Pride and Prejudice Book Review

[@TheWordN3rd]

My favorite part about Darcy is that he is a jerk, acknowledges that he was a jerk, and works to make amends. I hate when people us P&P as an example of how women love douchbag characters.

[@SevenFootPelican]

Oh wow. Do people use P/P as an example on how women love douches? I've never heard that until just now.

[@TheWordN3rd]

@@SevenFootPelican Oh yeah. Usually the example is given by a douchebag who completely missed the point 🤣

[@Tasha9315]

@Johnny H. The worst part of After is that Hardin had the nerve to judge Mr. Darcy. I'm like "Look in the mirror".

[@msmichellewinchester]

I think Elizabeth has two mirrors. Because Jane Austen wasn't necessarilly against emotion or against logic. She was for balance, which Elizabeth reaches through seeing how too much of either can be bad. Lydia and Mr. Wickham is the emotion. Charlotte and Mr. Collins is logic. Elizabeth is upset about both of those marriages: for one because it was too logical and cold-blooded and the other one because it was too emotional and selfish. I also love Elizabeth's revelation in this novel, where she only realizes her true feelings for Mr. Darcy when she thinks she's lost him. Sure, her feelings were changing gradually, but she doesn't realize how much she cares what he thinks of her until the Lydia debacle. And this is a huge deal for her, because the whole book, she doesn't really care what anyone else thinks about her and her decisions. And that's why it hits her so much when she realizes she can't stand the thought of Mr. Darcy being sowhere in the world and thinking ill of her. I freaking love this novel. I could talk about it for ages :D. And I really love how you described Mr. Darcy. I honestly almost cried :D.

[@leasong1544]

I think you should also include Mr and Mrs Bennet as mirrors. Mr. Bennet married Mrs. Bennet because he was infatuated with her, and ends up realizing that you need a lot more than infatuation to have a happy marriage. He says as much to Elizabeth at the end, when he talks to her about marrying Darcy. I always read his emphasis on you to reflect his own dissatisfaction with his life partner: "My child, let me not have the grief of seeing *you* unable to respect your partner in life. You know not what you are about." Honestly, this book is just full of marriage advice. So much wisdom about how to choose a spouse.

[@alannyta_]

Hey! It's been 2 years but I hope you're still able to talk about it: why would Mr. Darcy think ill of Lizzy after the Lydia debacle? It's the first time I read this supposition and I don't quite understand it.

[@msmichellewinchester]

@@alannyta_ Hi, it was actually a misquote. Or rather, at the time, I was also rewatching the 1995 tv series and while it's pretty accurate to the book, the particular quote I had in mind at the time was actually only in the show. In the book, Lizzy doesn't quite jump to thinking Darcy would think badly of her personally, though she still clearly cares what he thinks of her. So yeah, that part was a mistake on my part 😅. But also, I didn't mean to imply that Mr. Darcy would actually think that himself. Rather that Lizzy thought he would. (still not accurate to the book, but that's what I meant back then)

[@babsybrrrnz]

I feel Pride & Prejudice and Jane Austen has been pigeonholed in pop culture as just romance over the many years when in reality her books are such witty satires of the Regency/Georgian Era. Also Lizzy Bennet is best girl we stan

[@Sunset248-j3t]

I wish more people understood this.

[@robertgronewold3326]

This is not very clear in the book, but the issue that the family faces is not that women can't inherit, it's that their property is 'entailed'. Back in England and America at this time, the common rule was that women could inherit money and property, but with the stipulation that it usually became the property of their husband upon marriage. Many women were cheated out of fortunes due to this rule. However, the family in Pride and Prejudice had an 'entail' on their house and land, meaning that at some point, an ancestor wrote it in a legal document that only a male with the family name could inherit. This was a great problem for when people have only daughters, because you don't know how far along the family tree you'll have to go to before finding a male heir.

[@catej.2044]

I took a property law class that made this particular conflict so much clearer to me! Great explanation -- I think it's such an interesting piece of history, and a brilliant thing for Austen to comment on in the novel.

[@Lorrissyoutube]

Entails tended to be applied to titles, and they were a way of ensuring whoever inherited the title also got the associated property and the money to run it.

[@khadhija7]

And we cant forget Jane as the eldest and "most beautiful" according to their mother was the most expected to marry wealthy since she was the first born, supposed to be the first out in society and that would set in motion things for her sisters.. it was so nice that fun-loving, kindhearted Mr. Bingley fell in love with her 🥰

[@charlenerafferty3534]

Yes I know Jane is the eldest and the prettiest most beautiful Bennet sister but Lizzy in the novel is described as the second prettiest most beautiful Bennet sister and Lizzy is the protagonist and the best character I just wish she didn't end up with Darcy I wish she met someone who love her at first sight

[@writertaylorleecooper9357]

