-seller and one of my favorite novels should be read. Beyond the satire that is evident throughout the novel, 19th century society is truly shown with broad but historical details of how people lived in the 1800s. Her descriptions help readers take a step into the lives of those who must compete for material wealth and love, such as the Bennet family.
After reading Easton's article, "How to Read Jane Austen," I find myself agreeing, but also disagreeing with some things Easton says. Firstly, I agree with Easton when she says that Austen creates strong heroines in her novels. I think this is an important aspect of Austen's writing because of the time period in which her books were written. Women during the 1800s were perceived as people who could not make decisions and choices by themselves, and needed someone to stand by them. But in contrast, the main character of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth, is a strong and independent women.
Secondly, I think people should read Pride and Prejudice because it is a very enjoyable read due to the immense amount of irony in the novel. As Easton points out, if one doesn't get anything out of reading Austen's novel, they should have a good laugh. I think this humor also comes when Austen criticizes a main part of society. For example, in Pride and Prejudice, Austen criticizes the idea of viewing marriage as a way to higher status.
Lastly, I have to disagree with Easton when she says not to read Austen for romance. I think that as teenage girls, we are always looking for some romance in novels to make them more interesting. As Mary Jensen stated earlier, romance in novels make the reader fall in love with the characters. In fact, I think I really like Pride and Prejudice because of the romance.
I also think that one should read Pride and Prejudice to learn about the society during the 1800s. Also, Elizabeth's views of the society also are very interesting. But, as one of my classmates stated above, without these articles, I think I would have missed much of the irony and the parts of the novel that make it even more enjoyable.
Eaton points out in her artical "How to Read Jane Austen" that a reader cannot read for the plot, the romance, or the period, in Jane Austens novels but for the irony; However, the only way to catch the irony in Pride and Prejudice is to read for all three. Through this irony Jane Austen sets apart the strong heroines of society, especially Elizabeth Bennet in Pride in Prejudice. As Eaton points out, while Elizabeth's sister Jane gets a terrible cold from getting slightly wet, being caked in mud enhances Elizabeth's complexion. Elizabeth, the main character in Pride and Prejudice is the heroine of the story and is a role model for women of the past as well as the present. Jane Austen's heroines are intellectually strong and do not curb their intuitions to comply with society's expectations. She is not a needy, pompous, impatient woman trying her best to achieve a social status and maybe get lucky and gain happiness in the process. However, why is that the womanizers, men chasers, and the intellectual hero end up with rich, socially acceptable lives? The romantic love story of Elizabth and Mr. Darcy is so romantic because Mr. Darcy marrys Elizabeth for her intellect, and Elizabeth marry's Mr. Darcy for his personality, not money. Their marraige was not a business deal, it was genuine and concealed within it were no alterior motives. The intelligent, unwavering, heroine is a role model as she gains true happiness by not conforming to the superficial expectations of society: one of the true reasons to read Jane Austen.
While other characters in the novel hunt for men in an attempt to marry for money, Jane Austin uses Elizabeth and her actions as a social criticizism. This is another way in which people should read Jane Austen. While time periods do change, human nature basically does not. This is the reason why Austen's Pride and Prejudice can be used as a guide to human nature concerning riches, fame, love, and dreams. I see mirror images of people I know as well as myself in Pride and Prejudice. In some instances a reader will be pleased, or not so pleased in the way Pride and Prejudice exposes the selfish, absurd desires and the ways in which people act to acquire them.
Pride and Prejudice can be read as a history book, and a romantic novel as well. However in order to gain the most from Pride and Prejudice the reader must focus not on the words of Jane Austen but the tone. To get the full meaning of the novel Jane Austen's humor and irony must be recognized; it is with her humor that she uncovers social critiques and with irony the importance of strong women.
As everyone else has said, obviously there are many reasons to read Pride and Prejudice. I agree with Celia Easton when she says that Austen’s novels are worth reading because of their critiques of society, strong women characters, and humor. First, Pride and Prejudice is packed with social criticism. It is blunt in saying that women often act foolish in order to improve in society. The book helps us, especially as women, to watch our behavior and not to humiliate ourselves. Secondly, the humor in the novel definitely adds to the social criticism through absurd characters who are to resemble real people. Austen exaggerates characters to make a point that it is funny to see how ridiculous people are in their attempts to flatter others. Not only does she criticize society, but she also provides an example of a woman to look up to. I agree with Easton that in Pride and Prejudice, this woman is Elizabeth Bennet. She is level-headed and doesn’t act ridiculous to win over a man.
Besides what Celia Easton says, I believe that there are other reasons to read Pride and Prejudice. I agree with Elise when she says that Jane Austen challenges the ideals of society. Sometimes we go through life never questioning anything that is customary to us because it is so familiar. Austen shows that it is ok to question ideals and look for answers. She was revolutionary when she wrote this book, not only as a woman, but also as a social critic. Reading such a well-written depiction of society, forces us to look honestly at the people around us and more importantly at ourselves.
I think the most important reason we read Pride and Prejudice is to learn to be better writers. Easton's article confirmed that Jane Austen's novels were without flaw. She was able to incorporate so many different literary elements into timeless classics. Something that struck me was how Easton could summarize each of her popular novels in the exact same sentence! This shows that is they quality of writing and the style as opposed to the plot or mystery of the story that makes Pride and Prejudice so good. As a writer, this is a skill I would love to have! In good writing like Austen's its not what you say but how you say it that makes it so good. Her descriptions of each of the Bennet sisters made them seem so alive and easily distinguishable. Austen offers so many skills we can imitate to make ourselves smarter writers.
Another reason I think we should read Austen is to find strong role models and female heroines for ourselves. I know that sounds cheesy, but I think it's important to have smart women like Elizabth Bennet or tender hearted women like Jane Bennet model how one should live. It seems like nowadays books are always about wizards or vampires and there is nothing wrong with that except for the fact that we surrender a precious commidity offered to us through literature. We lose the ability to witness the transformation of a person just like us into a stronger and better woman. Austen gives us that gift of women role models in Elizabeth, and Jane too.
