So this was my first time reading Pride and Prejudice and I have to admit I would have picked another title. To keep with the alliteration I would have definitely used the word pain in the title, because it was absolutely painful for me to read. Admittedly I ended up reading the entirety of the Wikipedia page and watching the 2005 version of the novel acted out because I struggled so much to follow the text. I think we are supposed to be happy that in the end Elizabeth follows her "heart" and marries when she really knows she loves "Mr Darcy," but the journey there just left me with so many angry emotions. First off, how shallow is the entire society, but especially her mother. Clearly Mr Collins was a complete dweeb, yet she is angry that her daughter refuses her random proposal. Its as if happiness is not considered at all. Yet the takeaway is supposed to be follow your heart to said happiness? I might buy that if the entire story was not filling with having economics and class dictate relationships. It is constantly a question of whether or not the families are rich enough to marry, or if the mans estate is enough to provide for daughter A, or daughter B. Not to mention, how cliche is it that the random guy with huge wealth and perfect qualities shows up, only to have the friend with more wealth, but if an onion and needs to have his layers opened up. Then there is the fact that Mr. Darcy is really using his wealth and power to make all of these "good things" happen. I have always been rather triggered by the idea of class and wealth as a status symbol and a way to keep others down. I guess that has to do with my lower middle class upbringing. Oh well, carrying my bias with me admittedly. However something that struck my nerve was how simply these characters fall in love. I guess I have never been as admirable, or rich, or Mr Darcy or Bingley, but still I have never witnessed this quote unquote instant love then proposal that just took place in this society. I know we cannot judge a historical society through a modern lens, thus I am simply wondering, what value should I take from this story? I thought it was that we are supposed to be happy that in the end they follow their hearts and live happily ever after, but everything before that was so shallow and influenced by all these other factors.
I guess my one appreciation for this story is for Elizabeth and how rouge she is. I loved her willingness to stick it to societal norms and not settle. Not to mention telling off people of authority was quite great. I have always considered myself and evaluator. I was hear about a rule, policy etc and then decide if it made sense. If it did I would follow it, if not, I probably would not care about it. So it makes sense that I would like Elizabeth as she is willing to go against the grain and trust herself. Good for her.
One final thought, I'm glad they cast Mr Bingley as a red head in the movie. Too often we are the strange side kick like Ron Weasley rather than the admirable character. Granted he is a bit of a side kick here, but at least he is admirable....And nothing against Ron, He is the Man.
