As I read my little fantasies, kicking my feet and twirling my hair as I make my way through yet another YA “one girl against the world aided by her hot fae boyfriend” book, one novel watches me from my bookshelf. It stares at me. Judges me. Beckons me. Intimidates me. That book is Pride and Prejudice.
Look, I have never studied English Literature, I was never forced to sit and read classics, then eventually grow to love them. My love of reading started with The Hobbit and I have been a shameless fantasy girlie since. Reading actual classic literature just didn’t really occur to me. But, over 2023, when I really started taking my “charity shop book hunting” hobby seriously, I began to pick up a couple of classics wherever I could find them. I told myself that I would eventually get to them and for £1 a book, I couldn’t resist.
Also, as a writer, I felt the need to read some classics. Perhaps it was imposter syndrome badgering me (as it often does), but I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience. Reading a wide range of genres is important as a writer and classic lit was a genre I’ve been neglecting. I have a little collection of classics now, all of which intimidate me greatly. But, in the interest of facing my fears, I stepped out of my fantasy-lined comfort zone and picked up Pride and Prejudice. It’s also important to note that I’ve never watched the film or TV show, so I was fairly in the dark.
Now, I read pretty quickly. I’ve always been quite a fast reader. But, the first couple of chapters of P&P slowed me doooowwwwwnnn. I had to recalibrate my silly little brain to learn the old English. This isn’t a bad thing, I definitely enjoyed it. But, what’s remarkable about Jane Austen is that despite the English being a bit of a mental mouthful, it all flows so beautifully. The writing is just exquisite. So, yes, while I did have to go back and reread a paragraph (or a page) every now and then, I didn’t mind. I just loved the way it sounded. I quite often found myself going back to reread certain passages because of how lovely they were.
“I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding— certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of other so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”
For anyone reading this who is on the fence about reading P&P because of the writing: it’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you adjust slightly, you’re all good. Just take your time.
I found the old English so fascinating in the book. For example, “chuse” instead of “choose” or “teaze” instead of “tease”. I also strongly believe that describing someone as “agreeable” needs to be returned to modern vocabulary.
“Mary wished to say something very sensible, but knew not how.”
Of course, I don’t live completely under a rock, so I already knew about Mr Darcy. I didn’t know his character or really what to expect at all. What I didn’t expect was Mr Darcy being a cute little awkward guy, just trying to stand near Elizabeth every now and then. Meanwhile, Elizabeth hangs around bemused or sometimes hating him. As the name of the novel states, one of them has a lot of pride and (believe it or not), the other has a lot of prejudices. Then, as you’d imagine, the book follows both characters as they slowly overcome their flaws.
I found myself looking forward to every conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth. Reading into the posh, upper class politeness to figure out what was being said between the lines. They have a fascinating relationship. Not only that, but it is incredibly romantic. Considering that they’re barely within a few feet of each other for a lot of the book, they’re chemistry is captivating.
“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
P&P is very different from pretty much all the books I’ve read recently, in that most of this book is just rich people visiting each other. Throughout the book the characters move from one manor to the other, eating food, and using politeness to hide their true feelings. The amount of times a character just showed up randomly to someone’s house, without invitation, and stayed there for ages is crazy. But, despite the fact that the entire book mostly takes place at various dinner parties, a lot happens. There’s scandal, gossip, and complications. I actually gasped at multiple points in the book, which I really didn’t expect. The last quarter of the book is an absolute whirlwind especially. I couldn’t put it down and when I finally turned the final page, I felt lost.
“They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immoveable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.”
I was so pleasantly surprised by P&P that I’m even looking forward to watching the TV show (which, my dear friend Lady Katie, has assured me, will do me the honour of hosting a watch party. I am most excited to attend such an event, for I ponder upon the accuracy of such an adaption) and the film. I want more of it. I’m also pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. It’s not that I was expecting to hate it, it’s just that I was so intimidated by it. I assumed it would be inaccessible, dense, and a drag. But, it was far from it.
Will this make me give some other classics a go? Sure. I also have Jane Eyre on my shelf, which is even more intimidating than P&P – but, maybe I just need to give it a chance.
“Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves.”
“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They
are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration
these last twenty years at least.”
I hope you enjoyed today’s stream of consciousness drivel. I quite enjoy writing them. Please comment or email me recommendations for accessible classics, I’m looking to expand my knowledge!
RhiWriting 
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