After reading the "How to Read Jane Austen" article, i think we should read Pride and Prejudice because this novel is filled with society issues of the time era. She really strives to make the reader view women as "heroines who dont need to be saved by men". This is a great issue and being at an all-girl school, i think this is an important reason as to why we should read it.
Another reason for reading Pride and Prejudice is the amount of irony found in the novel. Many find the irony and satire as entertaining and it helps the book become an easy favorite for students.
One reason why Pride and Prejudice should be read is for its strong heroine, Elizabeth. As Easton states, Austen makes her characters "physically and intellectually strong." Elizabeth, through every ordeal with Mr. Darcy, remains composed. Elizabeth even insists on going to Mr. Bingley's when Jane has become sick. Elizabeth, upon finding out Lydia has run off with MR. Wickham, ends her trip with her aunt and uncle and rushes home. Elizabeth remains calm and does not let Lady Catherine de Bourgh intimidate her when she comes and visits. Even though Elizabeth is not from the richest background, her virtues and dedications are in the right place. Elizabeth should be studied because she shows the reader that society's restrictions will not restrain her from being the best person she can be, a heroine.
Another reason to read P&P is for its social criticisms. Like Easton states, Austen criticizes the people who "pander" the rich, like Mr. Collins. Every scene with Mr. Collins seems to be humorous because he always talks of his patroness and what he will do to please her. Clearly Austen is criticizing society's obsession with the rich and the respect that comes with this obsession. But because Lady Catherine is rude, pompous, and unfriendly, the criticism is that much more portrayed. It is so interesting to also connect these criticisms to Austen's real life. It's important to know why she included her social critisims throughout the novel based on her own life.
I think that we should read Pride & Prejudice because not only is it a good novel but it gives us a good insight to the social ideals at that time. Our social views are very different compared to Jane Austen’s time. And reading about how Austen pokes fun at the whole ideal of marriage seems so ridiculous and funny to us. Austen creates a lot of satire and irony with her plot that we should definitely pay attention to in the novel. Like Sri said, if I didn’t read the article I would have definitely missed the whole purpose of reading Pride and Prejudice. This novel is a easy and fun read but it’s hard to enjoy the novel for the right reasons. I love the romance story in the novel but having read this article, I realized that it was probably not what Jane Austen wanted me to only like the novel for.
Though I may be biased when I say this since Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite novels, I believe that we should read Pride and Prejudice because the strong and truthful insight to how society in her time was so close minded, ignorant, and corrupt in a sense of marriage and social rank. Not only is this a feminist novel (to further boost or feminism that is strongly encouraged in the teachings of St. Mary's), but it is also a novel well written with sarcasm, humor and wit to explain her strong social criticism. As stated in the article, she criticizes both the "ungenteel rich" and "those who pander them." Pride and Prejudice shows true human nature through her characters as they quarrel, fight, and finally confess to their own faults and hypocritical tendencies. As Mrs. Easton states in her article, P&P is not a novel to be taken for its plot and romances; instead, it should be respected for its truth of human nature. (Especially, well, of pride and prejudice)
I will again repeat, because it cannot be reiterated enough, that there are countless reasons to read Pride and Prejudice. That being said, I wish to examine the structure of the article "How to Read Jane Austen" for its intriguing and perhaps unintentional insight into the novel before I delve into the shining qualities of Austen's novel itself. Interestingly, the article is divided into two sections: How not to read Jane Austen and How to Read Jane Austen. Personally, I believe that the only reason to read Jane Austen is, quite frankly, because there are so many way she can be misread. The duality of her works, the constant battle between shallow romantic plot devices and deeper social criticism, provide the underlying structure for Austen's revolutionary identity as Easton's "comic social satirist" in both practical and thematic terms. Practically, a primary reason Pride and Prejudice gained a significant readership is precisely because of its plot, period, and romance. Without these devices, Austen would never have spread her social satire through the unknowing masses. Symbolically, the outward frivolity of the novel's shallow plot devices conceal the inner themes of pride, prejudice, and societal corruption to structurally mimic Austen's overarching theme concerning the hidden hypocrisies of the seventeenth century. Thus, the reasons not to read Jane Austen are just as important and relevant as the reasons to read Jane Austen.
The direct reasons to read Pride and Prejudice are multifold and accounting for all of them in this post will probably take up the storage space of this blog. However, the general qualities mentioned by Easton cover four main areas: irony, strong heroines, manners, and social criticism. I believe that the strongest argument for reading Austen rests in her early and deft use of satire as a vehicle for social criticism, and as follows, hopefully social change. As Easton says, "Had she lived fifty or one hundred years earlier, Austen might have critiqued her society pedantically or prescriptively." However, Austen represents a revolutionary progression of social satire that is now ubiquitous in more contemporary literature. Pride and Prejudice could be read for this important advance in literary technique alone. However, to appreciate the full scope of Austen's success and "parody" of eighteenth-century fiction, I suggest that we read excerpts of popular period fiction in conjunction with the reading of Pride and Prejudice. For without social criticism masked through irony, Austen could not have popularized her fiction and promulgated revolutionary satire and radical (for her time) feminist ideals.