In the beginning of my first novel, which I submitted for critique in a writers group, my descriptions of female characters were so awful, that I had to pull back and find a way to learn how to develop female characters. I had no idea how to do this, but one evening, mindlessly surfing through TV stations, looking for anything which might distract me for a while, I suddenly stumbled on a scene in some old British show I'd never seen before. I got there just in time to see a young woman start in on a guy standing before her. "And these are the words of a gentleman?! From the first moment I met you, your arrogance, your conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others, convinced me you were the last man on Earth I could ever be prevailed upon to marry!!" Wow! I did not change the channel. This scene was, of course, Lizzie's response to Darcy's proposal. The show was one of five or six episodes of Pride and Prejudice. I did my research, went on what was the the brand new internet, and bought the DVD's. Watched the entire things once a day for about ten days. Bought all the Jane Austen books, and read them. Now, my female characters are MUCH better. Love Jane Austen, and now, also, the Brontes - (mostly Charlotte, Jane Eyre), and recommend all male writers to read these women. They are not 'girly' novels - they are classic masterpieces written by brilliant women. Any man who wishes to include women in his readership, should learn to write female characters who are not caricatures, but genuine women.

[@carrina1006]

Taylor Lee Cooper even if you aren’t writing for a female readership, it is a cultural imperative to write real women for male readers. Otherwise we’ll end up with more Mr. Collins’s in the world.

[@juliehoops9140]

I love to read that because a lot of the time female characters exist to serve the story of the male one. They often have one single function. But I enjoy reading about complex female characters just as much as reading about complex male characters and they are equally as important.

[@Ailorn]

Much respect. Thank you for respecting women enough to see us as complete people just like you. I love Austen too and how perfect timing to come across that scene.

[@nonfictionfeminist]

I love how Jane Austen makes fun of everyone in her books, it's so good!

[@selantrian]

I fully agree about the parallel between Lydia and Elizabeth but I think Jane Austen might go farther. She also pits a marriage for money (Charlotte and Mr. Collins) against Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s marriage for love, and she makes Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham and (she’s more understandable bc of her position) Mrs. Bennet too look very silly as they are so worried about class. It’s funny because Elizabeth also assumes Mr. Darcy has that same prejudice when he really does not, at least to that extent. This time during my reread I noticed just how poorly Elizabeth’s family conducted themselves around Mr. Darcy and why he hated them so much. Mrs. Bennet incessantly crowed about Jane’s possible marriage in public and I forgot what Lydia and Kitty were exactly doing but it wasn’t good. Elizabeth learns that though she loves her family, they are very socially flawed people, and Lydia’s scandal puts that final nail in the coffin. I also noticed a lot more this time the commentary that Jane Austen had around the Bennets. She did not like their relationship, and talked about how they were an imprudent match that quickly devolved into disrespect, and Mr. Bennet is desperately trying to make sure Elizabeth doesn’t make a match like that. It’s incredibly sad to me. But also I can’t believe all this is there in this book, and Jane Austen was masterful with her crafting of it. Love your videos❤️

[@kyliecrawfishin]

Selena Shifflett totally agree! Well said. I love Elizabeth and Darcy’s total flouting of marriage for class/money, eventually landing on marriage stemming from love and respect, and what you said about the Bennett’s as a couple. It’s hard to see because we love Mr. Bennet and his hilarious commentary on his wife, but Elizabeth does point out how poorly suited they were, and how impulsive marriage for (I suppose it was looks in their case?) really can ruin your life

[@charlenerafferty3534]

Well Charlotte Lucas is plain girl and she married Mr Collins cause she knew she couldn't do any better and he was the first guy to take an interest her so she married him security reasons also so that's loveless marriage poor Mary Bennet she also the only plain sister of the Bennets I know Jane is the prettiest most beautiful of the Bennet sisters but Elizabeth in the novel is described as the second prettiest most beautiful Bennet sister so Lydia and kitty r pretty they are not as pretty as the older sisters plus Lizzy is the most intelligent quick witted and sharp tongued

[@caitlinhashobbies]

Your perspective on Mr. Bennett was spot on! I loved him; his humor is exactly the same as my own father’s. His relationship with Elizabeth was something I related to very much.

[@cammie3578]

My favorite book! As someone who reads this book at least once a year since highschool, I just love these characters so much! Each is flawed but by the end you love them so much. It is so nice to hear someone else who clearly loves them too. This book is funny and sweet and beautiful.

[@kyliecrawfishin]

Ahhh Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorites! Elizabeth is so funny and her wit means she’s usually right about the people in her neighborhood, but just so so wrong when it comes to Wickham and Darcy. It really emphasizes how people aren’t their social temperament and personalities. You can be charming and articulate and beautiful, and still be someone like Wickham, or cold and aloof and prideful, but still kind and good like Darcy. Character is deeper than fist impressions - reminds me of Manisfield Park with the Crawfords.

[@charlenerafferty3534]

@Coconut Pal I know pride and prejudice is about Elizabeth Bennet the heroine learning that first Impressions are always the truest

[@julieoliver7983]

@@charlenerafferty3534 It’s actually more about the fact that first impressions are not always right…Wickham left a great first impression on Elizabeth but was a scumbag. Darcy left an awful first impression but his character is revealed to be so strong, good, honest, and humbled in the end. The original title “First Impressions” would have ultimately pointed to the main problem of the book.

