How to Read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

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Timestamps:
0:00 appreciating the novels of Jane Austen
1:00 how to read Pride and Prejudice
2:00 the story of Pride and Prejudice
3:00 a single man of large fortune
3:30 meeting the Bennet family
4:00 Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy
4:30 meeting Elizabeth Bennett
5:00 my appreciation for Mrs Bennet
5:20 Bennett estate entailed to Mr Collins
6:20 why the stakes are high in this story
7:20 the Georgian and Regency era
8:00 social pyramid of Jane Austen’s day
8:30 why readers dislike Lady Catherine
9:20 understanding the Georgian gentry
10:00 what was Jane Austen’s social class?
11:15 social tension in Georgian England
12:20 awareness of social rank in Austen
13:00 understanding the character Mr Collins
13:30 on the idea of knowing your place
14:00 why is Mr Darcy so rude?
14:50 Jane Austen’s heroines marry for love
15:30 the humour of the marriage market
16:00 why we love Elizabeth Bennet
17:00 a lady walking through miles of mud
17:30 the psychology of regency courtship
18:30 on the idea of marrying for love
19:00 what it meant to refuse a proposal
20:30 what happened to unmarried women?
22:00 how to attract a decent regency man
22:40 what makes an accomplished woman?
23:00 what makes a good woman to Darcy?
24:00 how to meet your regency love
24:30 the etiquette of the Georgian ballroom
25:40 the conduct of courting couples
26:00 the good and bad of regency dances
26:30 how a gentleman behaves at the ball
27:30 what did ‘coming out’ mean?
28:50 on the youngest Bennett Lydia
29:30 when was Pride and Prejudice written?
30:30 when was Pride and Prejudice published?
30:40 the tragedy of Jane Austen’s early death
31:30 how each Austen novels is unique
32:00 the voice of a young Jane Austen
32:20 on the love life of Jane Austen
32:50 Jane Austen’s letters to sister Cassandra
33:10 Tom Lefroy, the one who got away
34:00 Austen’s novels were her children
34:30 Jane Austen and the rise of the novel
35:00 what was the reputation of the novel?
35:40 defence of the novel in Northanger Abbey
36:40 not ashamed of being a novel reader
38:20 the rise of the subscription library
39:50 the history of women writers and readers
40:30 Shakespeare’s influence on Jane Austen
40:50 what writers did Jane Austen read?
41:30 Fanny Burney’s influence on Jane Austen
42:00 epistolary novels in the great age of letters
43:00 communal reading and reading aloud
43:50 on the juvenilia of Jane Austen
44:10 Austen’s revolutionary social realism
44:40 Austen’s psychologically complex characters
45:00 seeing our family in the Bennet family
45:30 Sir Walter Scott’s review of Emma
46:00 realism vs exciting melodrama
46:20 first person vs omniscient narration
47:30 when authors behave like characters
48:00 what Tolstoy learnt from Jane Austen
48:30 Austen pioneers free indirect discourse
49:30 appreciating Jane Austen’s ingenuity
50:30 nineteen different centres of consciousness
51:20 ‘it is a truth universally acknowledged…’
52:20 recommended adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
53:00 relishing the irony and subtext of Jane Austen
54:20 reading exercise for Jane Austen appreciation
55:00 male vs female point of view in Austen
55:40 how the characters are the story
56:30 how do we define what a character is?
57:40 the complexity of Austen’s protagonists
59:00 seeing a reflection of ourselves in literature
1:00:30 appreciating otherness in Austen’s novels
1:01:00 Austen and Molière lectures pacing
1:02:00 Pride and Prejudice with the book club
1:04:00 back catalogue and upcoming read-throughs
1:05:00 what is your experience with Jane Austen?

[@DansVilleray]

You had me at "Jane Austen".

[@bethnoel1148]

😂😂😂 the way he said with such passion. Ben would be such a pleasurable lecturer to listen to.

[@firuzamuzaffarova1710]

Well said “You had me at “-Hello!” ” 😅❤️

[@theculturedbumpkin]

I LOVE Jane Austen. When I was in the Army, Austen swept me far away from my current situation and off to a different time and place. Thank you for this!

