After reading the first four chapters of “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin, my first impressions of the novel was that it is going to be a typical love story where boy meets girl and they fall forever in love. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Austen, 1) From the first line of the whole novel, the writer starts off with the thought of marriage. I have a feeling someone will get married later on in the novel.
The story takes place in small towns in what seems to be the country of England. There are mentions of balls to attend, so I think that it could be taking place in older times. The characters speak with such manners and etiquette that are not always common to us in our current time period.
The story starts off with the Bennet parents conversing. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet feel that their responsibility in life is to find suitable men to take their five daughters’ hands in marriage. Once Mr. Bingley moves in town many see him as the perfect companion. By Mrs. Bennet’s reaction and conversations with her husband she comes off as an over dramatic woman. “You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves.” (Austen,2) Mrs. Bennet repeatedly cried this line as her husband and daughter annoyed her. She seems like the type to always be anxious about every little thing. “She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented she fancied herself nervous.” (Austen, 3) Mrs. Bennet appears to be controlling of those around her as well, especially her husband as she insists in him visiting Mr. Bingley.
Mr. Bennet, on the other hand seems to be the opposite; a calm, nonchalant, but still caring fellow. “Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character.” (Austen, 3) Even his own wife couldn’t always understand why he was the way he was, but nevertheless he appears to be a good father. He takes the initiative to visit Charles Bingley at the right time.
Mr. Bingley is described to be as the “perfect man”; handsome, a gentleman, respectful, rich, and noble. He was liked by the many people he met. At the ball he meets the Bennet’s daughters, and fancies Jane the most. Mr. Bingley has a friend named Mr. Darcy who seems to be the complete opposite of him.
Mr. Darcy is described as “haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well bred, were not inviting.” (Austen, 10) Those who met him disliked him greatly because of this. He feels like he is better than those around him and is someone no one would want to be around.
The five Bennet daughters were all described as beautiful, but I only received a first impression of two; Jane and Elizabeth. These two sisters appear to be very close as they discuss what happened that night at the ball. Jane is described as the most beautiful and most kind hearted because she never sees fault in those around her. Elizabeth is outspoken and is seen when she declares how she feels about the past men Jane has loved.
Overall, I know I will enjoy “Pride and Prejudice”. I have a feeling it will be an interesting love story between an unexpected couple. I wonder who it will be between. Even though I’ve only read a few chapters, I am excited to read about what will happen between the men and the Bennet sisters.
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