10 Things You Need to Know Before Reading Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is undoubtedly one of the most successful romantic novels of all time. It was first published in 1813 during the Regency Era in England. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the first edition sold out within the first year and the book has never been out of print.
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Two hundred whooping years later (and counting), the novel is still delightful to read and very much enjoyable. Pride and Prejudice is a book that stood the test of time. Even if you have never read it yourself, you probably heard about Elizabeth Bennet’s story or perhaps had a taste of it from one of the many adaptations this romantic tale has inspired (there are at least 17 movies!).
Pride and Prejudice is a multi-layered story that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is a love story, but it’s also a social satire, including remarkable commentaries on gender roles.
As extraordinary as Pride and Prejudice is, the book is old. And it’s very much a tale of its time, talking about the society of the era and all the conventions people had to obey. Thus, a modern reader may not immediately understand some aspects of the story.