[@qamarqammar7629]

Jane Austen was apparently widely read by soldiers during WWI.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so glad that Austen was able to offer you some comfort during such a traumatic time. Thank you so much for sharing this. As Qamar say, WWI soldiers would read the novels of Austen to escape from the horrors of the trenches. The Medical Corps would specifically recommend her books and stock them in hospital libraries for bibliotherapy. The term 'Janeites' also actually comes from a Kipling short story about a group of soldiers who are secret fans of Austen. He and his wife found solace in Austen when they tragically lost their son in the war. I hope you're keeping well and looking after yourself after your service 🙏

[@JuneTurner-dt4fb]

It's amazing how well that novel stands up. Even today it still feels fresh. Lizzie is SUCH a vivid character. I once heard a sweet old literature professor say "I've been in love with Lizzie Bennett for 60 years," and I can see why.

[@ambreenali.]

I love this! And I love seeing a man appreciate Austen like this... I don't know, maybe it's just my luck but in the almost five years of me studying literature, I've never seen any of my male professors praise Austen for her work, it has always been the other way around. This made me really happy ❤

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Ambreen!! I really appreciate that ☺️❤️

[@ambreenali.]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy 😊😊😊

[@PokhrajRoy.]

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that I’m happy to see this book being discussed.

[@jgatsby22]

Nothing would please me more than if you would do a six video series of her six novels. And maybe even cover the smaller unfinished ones. ❤ this video was lovely.

[@ileanaaaaa]

Yes please! 🙏😄

[@HeyAllyHey]

You’ve got my vote 🤚 ❤

[@lidiacazam]

Every year I re-read Jane Austen's novels, and every year I feel like I’m having a slightly different conversation with her, it’s a feeling I can’t put into words but it’s quite unique. I love Austen, and I love that you’ve come to love her works too!

[@T.A.Constantine]

Fine! I'll read Pride and prejudice, again.

[@franniecamden]

Mrs Bennet is also one of my favorites! She will say out loud what people think and is so funny! I absolutely love this book! Thankyou so much!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Ha, this is so true! I'm so happy she is one of your favourites too. I adore Mrs Bennet :)

[@baxtermaxtor]

Thinking now about Mr. Collins and the violence of his affection.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

😂😂😂

[@ladybird_fontaine]

After reading The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow, I see him in a different light . Although that dinner scene where he remarks on the excellent boiled potatoes can never be forgotten 😂

[@keldoe1351]

THANK YOU! I recently dropped this book because I could not force myself to get interested in it but you could convince me to deeply appreciate the literary merit of “if you give a mouse a cookie” if you wanted to so I’m very glad you made this!

[@peskylisa]

Damn you, Mr Darcy, for being the fictitious character every woman wants!!

[@carlatate7678]

I undertook to read nothing but Austen and writings about Austen for a calendar year in 2022. I approve this intro. 😁

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Carla! That is such an amazing reading project! ☺

[@carlatate7678]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy It was a great year. I read each novel three times, plus biographies, essays, the complete letters of, and even some spin off novels such as Miss Austen by Gill Hornby and The Other Bennett Sister. I watched lectures by John Mullan. I watched every film adaptation I could find. I read Jane Austen and the Clergy, Time Travellers Guide to Regency Britain, Jane Austen and Her World, biographies by Claire Tomalin, Lucy Worsley, Elizabeth Jenkins and JE Austen-Leigh, you get the idea. It was a brilliant year.

[@You-TubeUser2836]

This is what I need-because I’m struggling with getting through the Novel-I just think it’s not for me. But I want to see what Austen can offer. This is much needed -thanks Ben

[@noahdyer2991]

Best teacher online

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Noah. That's so kind of you 🙏☺️

[@staceyblanks8945]

I have never read a Jane Austen book and feel it's time! This video has given me the energy I need to begin! One is never too old to learn to appreciate a new genre of literature! Thank you!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so thrilled to hear that, Stacey!! I'd love to know what you make of your first Austen! 😊

[@KateBennet-do1ed]

Hello! Thank you so much for your amazing content. I am originally from Russia, but am planning to go to Oxford for a BA in English Language and Literature. Everything you do is very helpful and very inspiring.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Kate! You've completely made my day! It's so exciting to hear your Oxford plans :) The university's English Language and Literature course is an incredible journey!