The Austen's novels, together with several other works, form a common literary heritage that is vital to the development of Western literature. Simply put, the well-rounded Western reader has encountered Jane Austen at some point. Beyond this, Pride and Prejudice is simply an excellant novel. It has humor, irony, interesting characters, and of course social criticism, along with innumerable other wonderful characteristics.
the value of austen's writing has many forms, one being irony. the use of interesting phrases and witty remarks is a very common way that austen expresses irony: "The narrator will express her ironic position through tongue-in-cheek expressions that often begin sounding serious and collapse into making fun of the trivial" In Pride and Prejudice, the father, mr. bennett, uses sarcasm as a way to mock the situation. austen writes through mr. bennett to create verbal irony. austen's unique use of irony is a convincing reason that we should read her works.
austen's novels are not pure representations of the time period: "Austen's object is not to develop elaborate descriptions of her settings." Because austen does not focus on the pure setting of the time period, her focus shifts to the development of characters and the representation of certain themes throughout each novel. Austen's lack of interest in pure descriptions differentiates her writings from other authors of the time, thus making her works unique in style and composition. Because of this uniqueness, austen's novels are worth reading because they contain certain characteristics that cannot be attained by reading other authors.
There are many reasons for reading Pride and Prejudice. Obviously the first that everyone thinks of is that it is a great love story full of valor and strife, but i personally believe that we should read it because for most it can be considered a challenge. it is a challenge because most view austen's writing as serious pure love stories, but she was actually a brilliant satirist. she is an example of a great author who is in rebellion against the century in which she exists.
In "How to Read Jane Austen," Easton believes one must read Jane Austen for irony, rebellious women characters ("strong heroines"), criticism of society, and humor. I believe Pride and Prejudice fits those characteristics perfectly. It contains irony through the structure: the reader knows information about certain characters that other characters do not. For example, Elizabeth is the only person who knows Mr. Darcy as he truly is and thus the only person who truly loves him. Easton says that the reader of Pride and Prejudice "feel[s] superior to silly characters when Elizabeth and the narrator find them so." This is part of the irony in Pride and Prejudice because the reader finds those characters who fit into society perfectly to be completely ridiculous. For example, Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet are proper and everything society wants them to be, yet the reader knows them to be silly and naive. One must also read Jane Austen for the strong women. Elizabeth clearly does not qualify as society's perfect woman. This is seen when she "walks three miles across muddy fields" to visit and care for Jane when she is ill. The proper women, the Bingley sisters, naturally scoff at Elizabeth's appearance and manner, but the reader praises Elizabeth's strong will and rebellious nature. Austen constantly criticizes society for the "ungenteel rich" and "those who pander to them." Mr. Darcy is first seen as proud and rude in Elizabeth's and the reader's points of view, thus making him an ungenteel rich person. However, as Elizabeth and the reader learn more about him, he becomes the perfect man: ironic? Even worse are those who indulge the wealthy, i.e. Mr. Collins. Of course Austen also criticizes society's view of marriage as necessary even when emotionally impractical. Finally, Pride and Prejudice should be read for humor. Who doesn't enjoy the stupidity of Mr. Collins and silliness of Mrs. Bennet?
While Easton believes that Jane Austen should not be read for history, I think that Pride and Prejudice shows the reader how ridiculous society was in how it valued people. In other words, Pride and Prejudice shows how stupid it is to value men only for their money, women only for their marital status, and both for how well they marry. I also disagree with Easton that Austen should not be read for romance. I think that while romance is not the integral concept in Pride and Prejudice, it adds to the entertainment value. For example, Mr. Darcy's undying love for Elizabeth despite her rejection of him keeps the reader pretty captivated because of how romantic it is.
When considering why one should venture into the pages of any novel, the most important question to ask is, quite generally, "what does this novel contribute?" Pride and Prejudice's contributions to the literary (and real) world are, to say the least, quite extensive, though Easton pinpoints the defining characteristics of Pride and Prejudice that render it a worthy read: its artistic irony, subtle yet biting social criticism, behavioral study, and strongly developed heroines. With irony as her chosen weapon and 18th century society her selected target, Austen carves herself a distinguished niche in literature as the first stirrings of feminist works. However, the subtle critical intricacies of Pride and Prejudice can also be its curse; the reader must delve between the lines lacquered in an alluring facade of the oh so exhausted romantic period piece. Though, if read properly, according to Easton, Pride and Prejudice colors the reader's thoughts with an exceptionally well played out novel examining human nature without foregoing the most powerful exhorter of revolutionized thinking: humor.
If judged by the standards of modern social criticism, Pride and Prejudice may seem like washed-down version of a "Harlequin Romance," as put by Easton, with an occasional playful jab at 18th century contemporary conventions. However, Easton urges readers of Pride and Prejudice to consider the novel in "the context of earlier 18th century novels" in order to grasp its true depth and complexity. That perspective performs a 180° maneuver in relation to Austen's purpose in writing Pride and Prejudice, and consequently the reasons why people should read Austen. By looking past the formulaically entertaining veneer of the novel, the reader encounters a fresh voice of satire intermingled with the censures of a feminist and social critic; however, without Austen's well-placed humor and ironic subtlety her contemporary readers would have had a hard time digesting such a "forward-thinking" book; therefore, reading Pride and Prejudice for its polemic values alone provides great insight, as many of my classmates have noted, into the social temperature of Austen's time, as well as forces readers to recognize their own society's (often humorous) flaws.
yeah everybody does read pride and prejudice for the love story between elizabeth and mr. darcy because its something different. at first, they seem like they basically hate eachother but they turn out to become one of the hottest couples i read about. i definately agree with kayla, people really need to appreciate austen's work because she really pokes fun at her society's value even though those values do not stand today. i really like how kayla said she was a rebelious author
I think we should read Pride and Prejudice because so many of the readers read Jane Austin's novels wrong. After reading this article you know how not to read one of Jane Austin's novels. After reading this article you should be able to read it correctly with more of an understanding and take away more from the novel.
I think we should read Pride and Prejudice because it is not a typical love story where you get all the information from the plot, period of time, and romance. Instead, the article states Jane Austin's novels are written in a way to express her views. For example, it says Jane Austin is a social critic and when you read the novel you can tell.
Perhaps we could also note why one should read novels in general. Beyond proven results such as improved SAT scores, regular reading encourages thinking and reasoning and ultimately leaves the reader more articulate and more able to participate in academic discussion. Furthermore, books introduce us to facts and concepts we otherwise may never have known. Ultimately, novels can explore the deepest parts of human nature and face the most challenging problems in our world today.
