PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Jane Austen’s most popular novel, 'Pride and Prejudice', is a classic love story that has been reimagined and reinvented for many audiences and generations and is about to get another outing. Netflix's six-part series, written and produced by Dolly Alderton, arrives in December with a star-studded cast including Olivia Colman, Emma Corrin, Rufus Sewell and Jack Lowden. It's the perfect excuse to return to the novel in your book club, ahead of the hype! Especially with a new introduction by Dolly Alderton.

Set in Regency England, 'Pride and Prejudice' opens at Longbourn, where the Bennet household is abuzz at the arrival of the wealthy Mr Charles Bingley. Mrs Bennet, with five daughters to marry off, is determined not to waste the opportunity. At the next ball, Bingley is instantly drawn to the eldest, Jane, while his friend Mr Darcy haughtily refuses to dance with Elizabeth, earning a reputation as arrogant and obnoxious. This is the first time that Elizabeth Bennet meets the eligible Fitzwilliam Darcy who is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. Elizabeth is one of Austen’s most engaging heroines. She is independent-minded and articulate and unlike her sisters she is unafraid to challenge her suitors. As the main protagonist in the novel, the readers enjoys Elizabeth’s assertiveness which provides a youthful and empowering voice to the narrative.

Darcy, meanwhile, finds himself secretly drawn to Elizabeth as they continue to encounter each other at social events, appreciating her wit and frankness. However, Elizabeth is also being pursued by Mr Collins, a clergyman and who we understand is heir to her family estate. Whilst realising his interest in her, Elizabeth also meets the charming army officer Mr Wickham, who tells her in confidence about Mr Darcy's unpleasant treatment of him in the past. Elizabeth blinded by her prejudice toward Mr Darcy, believes him. However, we are also able to observe her misjudgement of character which results in entertaining twists and turns in the storyline.

Hearsay and gossip amongst the Bennet, Darcey and Bingley families is rife. This causes misunderstanding amongst the elder Bennet daughters and their suitors, and we are drawn into the love story of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, who both misjudge, but then challenge and change each other minds making this a novel about happiness and self awareness in a world burdened by the constraints of social convention.

Whilst women may not need to marry to survive and our social constrains are vastly different, Austen’s story still remains relevant today as we know only too well. Just as Alderton explains “Every time I re-read 'Pride and Prejudice' in different stages of womanhood, I have different reads of the female characters". So too can we revisit the stories from a difference perspective, perhaps as Mrs Bennets!

The Den reviews in the Library include Dolly Alderton's novel 'Ghosts' as well as 'Dear Dolly', a selection of articles from her popular agony aunt column in The Sunday Times.