The text in question today involves the timeless classic by Jane Austen, which has continued to captivate readers for over two centuries. Pride and Prejudice (1813), set in the early 19th century, portrays life in rural England and the mindset of its people. It critiques various elements of society through the lives of members of the Bennet Family (residing at the Longbourn Estate) and Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley (staying at a nearby estate, Netherfield Park). What is it about this Regency-era novel that still resonates in the age of smartphones, streaming, and speed dating? Is it the wit and social commentary, or the universal themes of pride, prejudice, and personal growth? Why does it resonate with modern audiences, having been published more than two centuries ago?
Well, this article focuses on giving 6 reasons why readers are still so crazy about this classic, what makes it timeless, and how.
Pride And Prejudice: The OG Enemies-To-Lovers Tale
“Pride and Prejudice”, as the name suggests, highlights how both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy mistake each other’s personalities due to the already existing prejudices and pride they possess in themselves. Initially, one can’t imagine they would be together and so much in love, but the tale is an absolute enemies-to-lovers one. They are not the ones who fall in love at first sight, much like how Jane and Mr. Bingley did. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are rather a slow-burning couple.
Both the characters’ personality traits seem to conflict with each other at the start, as they are both of different humour and temperament. For instance, while Elizabeth is more jovial and fun-loving, Mr. Darcy likes to keep a straight face and exert his power in the room through pride. The barrier in their economic conditions further substantiates the difference. However, these differences only heighten the depth of their chemistry. Misunderstandings only make the whole love story more thrilling.
At the end of the day, both characters showcase how they have their emotional vulnerabilities. That is where they finally connect. Remember the solid classic scene where Darcy confesses his feelings for Elizabeth while it’s raining (so romantic)? And when she also finally sees the substance Darcy possesses, and shies away, stealing glances from him. Typical woman in love! They both find courage in love despite all the differences, and that is where they both accept each other as lovers to be together happily ever after.
Elizabeth: A Smart Female Lead
We can’t deny how Elizabeth’s witty banter keeps us hooked. Victorian standards positioned strong expectations on women to stay submissive and domestic. Usually, it was a “man’s job” to go forward and talk. So, a smart, vocal female lead was worth the attraction. Her clever and sharp remarks challenged a number of societal norms. We may draw parallels to literary examples like Jane Eyre and Mina Harker.
Elizabeth acted independently when she herself went on to visit her sick sister, Jane, even through the bad weather. She read books and loved art like that. And, it was meant for Darcy to consider that he was wrong to have said she was ordinary and bland at first. Also, Elizabeth speaks for herself and has a strong stance and opinion towards various topics. When she says ‘no’, she sticks by it, as in the case of Mr. Collins and his proposal. This doesn’t mean she is always right. She mistakes the character of Wickham, but at the same time, agrees she was wrong. She doesn’t deny accepting that she mistook Darcy’s pride and arrogance as his whole personality. In this way, she is a constantly growing and evolving character.
Mr. Darcy: A Green Flag
Darcy’s adoration for Elizabeth proves how much of a green flag he is. For instance, it is what he sees in her that makes him fall in love with her. He is not bothered about her family, economic background, or the house she stays in. His love unravels slowly as he starts observing her for who she is, as an individual. He falls for her eyes and intelligence at the Netherfield Ball, impressed by her independence and witty replies during her stay, and defends her from the mockery of Bingley’s sister. He is in deep when he finally confesses his feelings at the Rosings. Additionally, he deals with the rejection “like a man”!
Mr. Wickham serves as the foil to Mr. Darcy. While Wickham seems charming and fit for a match in the beginning, he has ulterior motives behind whatever he does. Darcy, on the other hand, seems arrogant and too bad to marry in the beginning, but his heart is genuine, and he is a giver. For example, he does not bother to get credit for saving Lydia’s image after the elopement with Wickham.
Darcy’s moment of truth further heightens the depth of his character. Readers understand that even though they were wrong to have initially misjudged him, they create an ultimate fondness for him in their hearts.
Social Commentary in Disguise
If you have read or seen an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, you know how the concept of marriage lies at the core of it. It is evident that the only job that’s there for Mrs. Bennet is getting all her daughters married off to a good family and a man with a fortune. But do our lead characters believe so? Not really!
Both Darcy and Elizabeth go beyond the societal expectations surrounding marriage to find a match for themselves. It’s not rooted in the kind of fortune either of them possesses. It’s rather rooted in how they fall in love with the people they are on the inside. The bond is genuine. It is not confined to society’s standards of finding a husband or wife.