[@deanneekstrand4128]

Also, if you ever have time, you should watch through the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. It's a KZbin webseries modern adaptation of the book. And Lydia is actually one of the best characters in it. With the way they adapt the various events, and the relationships between the sisters, they show a lot of depth and slowly reveal a very different portrayal of Lydia

[@ascellaborealis9051]

It cannot be emphasized enough, Lydia’s arc is incredible and Mary Kate Wiles portrays it beautifully

[@drlc6051]

LBD Lydia is amazing, and so is Charlotte to be honest. A lot of the characters get stronger arcs and slightly different endings which really fits the different context.

[@pennrogers4963]

I find it interesting that you only see Mr. Darcy as being proud. I’ve always thought that the main theme of the book was depicted in how pride causes prejudice. Basically everyone’s faults and mistakes in the book follow from this theme. It’s more or less Jane Austen’s take on ancient Christian philosophy, that every sin ultimately derives from pride. Austen’s writing seems to suggest that she believed that this was because pride inevitably inspires prejudices. I happen to agree with her.

[@magnusprime962]

Well said, though I would add that fear is also a very powerful prejudice-maker. To steal a quote from another author, “People will believe a lie because they want it to be true, or because they’re afraid it might be.”

[@deanneekstrand4128]

Merphy, don't do this to me. Now all I want to do is reread Pride and Prejudice, but I shouldn't, because I'm already in the middle of a Sanderson series and Withering Heights, and I know if I start a third book it'll all be a jumbled mess of me never finishing anything. But I want to reread P&P!!!!!!

[@lovelight6973]

I knnnnnoooowwww right. LOL

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

I’m in Wuthering Heights for the first time right now! Woot! Read on, kindred spirit!

[@BookedandBusy]

Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book and I LOVED this review. I’m actually ready to reread!

[@BookedandBusy]

I’m shocked you didn’t mention the romance between Jane and Bingley

[@lilifane]

Your review was beautiful. It almost made me cry and reminded me why this is one of my favourite books/stornies. And the comments reminded me of how much I loved the Lizzie Bennet Diaries which I need to rewatch (after I've reread Pride and Prejudice, that is).

[@Tinahgirl83]

Its so interesting to hear your thoughts on this. I’ve never considered any of Austen’s books to be romances. There is romance, yes, but it often takes (at the very least) a side seat to familial relationships, class problems, and social satire. For her the love interests were more a way of showing how utterly ridiculous or perfectly reasonable she thought her culture was. P&P to me has always been about the ends of the spectrum in parenting, as well as on the silliness of basing opinions on first glance, class, or employment. Mr & Mrs. gardener weren’t so highly thought of because they were in trade, but are the best example for Elizabeth, while Sir William Lucas is landed gentry with a place at court, but is a colossal idiot and his daughter marries a man she can’t stand just to fulfill her duty as daughter. She draws fascinating parallels between characters while poking fun at society as a whole. Brilliant. I can’t wait for you to read the rest of her work! I’d recommend saving Mansfield Park for last and expecting it to be COMPLETE dissimilar to all her others because it is. 😊😊

[@megs7334]

I really love this review. Pride and Prejudice is also a favorite of mine, and we recently read it for class. I was so disappointed by my peers’ takes on the book. They all seemed to read the book at face value, seeing only “just another love story” and calling it cliche. When in reality, it not only is the source of the cliche, it is meant to be satirical and, as you said, layered which such greater nuance than that surface reading. I found your review refreshing from those opinions and very good. You outlined all of the reasons why I love this book so much. Definitely subscribed, and looking forward to watching more of your videos!!

[@mer9185]

Another side to the logic / emotion in romance here imo (because I LOVE what you said here and I kinda want to discuss if you don't mind) is with Jane and Mr Bingly. In a way, their love falls more on the emotional side, and the logic, brought by Elizabeth and mostly Darcy, is what separated them. But what's important to note here is that Jane and Charles were both characterized as being selfless and pure, and while their naivety was partially why they were separated at first, that purity was eventually rewarded by them getting together. So maybe Jane Austen advocated for emotions in their innocent selfless form while still favouring logic on the bigger scale??? Idk I hope this doesn't sound too messy I just really love this book and I'm supposed to reread it for class and I'm hyped so.... this is the result I guess 😅

[@yapdog]

I dig your analysis on Lydia vs Elizabeth. Regardless of what JA intended, you've nailed the essence.

[@lpurple7093]

The worst thing about Lydia is that she's not even aware that what she's doing is wrong. In her head, she completely right and doesn't see why everyone is making a fuss about it. She's so totally self-centered that she doesn't see how she's hurting her family and how grave what she did was. And this is because of Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Bennet's passiveness. Once Mr.Darcy saves the day, Mrs. Bennet just throws away what Lydia did and welcomes her with open arms, even if she could've ruined the whole family ! She just focuses on the fact that Lydia got married. And Mr. Bennet is responsible because, well, he doesn't know Lydia, he doesn't understand that she's naive and irresponsible and chooses not to listen to Elizabeth's warning. I was really frustrated with all this happening and not being able to properly yell at Lydia.

[@fengpost]

Jane Austen's books are a serious, socio-political examination of England of the end the 18the century, numerous academics have analyze her work at depth! Oh, and not to mention her writing is excellent!