[@KateBennet-do1ed]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Another reason I watch your videos is your beautiful eyes. :3 I already have two degrees in philosophy and I adore Japan, so your channel and your personality make me very happy. Thank you ❤️

[@user-bc4ok1ui2u]

Teacher! Brother Pisces! I have not watched this video, but I finished your Paradise Lost video this morning. It’s on my current Read Before Death list, and your video got me more than pumped to start it. There’s so much I wish to say to you with praise and inquiry. I will say I watched one of your Q&A’s this past week, and you offered an ostensibly off-the-cuff reading order for Austen initiates, and your first title was EMMA, so I’ve concluded to start with that one. Short story long… Among other things, I’ve have been quite sporadically tackling the Bradbury Reading Assignment, and I reread Hazlitt’s essay “The Pleasure of Hating”. It might as well have been my first reading because I was outflanked by the last three paragraphs and almost overwhelmed by the DESPAIR of hating by the essay’s end. Teacher (and anyone), is there an essay that’s the complete OPPOSITE of this one that you could recommend as an antidote? Best Wishes and Thank You! Just, Thank You! Haedyn

[@kategoman2969]

My first introduction to Pride and Prejudice was when I was 8. The 1995 version was on TV for the second time and I was recovering from major surgery (hip operation). I didn't fully understand the story at the time but I loved the costumes, locations, actors, etc. I read the novel in my late teens and loved it. I love the Bennet family and I think Mr Darcy is rude but maybe is uncomfortable in different social circles. I highly recommend the audiobook read by Lindsey Duncan, she has a wonderful voice. I think Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle are the perfect Darcy and Elizabeth! Emma is my favourite Jane Austen novel closely followed by Pride and Prejudice. I just feel that Mr Knightley is warmer than Mr Darcy. Thanks for the video Ben and giving me an opportunity to talk about Jane Austen. I own the folio society edition, the illustrations are beautiful. X

[@Ozgipsy]

Mate, Benjamin - this was an outstanding lecture.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend. I really appreciate that :)

[@isoseismic]

Thanks so much for these introductory videos. So valuable!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome! Thank you so much for watching! ☺️🙏

[@bocollider]

So passionate, so deep, so touching, so enlightening and inspiring lecture. Benjamin, thank you so much for sharing your passion for the literature. You have my eternal gratitude for influencing my soul.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much. That is so incredibly kind of you. I really appreciate you being here and enjoying these great books with me ☺🙏

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

I had to read this in high school overnight after partying. I read it straight through, got an hour of sleep, then went to class and wrote a decent essay. It was fun, even exhilarating. Read it subsequently in college, but that first read was much more fun.

[@crimsonlightss]

Wow.... :)

[@den4980]

What a coincidence, I started Pride and Prejudice a few days ago after watching your How to Read Jane Austen video! I had trouble acclimating to the environment and characters through the first hundred pages or so, but now im very immersed in the novel!

[@missioncardiac7599]

53.00 In the 1995 adaptation, the one with Jennifer Ehle in it (71 yr old male here), Lizzie does indeed say it the sense of irony that Austen uses.

[@marijoe19]

Always such a treat when there’s a new video from the HCLBC!

[@user-yw8bb1zw2m]

At 13 yo I found Jane Austen as a guide to life. All of her heroines (apart from Catherine Moreland) have absent or incompetent parents and have to figure things out for themselves Anyone who sees these merely as ‘love stories’ are missing the point

[@guillermomedina7793]

Wow! My new favorite Hardcore Lit video! I wish I’d had this lesson back in the day. Here we go. Yet another book to reread. Thanks Ben!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Guillermo!! I really appreciate that ☺️

[@bornaradnik8296]

I have tried to get into Austen for years, and have started and subsequently stopped Pride and Prejudice about four times now. I just could not get into it. I’m happy to say that after watching this video, I have now started Pride and Prejudice and am enjoying it and getting into it! So thank you for your work. I’ve always enjoyed your informative, passionate, and insightful videos on literature. Keep up the good work.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Thank you so much :) That makes me so happy to hear! It actually took me a very long time to come around Austen too, so I completely relate to your experience. I really appreciate the kind words, and I'm thrilled you're enjoying Pride and Prejudice now!

[@MsOlikk]

Please do read it! I Love it and read it every ear, twice. Please let me know when you're done, I wan't to hear your opinion.

[@bornaradnik8296]

@@MsOlikk Thanks for the comment. I finished it about 2 weeks ago and loved it. Elizabeth and Darcy was both such interesting and complex characters. I enjoyed seeing Lizzy's character arc, and her growth as she learns the truth about Darcy. I will definitely have to read it again at some point in the near future.

[@bornaradnik8296]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thank you! Honestly, your channel has been such a source of inspiration and knowledge. I'm now reading Joyce's Ulysses and am cherishing every moment.

[@OmnivorousReader]

This was a great video about one of my all time favourite novels. And I was VERY excited by one part of it: I never knew that most novels were published in three volumes back in the day. This explains why 'At length, quite exhausted by the attempt to be amused with her own book, which she had only chosen because it was the second volume of his...' . Miss Bingley put down her book and asked Lizzy to walk with her... That passage always intrigued me, but is so much clearer now.

