Pride & Prejudice - Jane Austen

Plot Summary:
The story focuses on the Bennet family and in particular the headstrong second sister Elizabeth. Elizabeth's character defies the usual domestic and docile heroine as she rebels against society's prejudice. However, in doing so she captures the attention of the seemingly proud and stubborn Mr Darcy, filthy rich Colin Firth lookalike, who is a prime example of appearances being deceptive. Whilst the Bennet family disgrace themselves, Lydia running off with Wickham, and then redeem themselves through the marriage of Jane and Mr Bingley public opinion is defied, with love surpassing wealth and social standing. The story explores the conventions of marriage, social etiquette, social prejudice and the real value of money in the early 19th century.

Elizabeth - The central character, initially described as "tolerable" in looks by Darcy, her stubborn and yet curious personality attracts. Indeed she is a refreshing presence in the social circles of the upper class, as the likes of Miss Bingley merely appease and swoon over Darcy never showing an alternate opinion or any values but of wealth and status. She completely rejects all conventions, dismissing Mr Collins' proposal, speaking her mind openly and having the balls to answer her father back when she believes a wrong decision is being made. She thus completely differs from the rest of her sisters who aspire to the usual conventions of a "good match" in marriage. Arguably, Elizabeth is a personification of the Romantic Era, portraying the differences in social class, the reality of the countryside and ironically gaining the best marriage from being herself.

Mr Darcy - A man of great wealth and status, enters the plot alongside Mr Bingley, whom he has great influence over. Though initially portrayed as the villain it becomes clear that he actually is one of the most loving characters; obsessed with Elizabeth, not wishing his friend to be hurt by Jane whom he believed "indifferent" and particularly protective over his sister Miss Darcy whom was under the spell of Wickham. Darcy prevents the Bennet family from scandal, unbeknown to Mrs Bennet who insists on hating him, as well as providing great financial aid to the "inferior" family estate. He is particularly courtly and proper in his manner of love, remaining formal but with moments of passionate rhetoric that show his education and upbringing are not enough to mask his emotions at certain points.

Types of Love Shown:
- Familial Love of the Bennet Family, particularly between Jane & Elizabeth
- Selfless Love in the actions of Mr Darcy that were all for Elizabeth
- Unrequited Love in the proposal of Mr Collins and also the sentiment felt by the jealous Miss Bingley whom loves Darcy.
- Romantic Love

Quotations:
"But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes." (Darcy about Elizabeth)
"Could she have seen half as much love in Mr. Darcy for herself, she would have ordered her wedding clothes. But the case is this: We are not rich enough or grand enough for them […]" (Elizabeth to Jane)
"Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained."
"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." (Darcy to Elizabeth = Love is all conquering! However, note his formal manner)
"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish; secondly, that I am convinced that it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly--which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness." (Collins gives his REASONS for marrying quite as if a list, shows that in this time marriage was for money and status)
"But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out." (Presents love and courting as a game of tactics)