Welcome to For Pride and Prejudice

For Pride and Prejudice is a resourceful tool for avid readers to submerge themselves into the realm of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The book Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel by British author Jane Austen.  The tale is set in Regency Era and follows the complicated rules of engagement between men and women, upper and lower classes, and how quickly misconceptions and prejudice can interfere with true happiness.

Part of the charm of Jane Austen's writings is that everything is left so ambiguous!  We know very little of when exactly the plot unfolds or what exactly all the characters look like.  Instead, she leaves little clues in her works -- the date on a letter, the remark about fine eyes -- that make the reading a treasure hunt.  No true reader can say they have discovered every one of these hidden clues on the first reading.  No.  To enjoy the character of Austen's work calls for multiple readings -- I recommend doing so with a warm cuppa and a biscuit.


Whether you're forced to read this wonderful novel for a class or whether you've read the book a hundred times and just want more information, I hope that For Pride and Prejudice is able to answer any questions you may have.


If you have any questions that have not been addressed, please feel free to reach out to me.  I am not a professor or an award winning author.  I'm just a fan (hopefully, like you) with a well worn annotated version of Pride and Prejudice with a penchant for helping others and an unhealthy addiction to all things Pride and Prejudice.

If you would like for me to list your site, blog, twitter feed, noticeboard, cave paintings, etc. related to Pride and Prejudice on my blog, please feel free to contact me.

Kind Regards,
Krystal
dawnkhogan@gmail.com

What does Mr. Edward Gardiner do for a living?

He earns his income from “a very respectable line of trade,” and he lives near his warehouse in London, in Gracechurch Street not far from Cheapside. 

9 Ridiculously Perfect Pride and Prejudice Gifts for Christmas

9 Ridiculously Perfect Pride and Prejudice Gifts for Christmas

For those of us who appreciate the novel a little bit too much, it may come as a shock just how many gift options are out there.

Luckily for you, I have done all of the hard work and found the greatest gifts for all of the lovely Pride and Prejudice fans out there. You're welcome :)

So let's dig right in, shall we?

1.  This perfect mug available in Missbohemia's etsy shop.  Currently priced at $10.90 with the sentiment "I'd rather be at Pemberley" this will make Christmas morning just so cozy.

I mean, who could say no to that, right? Her shop is jampacked with other great gift ideas for the literary fanatic in our lives (usually us!).  I'd also love to know where Missbohemia gets that font for Pemberley as well.


2. At the very top of my Christmas list is this card game, Marrying Mr. Darcy Board Game!


I literally squealed when I saw it on Amazon.  All it needs is a helpful guide on how I can convince my fiance to play with me.


The reviews for this are phenomenal as well.  You don't often see 5 star reviews on Amazon, so you know when you do it's a pretty good guarantee you'll get some bang for your buck with the purchase.
(Currently Priced at $40.00)




3. Take a trip down memory lane with these adorable Pride and Prejudice Paperdolls

I loved playing with paperdolls as a little girl.  I guess even then I was a bit of an old soul.  This lovely paper doll book would make the perfect stocking stuffer for the kid in us all.  

This version of the Pride and Prejudice Paperdolls has pretty solid reviews so go crazy and buy it up!
(Currently Priced at $10.00)









4. Another boardgame I am excited about is Jane Austen's Matchmaker.

Jane Austen's Matchmaker is the card game of love, romance and social domination. Place your ladies into society and make proposals with your gentlemen. Marry for love or money, or both! Beware of charming scoundrels who'll steal your virtue and offer nothing in return. All's fair in love and matchmaking!
(Currently Priced at $14.50)


5. Tell your own Pride and Prejudice story with a Personalised Pride and Prejudice Novel by PMC

Now seriously, how cool is this?! You can alter the text (not sacrilege, I promise!) to include your own name and the name of your significant other into the story.  This takes Pride and Prejudice to a very special place on any fan's shelf.

After purchase, you will need to reach out to the Amazon seller directly to supply your names and then wait patiently for Christmas to arrive so you can see the look of joy in your giftee's eyes!
(Currently Priced at $70.00)

6. This T-shirt that sums up every Austen fan.
Within us all lives our own individual spirit animal... mine just happens to be Jane Austen! I'm sure every Pride and Prejudice can say the same thing.