As Easton lists, Austen implements many devices into her novel, P & P, that make it a worthwhile read, including biting irony, independent heroines, social criticism, and wildly amusing moments of humor. I would now like to delve a little deeper and explore some of these devices in more detail.
One great thing about Austen’s social critism is that her words and satire are applicable to present-day society as well – she challenges her readers to question and defy social standards, to not follow a rule or custom just because everyone else does, to do something because you believe in it, to refuse to believed that only certain options are open to you because you are a woman, to hold out for your standards.
Austen’s disgust with “those who pander” to the wealthy, as Mr. Collins does to Lady Catherine, can also be a lesson well-applied to the present era. Austen doesn’t believe that some people should be treated better or differently because of their monetary value. As she shows through Lady Catherine’s character, being idolized and treated as someone whose life is actually worth more than one’s own (all characteristic of Mr. Collins) doesn’t do any wonders for one’s manners. Lady Catherine was probably arrogant and rude as a side effect of her fabulous wealth already, but people falling at her feet only encourages such aspects of her personality.
Additionally, Austen teaches us how to be critical without being outright offensive; by following her flawless example, we too can learn how to soften the blow of our stinging but brilliant criticism.
The romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is not something to be disregarded when reading P & P; on the contrary, it is a prime example of Austen’s wish that more people would defy social expectations. Society dictates that people marry to better their economic or social standing; Lizzy and Mr. Darcy marry because they see qualities – understanding, generosity, and bravery – in each other that they admire and love. Also, as many of my classmates have stated, it’s also just a really good love story.
Finally, one of the reasons that I find myself reading Pride and Prejudice again and again is for the laugh-out-loud, funny moments that are in abundance throughout the novel. Whether it’s an inward wince at one of Mr. Collin’s many cringe-worthy comments in which he unknowingly abandons all semblances of dignity, or an outward wince at the completely ridiculousness of Mrs. Bennett and/or Lydia, who likewise never make a appearance without ripping their decorum into shreds, P & P never fails to delight.
One reason we should read Pride and Prejudice is because Austen points out societies flaws like the idea of womens absolute dependence on men. The article "How to read Jane Austen" explains that Austen critizes these flaws through humor which makes Pride and Prejudice an enjoyable read as you look for the messages that Austen wants to get across such as the importance of a woman's happiness in life. This novel inspires young woman to hope and dream that life is what we make it and happiness is attainable to everyone.
In Easton's article, "How to Read Jane Austen", i found many reasons that answered the question why we should read P&P. One reason in the article popped out at me though, am"strong heroine." Jane Austen dares to have a women be a strong character instead of just a lowly "damsel in distress". Especially during the time period this novel was written, Jane Austen defied the usual role that women played in a novel. I think this is so important because it shows women not to just sit on the side lines but really think outside of the box.
Another reason for reading P&P as expressed in the Easton's article is Jane Austen's criticism of society. Through humor, Austen disguises her criticism of society and its focus on money and social standing. By using humor to criticize the harsh realities of society, Austen makes the novel very enjoyable, while still making the reader find the lesson in between the lines.
After reading "How to Read Jane Austen" I realized that one great reason to read this book is because of the strong heroine. This book makes women feel like its okay and even better to be independent and realize that no woman has to have a man to be complete. This book goes against ideas that have been put into society for gernerations that women need to be saved by men. This idea has even found its way into the movies and stories for young children, but this book makes it clear that there is no woman that needs a man to be complete or to be saved.
Also, I think that the strong social criticism is another good reason to read this novel. It helps to understand the trends and importances of that society and helps us to realize how much has changed over the years. Also it shows that people did not necessarily like the habits of their society back then. And finally, it's just an entertaining book to read.
Pride and Prejudice also introduces the idea of a strong heroine who doesnt really need a man but she gets him anyway. She overcomes the stereotypical woman in need and gives her century a taste of a basically independent woman.
I think that one of the very important things Easton points out in "How to Read Jane Austen" is the social criticism that she hides in humor. Everyone enjoys the insanity of characters like the mother or Mr. Collins. Even though she uses irony and humor to show these things, the criticism is blatantly there. When you read this novel, you learn about society in this place and time. You realize how important marriage was and how crazy people went in order to marry successfully. Austen totally critizes this through all of the humor she uses. Reading this is extremely important in order to learn and also to see Austen's criticisms of this time.
Also, the heroines that Austen creates are extremely important. Easton says that in every novel, there are one or two main women who overcome the restraints of society. The character in Pride and Prejudice is Elizabeth. In Austen's novels, she creates a woman who although will be married happily in the end and may need a husband for financial purposes, can strive in her own life. She can be strong, unlike other women who life to be married off. Austen "tries to make her characters physically and intellectually strong." As strong girls, especially at an all girls school, we should read this book because of the strong female characters that Austen creates.
I also noticed the significane of heroines in Pride and Prejudice, as they seem to truly define Austen's personal view of society by striving for personal goals rather than following a satirical way of living for the pursuit of marriage. In my opinion, Elizabeth is the heroine of the novel because of her realization that love can be present in marriage with strength and a fight for compassion. At the beginning of the novel, people in society think of Elizabeth as rude and uncontrollable; however, she is the only woman who finds true happiness. As women, we should read this novel to give us a boost of confidence as strong people in society who do not need to conform.
There are multiple reasons as to why we should read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. According to Easton in her article, "How to Read Jane Austen", Austen perfected narrative irony. I believe that it is important to tach about all aspects of literature, with narrative irony being one of them. Also, who better to learn from than the woman who supposedly perfected the use of it?
Another reason being that Austen creates "Strong heroines" in her novels. Pride and Prejudice is definitely no exception whatsoever. Also, i beleieve that the teachings of strong heroines and complex women would be amazing conversations and debates at an all-girls school such as St. Mary's.