[@luzrivara]

Struggling with this one... My heart and mind are still with Otello and Master and Margarita... Thanks for the lecture, professor, it definitely helped! 😊

[@elizabethd2916]

From 22:32 to 23:37, Benjamin references a conversation between Elizabeth, Darcy, and Miss Bingley. The conversation defines what a woman is supposed to be and Elizabeth rightly remarks on how it is an impossible ask. In last year’s movie “Barbie” America Ferrera’s big speech is an echo of this very conversation. It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don't think you're good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we're always doing it wrong. You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can't ask for money because that's crass. You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas. You're supposed to love being a mother, but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people. You have to answer for men's bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you're accused of complaining. You're supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you're supposed to be a part of the sisterhood. But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful. You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault. I'm just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don't even know.

[@HeyAllyHey]

PREACH! You are the best at this. I’ve fallen in love with Jane Austen all over again ❤

[@janebowell3985]

Thank you 🎉 for this wonderful introductory lecture to Jane Austen ‘s Pride and Prejudice which covers everything one needs to know about her ,the times she lived in and the rise of the novel. Really looking forward to the rest of the Austen series. And everybody ´s comments. 🎉

[@ARS1508]

Where was this channel all my life you have me excited to read more book and re read the ones I love so much!!!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much! I appreciate you being here and sharing your love of reading with me ☺️

[@ARS1508]

The way I ran to my old and tattered copy of pride and prejudice after this video! I live in a small town in India and miss out on so many foreign references in books even though I have devoured them repeatedly. I have all the STEM majors in my family so internet has been my only guide to reading and appreciating literature. I’ve found your channel today and I fully intend to binge watch the rest of the videos the moment I’m through with Pride and Prejudice. It feels like I’m gonna read it in a completely new light today. Thank you so much, you’re doing god’s work out here!

[@WordsCanBeLikeXRays]

I have attempted to read P&P twice and DNF both times. I thought, maybe I'm not an Austenphile and was content with that. Many years have passed since my last attempt to read P&P, and just last year, I decided to give Emma a go. I adored it. I absolutely love that book. Persuasion was my next read, and I loved it as well. Maybe before, it was the wrong time in my life to reach for Jane, as now it seems I want to embrace her and give Pride and Prejudice another try. Wish me luck. Hopefully, it will be the good kind.

[@vanessawei3533]

Thanks for the great video! I just re-read the book last month (I first read it when I was in middle school😂) and I absolutely fell in deep love with Austen’s portraits of the characters, and got a thorough understanding of the groundbreaking significance of the work during that period of time. Now I want to re-read all the classics I might not understand when I first touched them decades ago.

[@Princess999663]

So true we recognise ourselves and our families in her novels. I’m pretty sure my family would see me as Mrs Bennet (I love her!) and my husband, Mr Bennet. I’ve always said I prefer the Brontes to Austen but this video has made me want to revisit her books. I feel converted. Thank you so much for such a wonderful video and all the care you put into it.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Josephine! I really appreciate that :) I think it's a really great thing if readers recognise their own family in the Bennets. I struggle to think of many literary families who love each other as fully as the Bennets! ☺️

[@bendarge4054]

I just finished Pride and Prejudice yesterday! Really excited to watch this now

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's amazing! Congratulations on finishing! I hope you found it enjoyable ☺️

[@theironherder]

The 1st time that I attempted to read Pride and Prejudice I was too busy and too distracted to make it past the 1st few pages. Later, when a job took me a 1000 miles away from friends, family and distractions, I picked it up because I was lonely and bored, As in Ausen's England, I had no television and no radio, so it seemed like my life was a good match. Up until then, I was unhappy to be bored and lonely. After reading the book, I was still lonely but no longer unhappy. And have gratefully read it several times in the intervening years.

[@helendynes2891]

Oh, I wish you had been my history teacher!! Your way of settling the facts into social context make 'history' memorable ✨️

[@emmarobinson1434]

This was wonderful! It's always such a pleasure to find content that you enjoy watching and reading as much, or more than the book itself. Thank you for making such a thoroughly enriching and rewarding video to watch. I consider my time very well spent.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Emma! You have completely made my day ☺️🙏

[@amherst88]

Another tour de force taster, sir -- thought about joining after watching your take on Jane Eyre but didn't, think I'll have to now. These are books I love but know little about their levels of historical/cultural context and there are clearly many dimensions more to explore and experience. As far as P&P is concerned, it's my personal favorite of Austen's novels -- as you alluded to, I feel as though I *know* the characters, they have long since come to live inside the same universe as I do (or I theirs). Maybe it's a function of her youth when it was written but the scathing wit and humor is in such a continuous flow there's barely a page that does not make me laugh out loud or deeply marvel at the human spirit that could see and capture our species so clearly. Looking forward to all the coming wisdom. ❤

[@mtngrl5859]

Wonderful introduction to Austen. Compared to other Austen works, there's a great deal of activity in P&P.. So, many wonderful characters. While my favorite novel of hers is Persuasion, this is understandably her most influential work.