Stay Tuned Tees has a whole shop full of very witty t-shirts to choose from that are reasonably priced (currently this t-shirt is $22.95).


7. Add a hint of Pride and Prejudice to your daily routine with this Pride and Prejudice Lavender Body Lotion

Now this is the perfect stocking stuffer and at $7.00 it won't break the bank.  I'm actually really curious to see what it smells like <<hint hint>> Santa.


You can pick this one up at The MacBath's etsy store where they have Pride and Prejudice goats milk soap, some bath bombs, and an option to create your own personalized set!


8. For the sewing fan, give the gift of craft with this vintage pattern

I have had the craziest desire to get into sewing and I think this might be the year for sure.  Espceially when I can make my own regency era clothing to play pretend Pride and Prejudice.  Now that's exactly how to get anyone interested in Pride and Prejudice interested in wanting to learn to sew.

Moon Dance Crafts' etsy has this pattern and so much more on sale for Black Friday this week (Currently Priced at $5.25)

9. Snuggle up with this endearing Mr. Darcy pillow.

I really feel like I saved the best for last.  As much as I love love love all of the gifts I've sneak-peeked so far, there is nothing more appealing to me right now, than to curl up on the couch, put on the BBC miniseries, and cuddle this pillow.

I think the hardest thing about buying this pillow would be waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Telah Marie's etsy shop is full of so many fun pillows like this.  I think I've found what I will be obsessing over next.  (Currently Priced at $25.50)







That's all for now, but stay tuned to For Pride and Prejudice as we continue to scour the internet for the most amazing gift ideas for all Pride and Prejudice fans.

-Krystal

8 Greatest Pride and Prejudice Infographics

8 Greatest Pride and Prejudice Infographics

I have a confession to make. Sadly, I am but a humble fan of Pride and Prejudice. I am not an author, professor, researcher, or archivist who dutifully spends countless hours immersed in everything Pride and Prejudice. No my faithful fanatics. I have a day job. *gasp*

My day job involves countless hours of reviewing lots and lots of data, squinting at spreadsheets and then presenting information. It is not nearly as glamorous as I just made it sound either.

But fortunately for me (and for you!) I'm really good at my job. The reason for this is because I enjoy data. I love taking large datasets apart and presenting something meaningful. It's like a little treasure hunt and it is very rewarding... to me at least.

In the coming weeks, I will be using these unique skills and combining them with my passion for Pride and Prejudice to bring you the most in depth Pride and Prejudice Infographics you will ever see. Want to know which characters are mentioned the most? Which chapters have the most words? Travel distance for Mr. Collins? Seriously. I'm surprised Lady Catherine let him leave her sight as often as he made the journey to Longbourn.

Anything and everything that can be picked apart, will be and we'll be presenting to you all in weekly installments. So stay tuned for that.

If you do not know what an infographic is, I have scoured Pinterest for some fabulous examples.  Let me know in the comments what details you are interested in seeing captured in an infographic and I will see what I can do.










Thanks for stopping by For Pride and Prejudice
-Krystal

List of Characters in Pride and Prejudice

List of Characters in Pride and Prejudice

Below is a list of the major characters included in the novel Pride and Prejudice.  See complete list of all characters including descriptions and analysis, on my Characters Resource Page.

Elizabeth Bennet—protagonist, the second of five daughters; pragmatic and independent; her father’s favorite

Miss Jane Bennet—Elizabeth’s older sister; wants to see the best in everyone;

Mary Bennett—the plain, bookish middle sister

Miss Catherine (Kitty) Bennett—easily led and shallow fourth daughter

Lydia Bennet—the youngest sister, flirty and undisciplined

Mr. Bennet—their father, cynical and permissive

Mrs. Bennet—their mother, whose main goal is to find husbands for her daughters

Charlotte Lucas—Elizabeth’s best friend

Sir William and Mrs. Lucas—The Bennets’ neighbors

Mr. Collins—the Bennet girls’ overbearing cousin, a priggish clergyman who stands to inherit Longbourn, the Bennets’ entailed estate

The Gardiners—Mrs. Bennet’s brother and sister-in-law who live in London

George Wickham—an attractive militia officer stationed near the Bennets

Mr. Charles Bingley—unmarried, wealthy young man who has leased nearby Netherfield