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

Tale as old as time, falling in love for ACTIONS, not just words. With my ex, my mother finally said, "He does seem to say the right things, but how does he treat you? If someone treated your best friend like that, would you think it’s okay? If it isn’t worthy enough for them, why is it for you?" A guy who consistently tries to protect you and your interests, and not for praise or brownie points... that’s the keeper and basis for a timeless love story right there! Communication can be improved. 😅 If the will is there, and the bond, communication can be improved!

[@AverySometimesReads]

This is easily one of my favorite books of all time. You’re definitely right about Lydia being unlikeable, but I read the book right when The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was starting and then followed the series as it came out. LBD gives Lydia so much more depth and really shows how terrible and unhealthy her relationship with Wickham must have been. At this point, even when reading or watching Pride and Prejudice I just get really sad for Lydia. She’s silly and shallow, sure, but she’s also 15 or 16 (? I can’t remember) who gets involved with a predatory, grown-ass man and it breaks my heart.

[@brookedowd7747]

I just read the novel and am totally obsessed with the story! I absolutely can’t wait to reread it!!!

[@bhartikumari3012]

I don't like romantic novels. But this book ends up my all time favorite. By the way love your videos.

[@catej.2044]

This novel is such a master work, and I had the great fortune of taking an Austen-focused course in college that cemented her as one of my all-time favorite authors. Pride and Prejudice is still my favorite of her books, because it's so rich and satisfying. My own feelings about Mr. Bennet have evolved over time -- the first time I read it, I thought he was hilarious, but now I have a better understanding of how his passivity and casual disdain/mockery of his wife and "sillier" (read; non-Elizabeth) daughters was really a disservice to his family. He's not a bad guy by any means, but his indifference is still a problem considering his unmarried daughters' plight. I love the complexity there. ...Dammit, I'm going to have to reread this.

[@shubhangikurade3372]

I absolutely loved the way you have reviewed this book. Especially the way in which you have put Mr Darcy in such an amiable light. Hats off to you

[@skullfullofbooks7398]

It has been the second book in my life where I can read it multiple times and love it the same, if not more. My favorite line has always been when Mr. Bennett mocks Mrs. Bennett by stating that a daughter has ill timed coughs.

[@gaber.24]

Great review as always. I know you're not a movie person, but I'm currently watching the 1995 miniseries adaptation, and highly recommend it. Colin Firth is the perfect actor who was just born to play Mr. Darcy.

[@Wats06071]

I will second that. The BBC 1995 adaptation is amazing! Just watch it without ifs and buts lol.

[@MichelleMcClureshellybee92]

BBC 1995 is by far the best adaptation!

[@kirstenholmes6]

I totally agree. I actually bought the DVD's of it recently. I remembered watching it back in the day. Colin Firth was perfect.

[@fayealexandria9036]

Of course he's the perfect darcy. He plays him twice (also in Bridget Jones' diary) which is the best pride and prejudice retelling.

[@BishyFiveSogafi]

It's so strange to me, I've only read p&p once and watched the 2005 film a few times and I always considered lizzie to be the prideful one and darcy to be the prejudiced one. He hurts her pride by insulting her at the meryton ball, and he is prejudiced towards her family because they're from a lower class than he is. Now that you've said it, I can see how it would be reversed, but that just makes me wonder if they're both pride and prejudice at once. Gonna have to sit and think on this one.

[@Uhlbelk]

I don't think Darcy is prejudice because of class. He is prejudice because he recognizes the gold digging social game that everyone is playing and dislikes it. He knows Bingley, so he knows he is not using his wealth to just land a pretty girl, but he doesn't know that about the Bennet girls, and the mother is obviously doing it for social status. Him and Elizabeth both are prejudice against people for their apparent actions while not knowing the motivations behind them.

[@magnusprime962]

The beauty of it is that both have to conquer the two vices, it isn’t just Elizabeth conquering prejudice and Darcy conquering pride. And what’s more, their pride informs and strengthens their prejudices. It’s only once they’re able to swallow their pride that both are able to see the other person’s points and become better people.

[@MLLatUtube]

I love Pride and Prejudice - one of my all time favorite novels - and enjoyed your take on it.

[@rebeccamccreary8530]

Thoughts on the notion that a misunderstanding of Darcy and Heathcliff lead, or at least highly influenced, the Bad Boy trope? Obviously those two are vastly different characters with entirely different motives, but if you go with a surface reading of both, there's a rude, abrasive, but eventually romantically seen man. Does that really seem so different from the Will Harondale? Just thinking.

[@komal146]

Heathcliff was not romantic.

[@rebeccamccreary8530]

@@komal146 Right, hence the misunderstanding.

[@annahill99]

Heathcliff is not fit to wipe Darcy’s boots, this from someone whose favorite Austen man isn’t even Darcy

[@spikey0034]

@@annahill99 who is it : )

[@julieoliver7983]

Thank you for your review…this is my all time favorite novel and you had a lot of interesting perspectives and talking points that were a joy to hear! 😄

[@khushicharan2117]

Yay, was really waiting for this.