[@metgirl5429]

I read Pride and Prejudice in high school didn’t quite get it … Few years later …. Read it again …. Saw a movie And it blew my mind ….. I’m 66 my children all love pride and prejudice … Watched the 1995 series … Read the book out load together I then made costumes for all four children including my 6 year old son who was of course Mr Darcy 3 girls swapped parts according to their moods I now read this fabulous book every time we travel any long distance And or listen to the audio ….. With 8 grand children ….. the costumes are at the ready ♥️

[@ritumanjunathan5590]

What a wonderful lecture 🙌 Feels very fortunate to have found your channel!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Ritu! I really appreciate that and am so grateful for you being here 🙏☺️

[@hankryg]

Hey Benjamin! I have a question but it isn’t related to Pride and Prejudice or Jane Austen. However, I know Mark Twain had an interesting feud with Jane Austen but that’s beside the point. I recently read Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I thought it was one of the best things I’ve ever read (I’m not well read and haven’t gotten into much classic literature). Although I was mystified by the quality of the writing and the interworking of different dialects and of course the story itself, I thought the ending sucked. Assuming you have read it, it seems like the ending of the Adventures of Huck Finn completely changes tone. The friendship between Jim and Huck which developed throughout the novel, seems to completely become irrelevant. The moral growth of Huck, which took place throughout his journey with Jim, becomes seemingly undone once Tom Sawyer shows back up. The ending really bummed me out. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and what you think about the ending, as well as if you think that the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is great literature? Also, thank you so much for your channel. Your videos have been an invaluable tool for me as I have started to read more deeply. I recently started War and Peace and plan to spend a year or so diving into it as you recommended in your video on it. I’m only a few chapters in and am definitely intrigued. However, I don’t understand why the descriptions of Princess Helene’s beauty seem so overdone. Anywho, I am looking forward to working through it and seeing what Tolstoy has in store for me. Thanks again for everything!

[@elaineporter182]

It has been reported that Mark Twain said that it was too bad that they (British) let her (Jane) die a natural death

[@andreluissoriano]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive discussion about this great book! I especially love the part where you discussed and emphasized the revolutionary use of free indirect speech. Now I have a term for the 3rd person POV that I love! I often wonder why I don’t like other 3rd person POV compared to others, and now I know it’s because some of them aren’t free indirect speech. This is I believe the primary reason why we love all P&P’s characters. Their thoughts and feelings are felt because of this technique.

[@elizzievb]

Another wonderful video Benjamin! Although I don’t consider myself nearly well-read enough to swim in the pool with you and your readers in the Hardcore Literature club, I do very much enjoy anything you have to say. I loved your video about Whitman so much! You amaze me. Thanks for your hard work here! ❤

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much!! That is so lovely of you! I really appreciate you enjoying these great writers with me ☺️❤️

[@AnnetteRubery]

Thank you for this lovely video, Ben. My husband - otherwise an enthusiastic and ambitious reader - can’t stand Austen. Although he says he feels like giving her another go - hope he will go for Persuasion (my favourite) and then we can watch the Ciarán Hinds / Amanda Root tv adaptation afterwards. Fingers crossed!

[@carokat1111]

For anyone wanting to watch a shorter televised version other than the excellent 1995 series, I can highly recommend the 1980 TV series starring Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul. Although a little staged by modern standards, it's very closely adapted to the book. In my opinion Elizabeth Garvie gives the the most authentic performance of Elizabeth Bennet ever brought to the screen. The script also closely follows the dialogue.