Miss Caroline Bingley—Mr. Bingley’s sister

Mrs. Hurst—Bingley’s married sister

Mr. Hurst—Bingley’s brother-in-law

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—Bingley’s prideful, wealthy friend

Miss Darcy—Darcy’s sister

Col. Fitzwilliam—a relation of Darcy whose status as second son leaves him with little wealth

Lady Catherine de Bourgh—a condescending wealthy snob; patron of Collins; aunt of Darcy

See complete list of all characters including descriptions and analysis, on my Characters Resource Page.

Biography of Jane Austen

Biography of Jane Austen 

Source: PrideGuide

Jane Austen was born December 16, 1775, to Rev. George Austen and the former Cassandra Leigh in Steventon, Hampshire. Like the families in many of her novels, the Austens were a large family of respectable lineage but no fortune. She was one of eight children. Her letters to her only sister Cassandra (the surviving letters date to 1796) are the primary source of biographical information.

Although she never married, her letters to Cassandra and other writings reveal several romantic entanglements, including a very brief engagement (which lasted only one evening). She moved several times around the English countryside, but information about her work is somewhat sketchy. She began to write as a teenager, though kept her work hidden from all but her immediate family. Legend has it that while she was living with relatives after her father’s death in 1805, she asked that a squeaky hinge on the room’s swinging door not be oiled. This way, she would have enough time to hide her manuscripts before someone entered the room.

Her brother Henry helped her sell her first novel, Sense and Sensibility, to a publisher in 1811. Her father unsuccessfully tried to get a publisher to look at her novel First Impressions when she completed it in 1797. This was the novel that later became Pride and Prejudice, and was published in 1813 to highly favorable reviews. Mansfield Park was published in 1814, and then Emma in 1816.

The title page of each book referred to one or two of Austen’s earlier novels—capitalizing on her growing reputation—but did not provide her name. In 1816, she began to suffer from ill health. At the time, it was thought to be consumption but it is now surmised to have been from Addison’s disease.

She travelled to Winchester to receive treatment, and died there on July 18, 1817 at age 41. Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were published together posthumously in December 1817 with a “Biographical Notice” written by her brother Henry, in which Jane Austen was, for the first time in one of her novels, identified as the author.

Jane Austen’s England

Source: PrideGuide

Jane Austen’s England 

The English Regency

The English Regency, in its most literal interpretation, encompasses the years 1811 to 1820. It began when the Prince of Wales was appointed Regent of England after his father, King George III, fell insane. The Industrial Revolution, which had begun in the mid-18th century, continued to bring innovation to the Western hemisphere during this era, while the political world remained entangled in wars and revolutions.

In the Regency’s broader interpretation—when used to describe periods of art, literature, fashion, design, and architecture—the Regency can encompass years as early as 1790 and as late as 1830. Britain was transformed by the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century.

Until then most people lived in the countryside and made their living from farming. By the mid 19th century most people in Britain lived in towns and made their living from mining or manufacturing industries.


Rules for Society During the English Regency 

Below is a list of standard practices of behavior during this time period and some of the ways the story is impacted as a result.

General Behavior 

• A man always walks or rides on the outside of the woman on the street (so that she is protected from the street).
• You should not fidget, bite your nails, or scratch. You should stand or sit sedately and move in a smooth and graceful manner.
• Be cheerful and smile, but do not laugh loudly.
• A man never smokes in the presence of ladies. After dinner is served at a dinner party and the women retire to the drawing room the men may remain behind to smoke.
• You should not sit with your legs crossed (unless gracefully at the ankles)
• Never lift your skirts above the ankles.
 • Gentleman should bow to a lady before leaving, rather than simply walking away.
• Among men, handshakes are exchanged only between those of equal class.
• Gloves must be worn at all times and may only be removed at the supper table (or buffet).