Easton's "How to Read Jane Austen," is an excellent criticism that looks at all angles of Austen's works. The fact that you can not read Austen's works for the plot is clear. The storyline is quite predictable and throughout the novel the obstacles are not romanticized. Austen's use of irony truly makes her works unique. It gives the reader clear insight that everything was not perfect even during a time that seems simplier to us. Irony teaches us to look deeper into each character and understand their true motives. Austen's use of strong heroines especially females is quite enduring. She has Elizabeth take control of herself and refuses to be the damsel in distress unlike other literature at this time. While Austen's work is extremely different than most pieces written during this time, I believe that is why it has become a classic. Her stories are real, enduring, and relatible which captivates readers even centuries later.
While Easton does not believe we should read Pride and Prejudice for history I disagree. Although it doesn't give direct historical evidence we have insight to what society was really like during the 1800's. It is just a different type of history. We are able to discover relationships, classes, people, and standards for a time that otherwise we may not have that information readily at hand.
Another reason why we read PP is for inspiration. As Easton points out in her article Austen charaters develop into strong heroines. Elizabeth is flawed in socities eyes, she is rather plan and not very wealthy, but as cheesy as it is, it's whats on the inside that counts. Elizabeth is very intellectual, she speaks her mind, and is humble enough to admit when she is wrong. As readers we can learn a great deal from Elizabeth Bennet just as Austen intends for us too.
Many people read Pride and Prejudice for the plot, but as Celia Easton points out in "How to Read Jane Austen," readers "cannot read Jane Austen for the plot." If Austen's works are read at face value, her humor and the intrepidity of her writing are lost.
Austen creates characters who are extreme cases of the qualities she is mocking. For example, Mr. Collins shows "disgusting obsequiousness" to Lady de Bourgh. He is depicted as being very silly and ridiculous. In the same way, Mrs. Bennet is ridiculed for her obsession with marriage. Both characters are humorous because their flaws are so exaggerated. However, the humor is not simple, shallow humor. It has a much deeper meaning. The humor and the irony Easton discusses are used by Austen to critique parts of society that she dislikes. It was very dangerous for Austen to criticize contemporary society the way she did. People often do not welcome criticism of their customs, but Austen wrote what she felt anyway. Also, she really develops the concept of the "strong heroine." Generally, a female main character in stories of that period would require rescuing by a man. She would be inferior and not independent. Elizabeth Bennet is definetely a strong heroine. She likes dances and men like her girly sisters, but running across fields would have killed her sisters while it just "brings out Elizabeth's complexion." Austen was a very bold writer and her works deserve to be truly studied beyond their face value.
I think Pride and Prejudice also is kind of a good life lesson in judging others. This is a little random, but as I was reading the book I was thinking about the title, and I began to see these examples of prideful people and various prejudices. Elizabeth and Darcy both had pride and prejudice that kept them apart, but when they put that aside, they could be together. There are plenty of other examples as well, but I think we should read PandP because it can make us think about our own pride and prejudices.
In Easton's "How to Read Jane Austen" there are many reasons why we should read Pride and Prejudice but I think a main point is the use of literary terms; mostly irony. This goes along with the satire in the novel. Austen almost blatantly makes fun of marriage and how important it was in this time. She makes her characters become obsessed with this trend therefore using them to prove her point against what they are doing and creating humor. This also coincides the fact that her books show us how their society was and teach us some history of that time.
As Easton states, after this novel, Austen became "the novelist in English who perfected narrative irony" because, as Elise mentioned, she was leading a new path for women that it was ridiculous how obsessed society was with marriage and wealth and that they did not have to fit that mold. She also showed them this not through conflict but through her humor. Therefore, I think it is very appropriate for an all girls school to be reading this novel because of the morals it teaches.
A few of my peers expressed disagreement with the article's assertion that one should not read P&P for romance, expressing its merit as a 17th century romance. I personally don't feel that the article is disqualifying it as a romantic piece of fiction, but rather asserting that it is far more than that. I too fawned over Darcy chapter after chapter, yet I agree with the article that it is far more than an early, heartwarming romance. It is daring, raw social commentary and satire at its finest. The underlying message of P&P is rebellious in a sense that it betrayed all that Victorian literature was expected to be during that era, and like most defiant works of literature,it was not initially well received. It wasn't until years later that it was appreciated for the criticism that initially made it unpopular. Nowadays, we read this classic and appreciate not only for romantic value, but for its outstanding social commentary, praising it for what it was initially condemned for.
Easton's article is subdivided into How to's and How Not To's, and then further divided in said catagories. I feel that his praise of Austen's irony, criticism, and heroines all go hand in hand, as it is not only the outstanding quality of said aspects that makes her work exceptional, but the fact that her work stood out and rebelled against the norm of that era. For she cannot only be praised for the manner in which she presents her independent Elizabeth Bennet and reveals the flaws of 17th century society, but for her ingenuity in doing so.
There are countless reasons to read Pride and Prejudice, seeing as it is a great love story, a best-selling novel, and a classic favorite to many. However after reading Easton's "How to Read Jane Austen," I've earned a greater appreciation for the novel. However, one of Easton's reasons to read Austen stuck out from the others as a great reason for us to read Pride and Prejudice: "the strong heroines she creates." Austen greatly depicts the strong and independent female through Elizabeth Bennet. And we, being an all girls school, can greatly relate and look up to such a character. I believe, when reading a novel, one should always find a character that he or she can learn from and be inspired by. Elizabeth Bennet is a strong-minded and gutsy woman that young women readers, like us, can look up to.
Also, I completely agree with Ann when speaking on Austen saying "her work stood out and rebelled against the norm of that era." Easton's article explains that "Austen is a harsh critic." I think Austen's criticisms rebelling against society at her time make reading this novel such a rich and fulfilling experience. Everyone has always wanted to speak out against things happening in the world. And now-a-days, many do. But back in Austen's time, she was one of the few who stood up for herself, making her an exceptional and genius author, which is why I believe we should read Pride and Prejudice.
