I’m always confused when anyone romanticizes this book as the graceful piece of society one should aspire to admire. I’m actually pretty cool with P&P cosplay, but this book is not aspirational. It’s throwing shade at society in the best ways possible; it’s a witty satire designed to shine a spotlight on the ridiculous social constraints of gender roles and socioeconomic disparities. This is feminist critique wrapped up in a pretty package, and I love her for it.

Highlighting the absurdities of women as commodities, stripped of their personality, is a key example of her pulling back the curtain on the pain and injustices of patriarchal system. Though Elizabeth, Austen targets archaic social customs and give a subtle nod to women’s right to autonomy. Elizabeth’s pushback of the supposed conveniences and stability of marriage is played against the ironic characters of Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Collins. Austin’s complex female character who demands self-determination and self-expression in an oppressive male-dominated world is sharp critique.

This isn’t to say the book doesn’t have romantic drama worthy of swooning over. Mr. Darcy struggles under the same framework as Elizabeth, making him an extremely endearing character. The characters throughout the book are flawed yet virtuous in their own right, providing another layer of the exploration of human nature and social convention.

There is a reason the book remains popular, and although it is not in my favorites bin, I respect it for what it is and what achieved in the time period it was written. For that reason, I do recommend it, if for no other reason than understanding its importance in the literary world.

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Created Apr 05, 2024 at 12:25pm • Submit your own review...