Greeting/Introductions 

• A man always waits for a woman; she acknowledges him first with a bow and then he may tip his hat, using the hand furthest away from her.
• It is rude to introduce yourself; you must wait to be introduced formally by someone else, especially when the other person is of a higher rank. This is why Elizabeth tries to dissuade Mr. Collins from approaching Mr. Darcy.
• When acknowledging a woman with whom a man is familiar, with whom he wishes to speak, he may turn and walk with her as she speaks. It is not mannerly to make a woman stand in the street.
• When first meeting a gentleman the lady should acknowledge him with a bow of the head and a curtsey. When a lady knows a gentleman she may acknowledge him with a bow of the head.
• A lady waits to be introduced to a gentleman and never introduces herself.
• When introduced to a man a lady never offers her hand, she merely bows/curtsies politely and says, “I am happy to make your acquaintance.”
• If someone greets you, or visits you, you must respond in kind. This is why Elizabeth thinks Darcy is proud and contemptuous when he barely acknowledges Wickham, and why Jane is offended that Caroline’s return visit to her at her aunt’s house is rudely brief.
• When entering the dining room, people generally enter in couples, with the rank of the ladies determining the order. This is why after she returns with Wickham, Lydia declares she will enter before her sisters, as a married woman outranks an unmarried one.

Visiting/Travel 

• A lady may never call on a man alone.
• Visitors should give advance warning of their arrival (like Mr. Collin’s letter to Mr. Bennet). This is why it is especially shocking when Lady Catherine arrives unannounced.
• In a carriage, a gentleman sits facing backward. A gentleman should never sit next to a lady when he is alone with her in a carriage unless he is her direct relation.
• A lady under thirty years old should not walk alone without another lady, man, or servant unless walking to Church in the early morning. This makes Elizabeth’s walk to Netherfield to visit Jane mildly scandalous.

 Dancing/Balls 

• A lady never dances more than two dances with the same partner. Two would last approximately half an hour.
• Dancing is one of the few places respectable women can talk to a man privately (that’s why balls play such an important role in finding a spouse.)
• It is considered rude for a lady to turn down an invitation from a gentleman to dance.
• A man at a ball is expected to dance if there are any ladies not already engaged. This is why it is an affront that Darcy does not dance with Elizabeth at the first ball.

Status of Women in the Aristocracy 

• As Darcy and Elizabeth discuss, women are expected to be “accomplished”, which includes activities such as reading, riding, singing, playing piano, sewing, dancing and playing music. Society does not allow ladies of a higher class to have a profession.
• Women have no power of earning money, therefore it is their duty to marry as well as possible (hence Mrs. Bennet’s obsession).
• If a woman does not marry, she is forced to rely on the charity of her male relatives.
• Whatever a married woman inherits becomes the property of her husband (which is why Wickham actively seeks a wealthy and naïve heiress).
• If a woman engages in sexual activity or even the vaguest hint of it, she is considered ineligible for marriage or for any lower class (but respectable) position such as governess, teacher, or paid companion. This is why it was so important to get Lydia married to Wickham after they had run off together.
• Formal, academic education is not considered important for women. Most women are taught at home, and studies focused on “accomplishments” and wifely duties rather than academics.

Conversation 

• Conversation should be appropriate to your gender, age, and class.
• Women should not debate—for example, fiscal or military policy—but they may comment on the price of veal or the welfare of their cousins in the army.
• Shouting, arguing, or whistling are essentially forbidden.
• When speaking to someone of a higher social standing, it is critical to remember the correct forms of address and be polite but not overly familiar.
• It is not polite to discuss money or the advantage of a particular marriage in public. This is why Elizabeth is so embarrassed when her mother declares the likelihood of Jane’s marriage to Bingley.

How old is Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice the novel by Jane Austen?

Elizabeth Bennet is 20 in the novel Pride and Prejudice.

From the novel:

Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer;
and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever
dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence.

"You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, therefore you need not
conceal your age."

"I am not one-and-twenty."

Why did Jane Austen name Pride and Prejudice Pride and Prejudice?

Originally titled First Impressions, Jane Austen changed the name of her ever enduring novel to Pride and Prejudice after a recommendation from her publisher. She had great success with her first published novel, Sense and Sensibility, and get publisher wanted her next novel to cash in on that popularity. By having the title follow the same naming convention, they believed her novel would be an instant success.

I don't think any of them could have envisioned just how successful the novel would become.

What is Pride and Prejudice?

Pride and Prejudice is a famous novel by Jane Austen. The novel centers around the concept of love, marriage, and during the  regency era in England.