[@Blondie101010100]

Started reading this and will be following along at the Hardcore Literature Bookclub. Great presentation as always Ben 👏

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much!! ☺️

[@marijanovoselic2298]

This was so interesting, I've learned a lot! Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Marija! I really appreciate that :)

[@jsmi601]

Dorky book nerd happy dance 📚🤓💃🎉👏🏻

[@jsmi601]

Just a few minutes in and your info about the hierarchies is already opening up new facets of the novel I’ve read so often. Wow. I’m already learning a lot. Thank you Benjamin! -Jess

[@katjatezak5816]

Yeeeeey new Benjamin wisdom!! 🤩🤩🤩 The day just got infinitely better!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳💃💃😁

[@Kuzglamdring]

What a fascinating video! Rephrasing Poirot, "I read my Austen" for the first time just a month ago, and it was P&P. I was captivated by it at once: all this irony, and wit, and complex characters, and narrative. During my reading I was watching the BBC adaptation with Colin Ferth, and it was marvelous! I want to reread it after some time to appreciate it more and find these perspectives of views of different characters. Thank you for your tremendous work and analysis, deep thoughts about Art as a mirror, reflecting our rejected thoughts (as in the Preface of Dorian Gray), for your passion and infusion of love to Shakespeare and all these great authors! Each video is a miraculous mixture of consolation and inflammation!)

[@tescomealdeals]

Great video as always! Have you ever considered making one on Arno Schmidt? I’ve noticed that he’s (very slowly) been gaining some much deserved appreciation over the last couple of years, and I reckon you’d be able to introduce a load of potential readers to him

[@VioletBuddha]

This video is incredible and came at just the right time as I finally decided to read Pride and Prejudice! Thanks so much, Ben - I can't wait to dive into it! 😊

[@prueprue7]

Thank you, thank you….your way of putting your knowledge over is wonderful.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Jane! That's so kind of you :)

[@carlygriffith6441]

Ok, now I have to read it again. 😂 Pride and Prejudice is the book that started my journey of falling in love with classic literature. I first read it at about 15 years old. I was homeschooled starting at 12 years of age, and as an American without much previous exposure to the classics, I was so excited to get the chance to read this particular novel when it came up in the curriculum we were considering. I couldn’t wait to get to it, and was not disappointed. Due in part to the fact that, luckily, I had never seen an adaptation or heard much of the story, other than the names “Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet”, and the fact that they didn’t like each other much at first, I was transfixed and enraptured. The story was so gripping, and the people so fascinating; this novel showed me that classics were not boring! Along with Oliver Twist, another book on the curriculum, it proved how delightfully hilarious classics could be! For some reason, I had been under the impression that classics, while interesting, were probably not very humorous. I was so delighted to find that I was mistaken, as I dearly love to laugh. 😉 I have since read it one other time, about two years ago. I am now so excited to read through it again, with the fresh insights which you have shared here. I have read all of Jane Austen’s novels but one, Mansfield Park, but so far, P&P is still my favorite of her works. It will always have a very special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing all of this!

[@rchhtt5210]

Great timing! I have been on a Jane Austen kick lately. I just read Emma for the first time, currently rereading Pride and Prejudice, and planning to reread Persuasion (my fav) later this Spring. 😊

[@marinatestolin7386]

I listen to the Bbc radio drama adaptation of this book almost every week. Know it almost by heart. Read the novel many times. As you say it is a masterpiece. Thanks. Love your inspirational videos.

[@Clarissa24671]

Hello, Benjamin!😊 I hope you're well. I loved the video; I love Jane Austen and the way in which, through such everyday situations, she revolutionised literature and the way we understand the impact of irony and subtlety. I also love the way you express yourself, you're very clear and imaginative in the construction of your sentences, which makes (for the listener) an immersive experience. In fact, I'm finally reading Moby Dick (your video helped me a lot) and I finished Oblómov a few days ago. You're right, great literature makes us great too. Kisses from São Paulo, Brazil ❤

[@mohammedsadiq7038]

Thanks for great video for book reading ideas and advice

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Mohammed! ☺

[@williamthomas2830]

Finished P & P 2 weeks ago. It was an absolute delight. I read North Hanger Abbey many years ago and loved that too. Austen was way ahead of her time and Lizzie Bennet is so ‘modern’ in her independent spirit. Thank you for adding context and social background to this brilliantly wittily written work.

[@CandlewickLibrary]

Your videos are always so good!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much!! ☺️

[@dannyjorde2677]

I'd love to see a video where you analyse the different translations of the Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and then say which is your favourite.

[@NeonRadarMusic]

Like a lot of people, I despised Jane Austen the first time I read her and pretty much put down the book after the first chapter. Maybe it's a guy thing but I found it gooey. But I read it again with an open mind and the first thing that struck me was that its unbelievably easy to read and strikingly modern for a book that came out in 1813. But when the Mr Collins scenes came in, that was when I was fully sold on Austen because my lord, she is HILARIOUS. Honoured to share a birthday with her.