[@EleanorfromNeverland]

I think both pride and prejudice belongs to both main characters. Lizzy is proud of her wit, her place in the family and the neighbourhood as the clever one, and that she is her father's favourite (who she sees a little bit on the pedestal). Darcy is also prejudiced: he thinks everyone sees him for his fortune and just for that. Before the proposal he never even thinks about how Lizzy may feel about him, because of course she will be pleased to marry him. That's not whole love, it's just infatuation, which develops into love, when they finaly make efforts to present themselves fully and willingly get to know eachothers other side.

[@charlenerafferty3534]

Lizzy is a intelligent playful lively attractive witty girl with a sharp tongue

[@huongspy1626]

I’m waiting for your review of Emma! It is actually my favorite book by Jane Austen, the second one is Pride and Prejudice 😍

[@magnusprime962]

13:35 Frankly, given the way Darcy talked about her family during that first proposal I’m not so sure it would have been good for the Bennetts had Elizabeth accepted. I get the feeling Darcy would have tried to do as little as possible for them, and might’ve even left them high and dry. But the second time, after he’d recognized his faults and worked to do better, he seemed more receptive to the family. So even from a logical standpoint, rejecting his first proposal was a smart move.

[@alannyta_]

At first I was ready to disagree but on a second thought, you're totally right. I wanted to point out that it could be impossible for Darcy not to care for Lizzy's family since he literally paid Wickham to marry Lydia and so make Lizzy "happy" (be in peace), but that was after the first proposal and so, after Lizzy told him everything she hated about him... That made him realize he needed to make a change. So yeah. You're right

[@tatibonini12]

When I first read Pride & Prejudice I also thought Elizabeth was the representation of prejudice and Mr. Darcy was the representation of pride, but re-reading many times, I know have another vision, and I think both of them are pride and prejudice.

[@ayushgurung9564]

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife". I mean come on, come on. You know it's gonna be amazing.

[@ArnoVdVelde]

Ugh! I love all those Barnes and Noble hardbacks of classics. They all look so good! But they are all of books I know, so I can't really justify spending 3 books worth of money on them.

[@kimreese3530]

You summed up the book perfectly. It’s my favorite book.

[@shilparath3074]

Love your videos Merphy! I reckon you would love the Lizzie Bennet Diaries - it's a modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice told as a series of vlogs on youtube (co-created by Hank Green of all people!). The plot and character adaptations are both hilarious and heart-breaking, and it might make you cry. But in a good way!

[@mybookishdelights4767]

Yes! I was going to suggest this too! I loooved this adaptation of P&P. I also liked how Lydia was portrayed in it.

[@jemmagomez8923]

Dang that was a good KZbin show!!!

[@CYPHERZ-gz3bp]

I have never read this book. But your interpretation of it is making me fall in love with this world and wanting to dive more into it.

[@oliviawanderlingh]

This is the review structure I wanted to watch. Thank you!!

[@FlorLirica]

I'm currently reading this book for the first time ever! I love your reviews!

[@meganb.higgins973]

This is such a good and fair review. I love this book so much, and I reread it every year!

[@slammergirlj]

How do you feel about Jane and Bingley and their relationship? Also, I dont really like the dad because he did not provide a dowry or a season in London for his daughters to actually find men to marry. They are lucky that wealthy men came to their area.

[@themightyquill560]

Pride and Prejudice was one of the first classics I ever read, and I still love it! Glad to hear your thoughts and that you enjoyed it too. Also you have a gorgeous edition

[@evilgenius4213]

No two people read the same book. I believe you cannot misinterpret it because you view what you've read through your own lens of your own experiences and worldview. I really enjoyed your discussion on this book. Thank you for sharing!

[@DanielBeer1]

Hey, I finally read the book, so I can finally watch this review! So glad you convinced me to give Jane Austen a shot, Merphy. Such fun dialogue, and wonderfully complex character arcs. I absolutely loved it. Well worth the read.

[@katerynkakovalenkolove]

Well, I've read Pride and prejudice for 4 times during my twenties. And only being 27 year old woman, I finally understood what does it shows truly and how everybody in their place playing the best role. Totally agree with your opinions) Thank you for the review))

[@igorgoliney9494]

The estate of Mr. Bennett was tied to the parish. In those times, ladies could not be ministers, so the parish had to go to the next priest. There were three profession appropriate to the gentry: military, clergy and law. The daughters of the ministers were in tough position. They had no option but to marry, become a companion to a rich lady or teach young girls in private schools. Going into trade was a disgrace. You did not mention the branch of the family that disgraced themselves so. They are well to do but despised. Osten depicts them with sympathy, which was quite a position in the time. The times changed, even in England. What you become in your life gets more important then what you inherit. With the invention of a phone young girls could work as phone ladies.

[@kaigillam]

The estate of Mr. Bennett was entailed to the direct male line, it was nothing to do with the fact that Mr. Collins was a priest. He was just the next closest male line relative to Mr. Bennett.