Jane Austin, a “comic social satirist”, sees society’s quest for social status as a breeding ground for destructiveness in human nature. She incorporates her critical view of the world into her novel, displaying the “most thorough knowledge of human nature.”
As a result, Pride and Prejudice presents us, its readers, with a mirror image of ourselves in society, showing us how foolish and outrageous our want for a better standing in the world actually is.
I think that reading "Pride and Prejudice" gives us, it's readers a view of how society shapes us. By reading Austin's portrayal, we get to have the experience of being on the outside looking in- therefor we get the chance to improve the way society influences our actions.
Jane Austen uses a number of techniques that draws in a reader. Her combination of irony and humor is very appealing to the reader. In Easton’s Article “How to Read Jane Austen,” she says that Austen’s portrays her irony giving a character “information that someone else doesn’t” (2). This character with “information” is often times Elizabeth. When Elizabeth is in an ironic situation, she is usually the one who finds humor in it. She finds humor in many characters because she finds them making foolish mistakes. Though she uses humor and irony, it is balanced with her value of manners. She gives her worthy characters very respectable qualities. She is therefore proven to be a respectable author through the standards she uses to write.
Jane Austen also uses strong heroines. She does this by making “her characters physically and mentally strong” (3). Elizabeth is the main example in Pride and Prejudice proven by her passion for reading and her endurance to walk to her sick sister. She is also a very independent woman. Austen is very much like Elizabeth because they both refused marriage because they would not “trade happiness for practicality” (3). Austen is also a social critic, especially of the rich. She views most of them as arrogant, but also shows readers that people are sometimes misread, shown by Mr. Darcy. As a social critic, she shows many imperfections in society and character. Her opinions show people that women can be wise, strong and independent because society does not always give women credit for their actions.
Pride and Prejudice is a great book to learn about many things. According to the article Jane Austen uses a lot of irony. I agree strongly that there is much irony in this book and it is important to learn about the irony she uses. It is interesting to see what everyone thinks will happen with all the suspense in the book along with the irony. Also this article talks about how Jane Austen creates strong heroines because men are usually the heroes in that time, but not when Jane Austen writes her novels. It is very neat to see what her opinion of women are compared to every other person at that time.
Pride and Prejudice is great to read because of all the satire Jane Austen uses. The article states Austen as a social critic. This is very true because she uses satire to make fun of Mrs. Bennet and how she acts silly around men when she wants her daughters to be married off to rich men. Austen does not believe in getting married like the way Mrs. Bennet sees it. It is interesting because through the article we learn that Austens life was very similar to Elizabeths and that because she did not accept an engagement for money instead of love she died unmarried. It is good though that she followed her beliefs and she makes women have a stronger role in life because of this book.
Out of the many reasons to read PAP I think the ones are pretty much put out in the bold print that Easton stated. I think we should read PAP because we always look for the exact plot in a book, when Austen's writing style makes you break the habit of doing just that. It teaches you how to kind of just jump in although it might not be as suspenseful as one might think it would be in the end.
Also, as Easton stated, Austen creates "strong heroines" who are not just "sitting pretty" from the beginning but they go through many obstacles and almost to hell and back, yet they come out on top and capture the reader's hert for being heroic in the end. This is another reason why we should read PAP due to the fact that it shows us how to appreciate how one finds themselves on top as opposed to having it all and just savoring it like they are owed it.
I think we should read Pride and Prejudice because of the clear social criticism that Jane Austen writes. Austen obviously despises the idea that women have to become married to have any sort of life and she expresses her feelings with the ridiculous manner of Mrs. Bennet who deeply desires that all of her daughters get married and will do anything possible to make this happen. This view opens the readers’ eyes to the fact that women can survive on their own and that they don’t need men to live.
Pride and Prejudice is such a great book to read for many reasons but a clear theme in this book is the presence of a strong woman, Elizabeth. Austen shows the reader that women, like Elizabeth, are strong and do not need to always be taken care of or stay inside because they are delicate. Like the article says, Elizabeth shows this strength when she walks three miles in the mud to visit her sick sister. This was definitely not something that women of this era would do, but it shows that one does not have to follow society, but instead go with what one needs to do.
Personally, I think Jane Austen should be applauded for stepping out of "the norm", and criticizing society for their lame lifestyles of penniless hope and crude desperation. Like Elise previously stated, "She analyzes something that was a natural part of life back then, and exposes its flaws to the public eye.". There is not a better explanation than that. Although the reader may not agree nor accept Austen's criticism, I think anyone can applaud her willing attempts to save society from its downfall. Austen's great mix of satire and irony, while maintaing a serious plot, is another thing very particular to her writing. Without knowing her life story, you can understand how Austen feels about so many different subjects. As Easton's "How to Read Jane Austen" says, "The informed person is always the narrator"; therefore, the reader knows information that the other characters do not, creating a devious plot.
In my opinions, Pride and Prejudice is a very important book for a preferably teenage girl to read because of the silliness of some of the characters and the strength of others. One part of the article "How to read Jane Austen" that really caught my eye is "strong heroines." Although she is surrounded by silly sisters and a silly mother who are obsessed with marriage and money, Elizabeth Bennet is able to hold her head high and stand for what she believes in. Elizabeth declines Mr. Collins offer of marriage to her mothers disadvantage because she clearly has no feelings for him. Then she declines Mr. Darcy's first offer of marriage not for her own sake, but for the sake of her sister Jane. Elizabeth is truly a role model for growing girls because her very strong character that is able to out shine her silly family members.
I agree with Bakers' first comment. Austen helps us realize how ridiculous it is to be obsessed with marriage as her novel criticizes the silly actions of her characters. Women no not have to be dependent on men and are able to survive on their own.
