WHY “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE” IS STILL READ TODAY: AN ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE
Keywords:
pride and prejudice, Jane Austen, themes of love and marriage, character development, social commentary, feminism in literature, cultural legacy, literary influence.Abstract
Few novels in the history of English literature have achieved the enduring popularity of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Its success can be attributed to its exploration of universal themes such as love, personal growth, and societal critique, as well as its memorable characters and incisive commentary on class and gender dynamics. Published in 1813, the novel examines the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations, offering insights that continue to resonate with readers across generations. However, the novel’s narrow focus on the upper-middle class and its limited engagement with broader societal issues, such as poverty and colonialism, reflect the constraints of Austen’s historical context. Despite these limitations, Pride and Prejudice has left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture, inspiring modern adaptations that reinterpret its themes for contemporary audiences. This article explores the reasons behind the novel's enduring relevance, its themes, characters, writing style, cultural legacy, and limitations, providing a balanced critique of its literary significance.
References
1. Austen, J. (2008). Pride and Prejudice (F. Stafford, Ed.). Oxford University Press.
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3. Brown, S. (2004). Jane Austen's Women: The Secret Life of the Novels. Palgrave Macmillan.
4. Johnson, C. L. (1988). Jane Austen: Women, Politics, and the Novel. University of Chicago Press.