[@MaryAmongStories]

I couldn't stop smiling throughout this entire video 😅 LOVE this story so much 🥰

[@תהלהקאופמן]

Reading pride and prejudice was the first time I experienced cultural shock. *spoiler alert don't continue if you haven't read it yet* I was about 11 so, old enough to understand some of the things that went down with Lydia and Wickham, but young enough so not everything. I remember reading the part when Lydia runs with wickham and I was shocked to see how everyone just wanted them to get married. Clearly, he was a bad guy and it was obvious she was too immature for marriage. My young mind couldn't fathom an era where women were supposed to get a husband no matter what and the shame and ruin of good name was worst then life in misery from forced marriage. Everytime I go back at my first read I can remember my confusion. I felt like everyone were missing the point, you should get her away from him... not make them be together forever. It was the first time little me understood that not everything was as it is now.

[@julianejones698]

If anyone likes listening to audio books, there is one that is read by Karen Savage. This was my favorite book before I heard the audio version, but her reading voice makes the book so animated and really pointed out parts of the book I really hadn't payed enough attention when I would read it in my own ( far to often than I'd like to admit). Just a suggested for anyone looking for something to listen to :)

[@mariakalliokoski2758]

I just re-read pride and prejudice a month ago. You just made me want to re-read it again! For the 4th time 😆❤️ Love your reviews

[@Wats06071]

Great video! Thanks :) Mrs Bennett is indeed an exaggerated character and she is always the butt of so many jokes, while Mr Bennett is the cool guy. But, honestly, isn't he is the less responsible here?. Also, I think Elizabeths' refusals of marriage were emotional (she simply didn't love either), because logic dictates to accept either offer.

[@screenaholic]

I agree. I think it's easy to love Lizzy that it becomes challenging to fully critique her flaws.

[@lovelight6973]

I agree. That's the only thing I didn't like about her father was the fact that he messed up so badly financially. however he did explain it later to Elizabeth saying they kept trying and hope for a son but then by then it wasn't enough time to save money. But still.

[@mammamiamammamiadawn9030]

Pride and Prejudice is my favorite classic! Have you ever watched The Lizzie Bennett Diaries youtube series? It's the story with a modern twist, about 100 episodes, each episode averages about 3 to 5 minutes long. Thanks for sharing your review of this book! Enjoy your holiday season! 😊

[@TJAllenwood]

I absolutely love this novel. So far my favorite of all. There’s so many good lines in this book but I think my favorite quote would be “think only of the past as it’s remembrance gives you pleasure“. It’s a bit philosophical but I do love it.

[@DryBooks]

You were so romantic in this video! Loved it. Kind of a surprise, but I also reread this book this year, so I LOOOVED this video!

[@pamaleehodges9259]

Excellent review of Pride and Prejudice! It is my favorite as well! I love the movie with Keira Knightly also.

[@SusanLH]

A few points I think about the novel. 1. Girls could inherit property and fortune (think Rosings Park and the fortune to be left there) but there's an entail in place for the Bennet sisters that prevents them. 2. Mr Bennet isn't really a positive character; he's funny (and possibly male) so you forgive him. He knew there was an entail and his daughters could be penniless and did nothing to prevent that. And he openly admits that when Lydia has run off with Wickham, while suggesting he'll go back to his self-focussed, lazy ways. For all her irritating, inappropriate behaviour Mrs Bennett does something to help her daughters. 3. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have both pride and prejudice. It's not one or the other eg Elizabeth's pride is hurt at Darcy's comments about her and is prejudiced towards him which means she falls for Wickham's impropriety. Totally agree with your insight into the emotional and versus rational love. It was a thing at the time to be emotional and it's clear through P&P and S&S that Jane Austen disagreed with this notion, and I have to agree with JA.

[@mysli01]

I adore your reviews!! I took a brake re-reading pride and prejudice to listen to you

[@percyweasley9301]

This is my favourite book analysis so far ❤❤

[@Greenwitch_Garden]

There are also parallels between the way Mr. Darcy doesn’t show his feelings and the way Jane similarly doesn’t express her affections toward Bingley. Darcy intentionally hides his feelings for Elizabeth; while Jane is just shy. I actually think they’re both just shy as they’ve never been so enamored as they are with their first true loves.

[@roohvarz9942]

wow! I loved this review. WOW, it makes so much sense the parallel between Lydia and Lizzy. It was Mr Bennet who got me hooked. I remember picking P&P from my school library and that first conversation between Mr and Mrs Bennet was like wow, I wanna read this. The last time I read P&P was when I was 18 or 19, I don't remember. Mr Darcy helping in that Lydia Wickham, that wow. I remember gifting two of my best friends a copy of P&P with a note, 'hope you meet your Mr Darcy'. God I feel like going back and reading this again. Probably I will in January.

[@wafafathi20101]

Can you review the hunger games trilogy? Btw love your videos 🌌

[@nicholasmedich7493]

Yes! Especially before A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes!

[@yon8378]

I have always felt that it is a misconception to think of Elizabeth as prejudiced because at the time the "prejudice" was quite justified. I also feel that Elizabeth was much too quick to forgive Darcy for his treatment of the Bingley- Jane relationship. Interesting point about the parallels between Elizabeth's and Lydia's behavior!

[@val.daffodils]

I've just read the book and.... GOD. It's so good. Mr.Darcy is absolutely WONDERFUL and him and Lizzie fit so well together. Jane Austen is a true master.