I firmly agree with Easton that P&P cannot be read for the plot. Because the plot becomes almost typical and is not very suspenseful, the plot is not what would keep the reader reading. However, I disagree with Easton when he says that P&P cannot be read for the romance. When it all comes together, the plot allows for romance to take place. This brings to mind the ever-popular phrase, "love makes the world go around" because P&P illustrates that young love, in fact, destroys the sanity of the world. Although it would not be fair to Austen for the reader to only take away the element of P&P as a great love story, I do believe that the presence of the falling in love element definitely makes for a more eager reading.
Not only is Pride and Prejudice a best-selling novel, but it also helps readers understand the connection Austen is trying to make to them. Obviously, Bronte wants to make a point by having basically the same background to all of her novels. In the article "How to Read Jane Austen", Easton tells us that all of Austen's novels basically have the same plot,"an unmarried woman, frequently with her sisters, has either financial or personal obstacles in the way of her future marriages, etc." Obviously, we would not read Pride and Prejudice for the plot, but for the irony that the plot produces. Austen uses irony to create humor throughout her novel, and to really get the readers thinking. I also think, agreeing with Easton, that P&P should be read to understand the strong heroine figure. Easton talks about how Elizabeth trudged through the mud and rain for 3 miles to reach her sister. I think it is important for young women to read about strong heroines because it gives them a sense of pride to be a woman, when in most cases today, men try and take the superior role.
Another reason why we should read Pride and Prejudice is for the humor. Like Easton says, "one must learn to laugh with Jane Austen." I found myself laughing to the ironic humor Austen would slyly slip into the chapters. At SMS, i think it would be fun to discuss this humor. However, along with Kendall, I disagree with Easton that you cannot read the book for history. I thought it was very interesting to learn about the society in Austen's time and enjoyed how different the people acted from our society today. These are just a few reasons why our English class should read Pride and Prejudice.
The very differences between Jane Austen and her fellow writers make her a desirable author to read. As Easton says , people (such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain) misunderstood her novels to be the work of a mere woman- “insipid, narrow.” However, much as Easton asserts, a reader of Austen must be acquainted with the proper way to read her novels in order to fully understand the humorous value of her works. Austen’s works are worthwhile reads because they take a social evil (like Pride and Prejudice’s obsession with marriage for practicality) and satirize it into an enjoyable and humorous love story. Austen’s brilliance in this area is so great that many of her readers fail to see it, as Easton asserts. Essentially, the best qualities of Austen’s novels are those that fail to be recognized, and thus Jane Austen’s novels remain largely misunderstood.
Celia Easton, in her instructions on how to read Jane Austen, makes valid points in that you cannot read Jane Austen for romance or plot. Easton understands that Austen is a creator of irony, therefore one must read her novels for her impeccable social critic and use of irony. I agree with Easton that Austen's stories are bland when read for the plot because in all of her books "an unmarried woman, frequently with her sisters, has either financial or personal obstacles in the way of her future marriages (only Emma is independently wealthy), but the obstacles are surmounted by uncommon understanding and the women get married by the end of the novel to loving men who are either very rich or comfortable enough not to worry."
I do not agree with Easton that we should read Austen for her creation of strong heroines. Never throughout the entire novel of Pride and Prejudice did I see Elizabeth Bennett as a heroine. I saw her merely as an annoying, stuck up girl who was quick to judge but could never make up her mind. I feel that Austen's place as a social critic and her use of irony are her strongest points as a writer, therefore being why we should read Pride and Prejudice.
However, her (sometimes) unrecognized talent for social criticism is not the only reason that we should read Austen. Her main characters are all “physically and intellectually strong” women (like us…). Because our school is made up of girls, we can stand to learn from the independence of Austen’s characters from doing anything but that which makes us happy. Though Austen’s characters are tempted with options that would satisfy convenience, but not their own happiness, but they all wait until their happiness is fulfilled. Austen subtly teaches modern readers that happiness is the most important thing in life.
Personally, I think Pride and Prejudice is the perfect novel to read for a St. Mary's Junior. This book reminds us not to be consumed by society's demands. Although at age sixteen we are not pressured into marriage, we can still relate to this novel. High school demands everyone to wear the latest trends to show off money or social status. Also, girls are pressured into being involved with boys. Jane Austen criticizes society in her novel for failing to see past these trivial accomplishments that do not always grant happiness.
Although this book is great for girls our age, I believe that it also can benefit people that are not of our age, gender, or social standing. There are other common trends in society stressed in the novel and mentioned in the article such as "gossip, making fun of the less fortunate, correspondence by a woman with a man to whom she is not engaged, or presuming familiarity with someone who is not a friend" that people should recognize that they are common, but not right.
I strongly disagree with some of my classmates that one cannot become attached to the characters without romance in the novel. I think the romance in this story was not meant for entertainment, but to illustrate the point that people must be genuine to be happy. One of my favorite things about Pride and Prejudice is how developed and interesting the characters are. As Eaton said, one should recognize the strong heroines in this novel. These characters are heroines because they are genuine, intelligent, compassionate, modest, and they care about their families. I strongly agree with Eaton that people should not appreciate this book for the plot, the romance, or the time period, but for the message, the irony, and the characters.
I really thought I was going to hate this book because I heard the word 'romance.' Usually romantic books and movies do not have interesting characters or important themes, but Pride and Prejudice is so much more than a love story and I truly enjoyed reading it.
Pride and Prejudice is a classic reading for many people. To some, it is their favorite book. But what makes Pride and Prejudice such an entertaining and classical novel to read? Celia Easton explains in "How to Read Jane Austen," that the reader must look beyond the plot, time period, and romance that Austen puts in each of her novels and that the enjoyment in reading Austen is through her irony, heroines, and social criticism. Austen uses irony in an opposite way in that her "informed character is always the narrator" and by doing this, when the narrator feels "superior" to the "silly" characters, then we feel superior as well. Austen also creates strong heroines in her novels who can stay strong while others around them fall or become ill. Finally, Austen creates humor through her social criticism which is obvious to the readers but not to the characters. Through this, Austen can teach her readers through her views in life and not just through her plot.
