Review: How ‘Pride and Prejudice’ has stood the test of time

It is a truth universally acknowledged that “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, the romantic and satirical love story between the intelligent Elizabeth Bennet and the forthright Mr. Darcy, has remained a staple in classic literature and pop culture. Regarded as one of Austen’s most famous works, “Pride and Prejudice” has received critical acclaim and adoration since its publication over two centuries ago.

Austen’s sophomore novel has been adapted into various movie and television adaptations, adapted for the stage through national and local theater productions, and translated into numerous languages for readers across the globe.

“Pride and Prejudice” has also been credited with contributing to the creation of the popular “enemies-to-lovers” trope and has been reimagined in various unique and modern retellings through the page and screen.

Recently, “Pride and Prejudice” has been a major topic in the world of entertainment. The casting of a Netflix miniseries adaptation was announced on April 10, and the 2005 adaptation directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen is being rereleased in theaters April 20 in honor of the film’s 20th anniversary.  

But how has Jane Austen’s beloved novel remained relevant in today’s modern society? In a world where trends come and go, and certain books, films, songs, TV shows, and other elements of literature and entertainment are only popular for so long, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” the exception?

As someone who is a fan of Jane Austen and especially “Pride and Prejudice” (both the 2005 adaptation and the book itself), I can attest to the fact that, no matter how much time passes, I always go back to “Pride and Prejudice” for a good read or a comforting watch. Having rewatched the 2005 film and reread the novel countless times, I can see why “Pride and Prejudice” continues to resonate with readers and is essentially a must-read in the classic literature canon. 

Austen weaves social commentary into the story and examines themes such as gender roles and social class. Austen explores how wealth and status is highly valued and therefore affects marriage and relationships, in which marriage is a way of advancing in society and gaining financial security rather than for love and happiness.

Additionally, Austen critiques the societal expectations placed on women and how social norms can restrict women’s choices. Austen also examines the need for a woman to maintain an esteemed reputation and the consequences that can follow if a woman’s reputation is tainted.

The times and circumstances may change, but the themes remain the same and are relevant in today’s world, particularly the theme of women and social norms. Just like how a woman’s reputation was delicate in the time of “Pride and Prejudice,” female public figures today also have to be conscious of their reputation or risk experiencing a public downfall.

Part of what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a compelling story is its characters. The ensemble of characters that Austen created have depth and are relatable, in which each character has their own backstory and flaws that make them unique. From the amusing and marriage-obsessed Mrs. Bennet to the socially awkward Mr. Collins, each character has a distinct personality that sets them apart from one another.

By using witty and sharp dialogue, Austen not only comments on themes that she explores throughout the novel but also reveals the complexities of these characters, as well as their motivations. Through these characters, Austen explores the nature of human relationships, particularly when a person’s pride and prejudice can affect their relationships with others. For example, as soon as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy were able to overcome their prejudices against each other, they were able to grow and develop a genuine connection.

The influence of “Pride and Prejudice” is evident, particularly across literature, film, and pop culture. The novel has been adapted into numerous movies and TV shows, notably the 1995 BBC miniseries starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth and the 2005 adaptation.

Additionally, many books and movies have been loosely inspired by “Pride and Prejudice,” including “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001). “Pride and Prejudice” is often credited with being the blueprint for the “enemies-to-lovers” trope that appears across film and literature. “Pride and Prejudice” has also been referenced across pop culture, in which most recently the 1995 miniseries was mentioned in “Barbie” (2023). 

Jane Austen, at the end of the day, was able to craft such a beautiful yet comedic story with refreshing social commentary, good characters, and a love story to root for that has lasted for more than 200 years.

Whether you are reading “Pride and Prejudice” for school, rewatching the 2005 adaptation in theaters, seeing a play adaptation, or stumbling upon a row of “Pride and Prejudice” copies at your local bookstore, the timeless story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy will continue to captivate readers and endure for years to come.