[@charlenerafferty3534]

I wish Darcy didn't get Elizabeth I wish Elizabeth got someone who loved her at first sight cause Elizabeth is described as the second prettiest most beautiful Bennet sister

[@val.daffodils]

@@charlenerafferty3534 I think it's even better that he fell in love with her personality and guts and then saw her true beauty!

[@charlenerafferty3534]

@@val.daffodils nah I know Jane is very beautiful if Elizabeth is described as the second prettiest most beautiful Bennet sister then she's beautiful Mary is the ugly duckling Lydia and kitty must be two pretty girls so the younger sisters are not beautiful are intelligent like there older sisters but Elizabeth is the best out of all the sisters but Elizabeth is too good for any man no man deserves her are worthy of her nah I still hated Darcy for insulting her behind her back only she overheard did he even look at her properly before harshly judging her

[@dhritidutta6231]

Really enjoyed the discussion. Love from Assam, India... 🙂🌺

[@RD22TT]

A review so good I'll never have to read this book now.

[@isabellebrown5417]

Your thoughts on Jane and Bingley?

[@waikeekee3831]

Yaassss I’ve been waiting for this since you mentioned it in one of your videos ages ago 😂❤️ I haven’t actually watched it yet ahah I’m just so excited but love you Merphy! Have a good Xmas 🥳

[@MsBlulucky]

It took me 3 month to read pride and prejudice the first time because English is not my native language (especially not English from 200 years ago), but now I really want to reread it... But first I have to finish LOTR 😅

[@catrionainglis5483]

I really love this book, it's been an all time favourite for many years. But the more times I read it the more I grow to dislike Mr Bennett. He shows clear favouritism loving Lizzie whilst basically ignoring his younger daughters. He embarrasses Mary at a ball. He also fails to provide for his children as it doesn't occur to him to save money to get dowries for his daughters. He also completely mishandles the Lydia situation completely allowing her to get herself in trouble! He seems to have the best intentions but he also doesn't really think things through sometimes.

[@jimlivengood3962]

Thanks for not making this "spoiler-free." Well done. JA is a large favorite.

[@vieraiglesias4463]

One of my faves of all time that I demand more movie adaptations every decade or so.

[@tonytaylor1658]

I am late to this party. I don't disagree with the comments here, I did find Mr. Darcy instantly likable. Darcy is highly intelligent and wealthy. This leads him to be suspicious of people trying to take advantage of him. He is also very logical. I immediately related to him, not that I am intelligent or wealthy, but because I am attracted to the same type of woman, and Elizabeth peaked my intrest about the same time as Mr. Darcy. What drew his attention to Elizabeth was the fact that she came back at him and didn't fawn over him like the other girls. Where he started to pay attention was when she walked to be with her sister when her sister was sick. This act was strong willed, showed compassion and loyalty to those she loved, and a disregard to social normals when needed. He paid attention to her conversations and took measure of her intelligence. His mistake was his proposal. He was under the assumption that he was the catch and did not take into consideration her feelings. He showed mental fortitude by leaving when he got mad before he said or did something to make things worse. I think the way he handled Elizabeth's rejection was well thought out. He went back and self reflected on his social appearance and his his own behavior. He then wrote a letter to try to correct the situation. In the end, I thought he handled himself as well as he could. Jane Austin gave a glimpse into the future of the three daughters relationships. Where Lydia made rash and emotional decisions her life was difficult. While Elizabeth and Darcy had a relationship of mutual respect and continued to show this to each other. Their life was less difficult, at least relationship wise.

[@kalliopelovesbooks1375]

I like Pride and Prejudice. I definitley have to reread it in 2020. But my only concern: Everyone in the family has something to go on. Jane's the fair one and the glory hope of her mother to be married wealthy, but she is so insecure (shy and modest). Elizabeth is a free spirit in a way, but so much caught up in the mindset that she understands people better than they do themselves. Lydia is the spoiled brat and a free spirit too. She clearly is the bad exemple against Elizabeth - I agree with you. And Kitty, although beeing older than Lydia, she always is the one jealous of her sister. And in the end she might not see that Lydia's fate is so not wishing for. She still wants all. But who talks about Mary? - The middle kid. She - in my opinion - is the most unreflected character in the whole book. She likes to play piano to impress people (but people aren't impressed by her), she likes books and some sincere conversations about them (maybe about to sincere a topic and a little naive). She would make a good replacement for Elizabeth marrying Mr. Collins. She could have saved the family. But she's not even considered - even by her own mother. WHY?!? Is it just me - as a middle kid - thinking that we are sometimes overlooked by the hopes that were attached to our older siblings and the faults and freedoms that caused many a problem by our younger siblings? (Sorry if I've misspelled or didn't use proper sentence structures - not a native speaker.)

[@tosheatower]

This is one of my favourite classics. Have you read Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. Not a literary masterpiece but a fun take on the story.

[@davecasey4341]

Not being a fan of romances, my only experience with this story is the 2005 movie. And about the only thing I remember from the movie is Donald Sutherland saying, "If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, for heaven's sake, send them in. I'm quite at my leisure." Other than that, I have no other experience with Jane Austin. I think I fall into the Hugh Grant camp from the movie The Rewrite.