Through this, the book diligently throws jabs at Classism. Classism, in plain words, is a prejudiced way of treating people not belong to a certain social class. The classic also challenges the set gender roles of the time. For instance, it’s not the confined woman working as per Victorian domestic standards that attracts Darcy, it’s the one who challenges those standards. Darcy, not working as per Lady Catherine’s wishes, humbly seeks Elizabeth’s forgiveness and asks if she would like to be his wife anyway.
Pride and Prejudice does not align with the idea that marriage is an economic transaction. This is evident through the way the lead characters chose their partners. The novel also points a finger at the religious and social hypocrisy – the shallowness of the upper-class society as they claim moral superiority while still being rigid or arrogant. Lady Catherine serves as a good example. So, in Gen Z terms, it would not be wrong to say that this classic was a secretly savage Rom-Com.
Pride And Prejudice: A Timeless Tale of Love
Wonder why we are still able to relate to Pride and Prejudice and talk about it like the book never gets old, and neither do its themes? Well, because even though it was written almost 22 decades ago, readers continue to resonate with it. The theme of finding the love of your life in such a wrong-first-impressions kind of way still seems exciting. Fun fact- the original title of the classic was “First Impressions”, but was changed later to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen around 1811 or 1812.
Universal themes like love and marriage, pride, prejudice, and misjudgment, as well as class and social hierarchies, never get old. If we talk about the characters, they are complex and yet very relatable. Women, even today, go on to use phrases like “Oh, I feel like Lizzy (Elizabeth) this morning”. Also, Darcy- one kind of green flag- is someone every woman in love with literature or books is rooting for. Falling in love with fictional men? Well, yes, this is where all that started from (haha!). Even the supporting characters like Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet, and Lady Catherine reflect certain personality types we still see: sycophants, social climbers, and overbearing relatives.
Austen’s sharp commentary on class snobbery, gender roles, and social mobility with wit and irony helps modern readers draw parallels to the society as it is today. The story also holds significant cultural endurance, as we see through its various adaptations over the years. It has been reimagined in many formats (films, series, books like Bridget Jones’s Diary or The Lizzie Bennet Diaries) owing to the original story’s emotional arc and social dynamics being flexible and relevant.
Moreover, aspects like identity, first impressions, forgiveness, pride, humility, love, and personal growth as an individual are forever relatable to humankind.
Reflects the ‘OG’ Victorian Vibe
The obsession of characters in the novel with status, propriety, and marriage as a contract reflects the mindset of the people from the Victorian age. For instance, marriage is a proto-Victorian survival for people; Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s perspective on marrying his nephew (Mr. Darcy) to her daughter exemplifies this.
Additionally, ideal womanhood was defined through women’s “accomplishments” like playing music, learning languages, and mastering embroidery. They were expected to look beautiful and presentable to be fit for wooing. The way they wore corsets to achieve that “perfect” silhouette, with a tiny waist and emphasized bust and hips. Elizabeth challenged these standards.
The matter of reputation also comes into play, which also decides the fate of many associated with what one does. For instance, Lydia’s running away to elope with Wickham decides the future of her sisters and makes them less likely to be married off. There is constant interference of people into each other’s lives and families, just like a subtle social surveillance. The dinners, dances, and balls provide a place for people to come together, entertain rumours, and engage in gossip.
Characters are often seen choosing social status over moral growth. They judge by economic backgrounds, the kind of house one lives in, the dresses they wear, and more. Although initially mistaken, our lead characters do not necessarily choose or reject each other through appearance, but by knowing the internal selves of each other.
Final Notes
With all those aspects coming into play altogether, we understand why Pride and Prejudice stands out as a classic today. It is not only timelessly relevant but also relatable. Elizabeth and Darcy continue to be one of the most loved couples to date. Their story, marked by personal growth, social commentary, and emotional depth, resonates with readers across generations. Austen’s wit, sharp observation of society, and deep understanding of human nature ensure that the novel remains a cherished literary masterpiece—one that continues to inspire discussions, adaptations, and admiration even centuries after its publication.
Jennis Jacob, a passionate literary enthusiast in her 20s, is a writer and poet. With eight years of experience in literature, she is currently a master in English and finds inspiration in Womanist, American, and Indian Partition Literatures. Her works have appeared in anthologies such as ‘Carved Words Of Creative Minds’ and ‘100 Splendid Voices,’ and she is working on upcoming books. Through LitWithASip, she aims to ignite a love for literature and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