[@carlrodholm3745]

You had me at ”how to read”

[@cindychurch335]

I have never read Pride and Prejudice, but now have it in my possession! So glad I found this before I dive in!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that! I'd love to know what you make of it, Cindy! :)

[@cindychurch335]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy will let you know!

[@elisegabriel]

Benjamin! Big fan of all your videos and the podcast too. When will you open up the higher tier on Patreon? I want to join in on the discussions.

[@sleepycalico]

I almost literally could not read this. A friend badgered me into it. I sullenly flipped page after page, muttering internally, The things we do for our friends. And then around page 28, I fell in love with the rhythm of the language and could not put it down. So the title of the video amused me. For me, the answer to How to Read P&P is: Just make it to page 28. lol

[@crazybunkum]

Hi Ben, wow - that was such a passionate and informative lecture so beautifully edited with the images you add. I have been following along with the majority of your book recommendations since January 2023 when I reread War and Peace. I’m a little ahead of schedule this year, for fear of falling behind 😊 and yes I know it’s not a race. Pride and Prejudice is still very fresh in my mind and this video has shed a lot of light on the novel. The first extensive draft written at age 20! Characters drawn from real life. Different forms of narration to name but a few. Also your perceptive illumination of the novel’s cultural and historical context. Thanks again 🙏

[@nsegari11]

So interesting and enjoyable--thank you so much!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much! I really appreciate that :)

[@TheNivKo]

I'm doing a masters in English Lit and I find your videos very helpful, interesting, and well produced. Thanks for all the great content ❤

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much. It makes me so happy to hear that! Wishing you the very best of luck with your MA!! ❤️ ☺️

[@TheNivKo]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thanks ♥

[@cherylsykes660]

This is my favorite classic novel. I read it every year beginning on New Year’s Day. The opening sentence causes me to laugh out loud every time.

[@summersun2828]

Fantastic explanation of the era, its customs and the whole Pride and Prejudice novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thank you kind Sir. 👌

[@melanieb123]

I recently read Pride and Prejudice in manga form and Mr. Collins did not come off as that odious in that version for some reason. I have always felt Mrs. Bennett got a bad rap as her main job was to get her five daughters married off and it was a monumental job.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I completely agree, Petra! Definitely a monumental job, and one that she is very good at! As for Mr Collins, I've personally always sympathised with him quite a bit. I don't think he's too odious :)

[@LusiaEyre]

Dr Octavia Cox has some interesting videos about Jane Austen novels, including breakdown of class distinctions, which actually added a lot of context to an area that is less intuitively understood nowadays. Once you realise who is being snobby, who is overcompensating (ahem, ahem, Caroline, ahem, and Mr Collins) and who is less snobby than expected (Darcy) it makes for much more interesting interactions.

[@yovanaSlavova]

I finished my reread just yesterday. A favourite book, I read it almost every year 😊

[@Sachie465]

I appreciate the university-level lecture. For me, Austen is a valuable writer whom I can enjoy reading not in translation, because of the subtle and complex human emotions hidden in her simple sentences.

[@melbaibo]

Well prepared with passion. Great work. :-)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend! I really appreciate that ☺️

[@tacobottle4217]

I just finished reading this book in my AP literature class. I do hope I can delve further into Austen's oeuvre in the future as Pride and Prejudice changed all that I thought more grounded narratives can do.

[@gooreum2023]

i came into this video kinda skeptical because it was just uploaded but it was so good!! im reading pride and prejudice for the first time and this really put it into a different perspective

[@akitirk6506]

fine, I'll go read it again, Mr. McEvoy🤭

[@defectivebuilds2065]

Hello Ben! Another absolutely marvelous video! I just had a question totally unrelated that has been itching at me for the past while. I was wondering if you are planning on doing more Pynchon novels in the future? I understand that your priorities lie with hlbc and its schedule, but I would love to hear your opinions on his other works. Although Gravity's Rainbow is perhaps his most (or second most) recognized, I do believe he has better in his collection. Just thought I would ask out of personal interest. Regardless, love the work that you do and the insight you provide, and look forward to whatever you have in store for the rest of this year and years to come!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend. I really appreciate that :) It's so amazing that you ask that because I've been planning a podcast on The Crying of Lot 49. I'd definitely love to discuss more of Pynchon's works, like Mason & Dixon and V, in the future. I'd be very interested to hear which ones are your personal favourites!

[@matheussterque]

Hey there, Benjamin! I would like some tips on great but easier literature for English students, specially those at beginning levels. Your work is a blessing. Thanks!