Published in 1813, the novel remains at the top of the world's best novels lists. 200 years later, the tale of romance between Elizabeth and Darcy endures.

Does anyone die in Pride and Prejudice?

Thankfully no characters are killed off in Pride and Prejudice.

There are characters who have passed on and are mentioned in the book, but nobody dies within the text.

Some deceased characters mentioned:
Sir Darcy (Senior)
Lady Anne Darcy
Bingley's father
Mr. Collins (Senior)
Mr. Wickham (Senior)

What is the point of view of Pride and Prejudice?

The novel Pride and Prejudice is told from the third person point of view.

The point of view of a novel usually decides which characters we sympathize with. In the novel, Elizabeth Bennett is the focal character allowing the audience to feel as if the story is told about her experiences through an unbiased lense.

Mr. Bennet Passed Away

For each of us, there is only one.

One special actor portraying one special character.

For me, and thus for this website, that one is Mr. Benjamin Whitrow.  He was our Mr. Bennet.  He was our quintessential father figure in a story that is as timeless as his performance.  I can vividly recall my first viewing of Pride and Prejudice.  It was in my senior year of English Literature in 2002.  Our teacher put on the video for the 1995 adaptation from the BBC.  At that time, I had neither heard nor seen anything at all to do with Jane Austen nor Pride and Prejudice.  After the first installment, I was in love.  I would never dream to say that I fell in love with Jane Austen's works based solely on the performance of one actor, but if there is one actor that has stood out over the course of time from my initial viewing it would have to be Benjamin Whitrow.

His animation of the text, his vivacity of character, his overall essential being... he is Mr. Bennet to me. I cannot imagine a world of Pride and Prejudice without him, which provides a simple solace to trying to live in a real world without him.

Thank you, Ben for your contribution to Pride and Prejudice.  May your timeless performance outlive all those that could possibly appreciate it.

Do you pay attention to first impressions?

There's a reason why Jane Austen titled her first draft of Pride and Prejudice as First Impressions.  It is so very easy to misinterpret the intentions of others.

First impressions are all about people interacting with each other, so a novel called First Impressions puts the idea of people meeting and interacting with other people front and center. The focus is on manners, behavior, and outward appearance.

First impressions matter. Not just because some one else told you they do, but because they just do.  Think back on the last person you met.  Truly.  Think about it.

What was this person wearing?
What was the first word this person said to you?
How did the person leave the room/area/vicinity?

Chances are you can answer at least one of the questions above.  Even if you didn't actively try to remember those minute details, you still did.  This is because it is human nature to pay attention to first impressions, even if we have no intention of actively doing so.

Here's the thing about meeting people: in order to actually meet them, you have to be involved.  Even if just a little bit.  It's quite a lot different in our day than in Jane's.  There are not strict, set regimental rules regarding the approach to society as there were in Jane's time. Back then, you wouldn't even THINK to approach a stranger and introduce yourself (ahem, Mr. Collins addressing Mr. Darcy at the Netherfield ball. AHEM) without someone else paving the way for you.  Nowadays, we forge relationships with strangers all over the world online, regularly mix social circles at work, school, home, etc., and we share so much of our lives on social media. The first impressions we make nowadays often occur without us even knowing we've made an impression or whom we've made an impression on.

I don't think Jane could have had the ability to have the foresight to understand just how connected we would be in the future as we are now. Nowadays, everyone either knows everyone or knows someone who knows someone... there is no anonymity.  It's actually 1 part comforting and 1 part terrifying.

I guess it's a good thing she decided to call her novel 'Pride and Prejudice' instead of 'First Impressions'.... we're all better for it.

How might you react if another person completely misinterpreted your actions or intentions?

That is the entire premise of the novel Pride and Prejudice.

The novel is centered around two main characters - Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Essentially, it all boils down to these characters being attracted to another, but every step along the way they misunderstand eachother.  He thinks she is beneath him.  She thinks that he thinks he is too good for her.

Ultimately, they both work through their differences and at the end of the novel they are able to reconcile their differences. 

Welcome to For Pride and Prejudice

For Pride and Prejudice is a resourceful tool for avid readers to submerge themselves into the realm of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudi...