Things to Know Before Reading Pride and Prejudice

As L.P. Hartley once wrote, "The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there." This rings especially true when delving into Jane Austen's beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice, published over two centuries ago in 1813.

Stepping into Austen's world is like entering a time capsule, where language, customs, and societal norms are vastly different from our own. Words like "affected manners" (meaning fake or pretentious) and concepts like the "picturesque" (an aesthetic ideal for landscapes) might leave modern readers scratching their heads. But it's precisely these differences that make the journey so fascinating.

The characters' actions, heavily influenced by strict etiquette and a rigid social hierarchy, might seem peculiar to us. Marriage, a central theme in the novel, wasn't just about love; it was a complex dance involving financial security and social class. The landed gentry, like the Bennets and Darcys, enjoyed a life of leisure funded by their estates, while those in trade, like the Bingleys, aspired to climb the social ladder.

Austen, a pioneer of the English novel, masterfully captured the nuances of her society with her signature wit and keen observation of human nature. However, her writing style, though brilliant, differs significantly from modern trends. Historical fiction, written by contemporary authors, often provides explanations and context that Austen's contemporaries wouldn't have needed.

Reading Pride and Prejudice requires a shift in perspective. It's like traveling to a foreign land where you need a knowledgeable guide to navigate the unfamiliar terrain.

To help you take that step back in time to understand the world of Jane Austen, we’ve made fun and easy lessons that help you understand Regency life and Austen’s writing style. Watch them for free on our YouTube channel.

[Post adapted from Ellie’s video with help of A.I.]