[@ornleifs]

Thanks for this very good video - it's the best one I've seen on P&P.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow, thank you so much, Örn! I really appreciate that :)

[@marilynwoolford-chandler1161]

Great name. Hardcore .... I admire this lecture.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Marilyn! ☺️

[@shoegal]

I have an English literature degree and I still leaned something new. Thank you. 🙏

[@MsOlikk]

Thank you so much! I love all Austin books, but P&P is so special to me. I don't know wthat you will think of me, but I read it every year, two times, back to back. When I say two times, I mean, I read it and when I've finished, I will start it again right away, sometimes at the same day, and read the whole thing again. 😁. I really enjoyed your talk. Personally, I always wanted to know a bit more about Mr Darcy's feelings and thoughts, but I get what you are saying that it makes us wonder about him more. Another one of my favorites is North & South by Gaskell, what is your thought about it? I would love to hear it.

[@GJStone-tf7vl]

My ranking: Northanger Abbey, Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense & Sensibility, Emma...

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wonderful ranking! Thank you so much for sharing ☺️

[@maggygwire]

Got an Everyman copy for my birthday. Currently on Treasure island but Pride and Prejudice will be next. Thanks again ❤

[@mrwickgaming5117]

Having being forced to read this book in year 7, in a country where english would not be your first language, was plain torture. Everyone in school knew Pride and Prejudice but for entirely different reasons. Safe to say most people despised it. But that's expected at an age when the only thing you maybe watch are mainstream films and tv shows, at least that's what we did. But this video has sparked an interest in me for this long forgotten novel and has provided me a different perspective, which isn't hostile. Thank you

[@thistle3]

27:23 You're right that "coming out" meant something different now than it did then, but as a queer person I just want to add that they are indeed related. Gay men of the 20th century had "coming outs" at gay bars (the first time they attended, that is) much like women of the 19th century did at balls. It was about introducing yourself to your local queer community. Then in the later half of the century, especially the 80s, there was a push to "come out of hiding/of the closet" to straight family members and friends as well. That was mostly a political thing, used to try and make straight people care about gay rights. And now it's a mix of political and personal expression, depending on who you ask. Anyway, I'm very impressed with this video. I haven't seen anything from you before, but this showed up in my reccomended and I'm definitely going to have a look on your other videos, because this type of in-depth discussion is something I have been looking for for a while! I especially liked the point about character voices bleeding into the narration.

[@michaelkfoury9467]

This might be a strange question so I apologize if it's confusing, but how do you think Jane Austin would converse with Margaret Mitchell? I ask this because you often talk about having the great works of literature talk with one another during your readings, so I'm wondering how would Austin's "Pride and Prejudice" converse with Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind". Both books are similar in being about landowning families with strong heroines who, in their love lives, start out hating their true love but end up marrying them. However, Darcy and Elizabeth stay together while Rhett Butler leaves Scarlett. Both books discuss themes of economic and social classes, love, family relations, and feminism. However, "Pride and Prejudice" takes place at a time of peace while "Gone with The Wind" takes place during and after war. I haven't read any Austin yet so I was just curious what you would think. Love the video!

[@andreluissoriano]

I just finished this right now and it was so delightful! I'm excited for your thoughts on this vid. :) Edit: My favorite character is definitely Mr. Bennet. His wit and sarcasm is so funny every time.

[@Ricky-es9vg]

I’m glad you made this video, I tried to read this book months back, but I found myself deeply bored and uninterested. I know there is more to her, so I will return to Austen at a better moment. I have a feeling I would enjoy Sense and Sensibility more too.

[@JoyjeetGupta]

I read Pride & Prejudice just two weeks ago at the age of 27 - this is my first Jean Austin. But the funny part is, which is rather hilarious if you think about it, that I knew the entire story through and through. I knew all the characters and their conflicts and had the exact idea of their future choices and reactions. Do you know how? Because of our TV daily soaps! Reading P&P I realised that I was practically reading the Bible of our daily soaps. For context, I'm from Kolkata, a metropolitan city of India and first capital of British India. So you see, I already knew the story; and yet I found my reading of P&P thoroughly entertaining and essential. I'm so happy that I decided to pick up Pride and Prejudice. P.S. What should I read next? I've got Crime & Punishment, David Copperfield and Kafka On The Shore - which one should I pick?

[@You-TubeUser2836]

Talking about Class-Ranking; you can just feel Richardson’s Pamela playing an influence on Austen’s writing. Richardsion Writing had a big influence on Late/Early 1750-1800 Literature.