Based on Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, this is a story about the clash of English social classes during the Georgian era. Prejudice is what separates the classes, and pride is what draws two lovers together.
The Film
The story revolves around the Bennet family. The Bennet’s five daughters are all of age to marry, and the penniless state of the family increases pressure on all the girls to snag a suitor. In the class-conscious era of England, it was frowned upon to marry into a lower class. For the Bennets, it truly would be advantageous for the girls to marry into a life of wealth.
The family of seven is jilted when the wealthy and handsome Mr. Bingley visits their small town. Bingley brings his best friend Mr. Darcy with him, who seems particularly snobbish and somber. The family has one daughter Jane, who is considered the beauty of the countryside, and would be the perfect match for Mr. Bingley. Jane’s sister Elizabeth, a sharp tongued and passionate woman, is at Jane’s side to support her during the inevitable courtship. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy clash again and again during fiery interactions that yield feelings of discontent between the two.
When Mr. Bingley, who is seemingly in love with Jane, suddenly leaves their town, the entire family is shocked and confused. While visiting her older sister, Elizabeth is again united with Mr. Darcy. She discovers that it was Darcy’s doing that caused Mr. Bingley to subsequently reject Jane and her lower class family. Elizabeth feels a mad hatred for the man who could do this, and incredible pain for her mourning sister. Soon after her discovery, Mr. Darcy professes his love for Elizabeth only to be rejected, given his wrongdoings.
Elizabeth and Darcy have been considered one of the greatest romantic couples in literary history and their journey through their thick pride and emotions evoke a significant appeal to the audience.
Article comments