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Literary Criticism Of Pride And Prejudice

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Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice as a comedy and a moral, romantic fiction. Today, the novel is read as a classic work of fiction and a tale of the development and growth of personal attachment and personality. The plot, the artistic execution, the humor, and the message of morality continue to appeal to young people and adults alike. The classic portrays the struggles associated with marriage, the social initiation into adulthood, and the uniting both the fortunes and the feelings of two passionate people. The novel has a plot and subplot and both plots end in marriage. The progression of these two plots—one complicated, the other simple—presents an assessment of moral character. Elizabeth and Darcy are strong individuals whose paths present opportunities to grow emotionally. These characters contrast an array of behaviors: the good, but modest Jane and Bingley, who do not change; the more difficult Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Bennet, who choose the simple life by giving in or giving up; and the simple characters of Lady Catherine, Lydia, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and Wickham, who have a superficial understanding and strive to manipulate others to their own liking and purpose. The title, Pride and Prejudice, suggests the complicated, ironic changes that will take place. Elizabeth’s prejudice is based on pride in herself and her judgment; Darcy’s pride is based on social prejudice. The arrival of Mr.

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