Pride and Prejudice1

A detailed Summary of Pride and Prejudice1

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the story of an English family in the early 1800's. The central theme in the story is the necessity of making a good marriage for each of the five daughters in the Bennet family. Elizabeth Bennet is the central character in the novel and the second oldest daughter. The role of her sisters' characters influence Elizabeth's thoughts about her own romantic interest, Fitzwilliam Darcy, throughout the novel. Lydia Bennet, Elizabeth's youngest sister plays an important role in Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy. Ultimately, Lydia's improper behavior brings Elizabeth and Darcy together, justifying Austen's portrayal of Lydia as an uncivilized, idle, and irrational young woman.

Lydia Bennet's role in Pride and Prejudice is twofold. She is the first of five daughters to be married which supports the novel's main theme of the necessity of making a good marriage. Her elopement with Wickham brings disgrace to the family, nevertheless, she does marry which satisfies her mother's wish to see all of her daught

Austen uses Lydia's rash behavior as a means for Elizabeth, the central character, to understand that Darcy is "the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her." (Vol. III, Chapter 8) Throughout the novel Elizabeth misunderstands Darcy's intentions and actions, and rejects his initial proposal of marriage believing that they are ill-suited. When Lydia elopes with Wickham, Elizabeth is mortified but realizes that Darcy's previous accusations against Wickham and her family were justified. "Oh! how heartily did she grieve over every ungracious sensation she had ever encouraged, every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him." (Vol. III, Chapter 10) Darcy arranges the proper marriage of Lydia and Wickham, saving the entire Bennet family from disrespect and embarrassment. When Elizabeth attempts to thank Darcy he admits "that the wish of giving happiness to you...led me on, I thought only of you." (Vol. III, Chapter 16) Lydia's reckless, improper behavior provides the catalyst for the engagement of Elizabeth and Darcy.

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Approximate Word count = 705
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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