I also agree with Leah on how this novel is a perfect read for Juniors in High School. We have to always find the perfect boyfriend or wear and do the right things and these pressures can get us in situations that we do not want to be in. For Austen's time period, the girls were being pressured to marry at a young age and end their dreams for their lives there. Our time period does not have to deal with these same problems, but we can still relate to Austen's social criticism by falling into pressure that our parents and friends might have for us that could also change our lives and our dreams.
Jane Austen creates a great heroine out of Elizabeth and many other characters in her novels. Seeing as how St. Mary's is an all girls school that in its self is a great reason to read pride and Prejudice. She creates a strong rolemodel for women to look up to. She challenged many writers of her time with her thoughts and ideals. She showed how strong women can be bothe physically and intellectually. An example of this is when she shows Elizabeth to be a bookworm and content with walking miles, while most when would seek a carriage.
Jane Austen is also a great critic of her time. At times she finds the society that she lives in to be so absurd that she simply has to laugh at them. in "How to Read Jane Austen" Easton shows us that must often Austen will criticize her time period "with humor". That fact that she is so critical of her time allows readers to get a new look on how the society really was. This humor is shown through irony. To catch the irony readers must learn to slow down and really pay attenetion to catch it, which overall is a great reason to read jane Austen.
Pride and Prejudice, a well-known best seller, gives people many reasons why to read this novel. First, the reader is able to relate to the story somehow! I can certainly relate to the crazy household of the Bennetts since I have a big family. In "How to Read Jane Austen," Easton states that the reader must have a sense of humor in order to understand Austen's writing. If a reader is in the mood to read about a love comedy, this book is the perfect choice!
Also, Austen has the reader wanting to know more about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I was hoping they would finally get together, and was worried that it would be impossible!
There are many different reasons as to why we should read Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. When many people hear the name Pride and Prejudice, a romance novel is what usually comes to mind but truly Pride and Prejudice is much more than just a love story. First of all Jane Austen was able to write a novel that basically criticizes the belief that many Americans have that class and wealth are everything in a marriage and have her novel become a best-seller. Personally I think it would be fun to read this novel because there are several similarities to Jane Austen’s depiction of the 1800’s and today’s society. Jane Austen also had a very different style of writing than other writes during her time period which I believe would be fun to learn about. One of the things I really enjoyed about Pride and Prejudice is that instead of the usual masculine hero Jane Austen writes about feminine heroines. After reading both “Wuthering Heights” and “Pride and Prejudice” I would much rather study “Pride and Prejudice” because although I did enjoy “Wuthering Heights” it seemed as though it was just another one of those summer novels we had to read whereas “Pride and Prejudice” sort of jumped out at me.
Um, I have a question for you... Why NOT read Pride and Prejudice?? Easton describes well in "How to Read Jane Austen" that her heroines are strong. Elizabeth Bennett is one of my role models, no joke. I love how, even though she is pressured by not only her family, but also society, Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collins proposal because she does not love him. Elizabeth also stands up to the richest man she knows, who could easily destroy her family, which shows a very strong character and quality in her.
I have to disagree with Easton however. I started reading P&P waiting for the romance to start. I'm a hopeless romantic, so I consider romance one reason why Jane Austen is such a popular author, even after her death. The romance her novels, especially Pride and Prejudice, is one reason why three movies have been made and why people have read the book to begin with.
There are several reasons to read P&P, one of which is that it is a classic. If nothing else, it provides a look at what people enjoy not because of the culture of the time period but because of its value as a novel.
There is also the aspect of humor. People enjoy humor; humorous novels are thus fun to read. However, in the case of P&P, the reader has to go in knowing what to expect or the novel seems extraordinarily boring. I have to admit that until reading this article I was very bored with P&P. Now, however, it makes a lot more sense. Most novels that I enjoy are action-and-adventure-type novels, so I am used to reading for the plot of the novel. Although subconsciously I probably knew that, when Easton says simply, "you cannot read Jane Austen for the plot," I suddenly realized why the novel was so boring. I was reading it for the plot.
P&P gives readers the opportunity to look at a style that explores its theme not through the plot and the events the characters go through, but through satirical dramatizations of the way people act.
Easton also says that people who do not understand how to read Jane Austen tend to dislike it. I would have to disagree on that point, because that cannot be the only reason a person does not like a novel. However, I do agree that her novels become more understandable if not more enjoyable if the reader does understand how to interpret them.
P&P must be read unlike a normal novel. It must be read for the satire and criticism and not for the plot. Instead of the individual characters being subordinate to the plot and the characters as a whole in the presentation of the theme, in P&P the plot is subordinate to the individual characters and the criticism that comes from them.
Why should a person read Pride & Prejudice? I believe a person should read it to better broaden their horizon, as the saying goes. Pride & Prejudice was difficult for me to get into at first, but I believe that's because I was reading it the wrong way. As Celia Easton writes in her article "How to Read Jane Austen," I must agree that a person cannot read her writings for romance. When I first opened the page, I was anxious to get the part where Lizzy and Mr. Darcy really start to clash. However, I struggled to get through the first one hundred pages because I kept anticipating the drama. As I read farther in the book, I began to realize that romance was not the key plot point to the novel. In fact, there really wasn't much a plot line at all. The romance was used to bring Austen's criticism to a point, and she used the relationships in the book expertly to do so.
Her criticism about marriage is an interesting view point to learn about because in current times, marriage isn't taken as seriously. Austen takes something so ordinary, and then brings to light the flaws of it.
I agree with Callie when she says that we need to learn from Austen and not be afraid to criticize and question those things that are familiar to us. It's important to understand things, and highlight flaws and benefits; otherwise we would never learn anything. Austen teaches us that with her social criticism and satire.
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