[@zedth2]

Would you do a video on how to start reading? I've never been big into reading until kind of recently and I started with what I know that being comic books. But as for the differences between "YA" "adult" and whatever else is completely foreign to me and frankly I'm just kind of confused by all this giant mess the "book world" and "booktube"

[@MrMikkyn]

I'm on chapter three so far. I do not like Mrs Bennett, she is too hysterical and anxious. Mr Bennett is okay, he's very apathetic and weird. I like the coughing daughter, she was cute, "I don't cough for fun" or whatever she says. I'm really hating this book so far, but this review inspires me to keep reading it lol. I'm really impressed by your perseverance to read the book thrice times over. I don't think I could do that. I would read this book once and burn it from my mind for the rest of eternity, never to be seen of again. I'm really impressed by your empathy for the characters. Wow. I feel nothing from the characters, other than confusion and slight irritation.

[@ame_thyst_99]

Just finished Pride and Prejudice and went over here to watch your review! Agree with everything you said even though I don’t really know where I should rate it 4 or 5 stars 🤔 Sad you didn’t mention Jane and Mr Bingley tho.

[@mtkk22]

Great insightful review. Thank you.

[@Eowynerre]

May I say earnestly that you will enjoy Sense and Sensibility with every fibre of your being. Nothing can replace Pride and Prejudice... But you almost can with Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin xxx

[@fayealexandria9036]

Eleanor dashwood is my favourite classics character.

[@Eowynerre]

@@fayealexandria9036 I absolutely agree x

[@fayealexandria9036]

@@Eowynerre it's really nice to see a sensible woman not get reprimanded for it. Normally women get placed as unfeeling and cold if they're logical and therefore don't get their happy endings. It's nice to see that explored more in depth between the two sisters

[@morganamomo]

Alright, well I just finished this book for the first time and I have to talk about it somewhere! I avoided it for a long time because I'm not usually interested in classics, but gosh this had me from the first page. I was surprised that the romance seemed to be more of a subplot instead of the main focus, which is the impression I always had from hearing about the movie. I will say that my favorite part of the book was the relationship between Elizabeth and her family, especially her and Jane, because I feel like I haven't seen many sisters who are genuinely close and love each other. I mostly stick to YA and adult fantasy, so maybe that's why I haven't seen many loving sisterly relationships? Anyway, since my sister is my best friend, I really enjoyed how they truly cared about each other, and I also adored Elizabeth's relationship with her father as well! I did enjoy her relationship with Darcy when it started going, though. I thought he was going to be a jerk the entire time, but I was pleasantly surprised in the end. I loved Bingely too, and was glad that someone as kind but naive as Jane ended up with someone who was also kind and really seemed to love her 😭

[@wonderwoman133]

Honestly, even though Mr Bennet is meant to be this funny character, people forget that he oftentimes undermines his wife decisions and even though he is aware of the situation they are in (bc they have 5 daughters) he doesn't really care. He makes Mrs Bennet seem like only a money-oriented woman when she truly just doesn't want her daughters to have empty bellies - including herself. A man didn't have to worry about those things. Mr Bennet might be funny but he also makes fun of the fact that women had to marry as good as possible to be able to take care of themselves. I'm not saying that I particularly like Mrs Bennet's strategies in accomplishing so, but she has only the best possible intentions at heart.

[@wafafathi20101]

I'm waiting for the Harry Potter and the order of the phoniex review 💖

[@debanjanaghosh6634]

You reminded me why this is my favourite!❤️

[@lovelight6973]

OMG. I love ❤️ this book and Austen. I just finished watching P & P series from 1994 for 20th time. The best version in my opinion. I agree Lydia is such a little bitch. I know that sounds mean but it's true. So selfish. What she did to her family back then was just absolutely unforgivable. One of the things I didn't like about the novel is how Wickham was forced to marry Lydia everybody acted like everything was normal except the father and Elizabeth. Elizabeth did make a point of letting Wickham know she forgives but she never forget she was still civil. I guess back then your kinda stuck together at that point. One other thing I didn't like was the double wedding at the end. I thought it was really cheesy even for Austen. I loved Elizabeth's father character and I love Jane's character and of course Elizabeth too. Jane was such a sweet-natured kind person. A real support for Elizabeth since they're mother was nuts. I was so angry at their mother when she sent Jane in a rain storm to go see her love interest Mr. Bingley. She put her daughter at risk and got so sick. I know her mother was trying to help the family but it was really deceitful and manipulative on her part. I could feel Elizabeth shame about her mother on that and among other things. The parents should have done a better job disciplining the younger girls Lydia and Kitty. They were out of control particularly Lydia. In the novel and in the TV version they give into her, Lydia, quite often. And for Mr. Collins. My God. I couldn't stand the idea being married to him. But the funny thing is at the end. You see Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas develop a cute little love between each other even though their marriage is based on practicality. I really wish I seen more and read more scenes with Charlotte Lucas and Elizabeth interactions and conversations together. I really enjoyed that part. I felt like Charlotte Lucas was like Elizabeth's Jiminy Cricket. Charlotte always seem to see the blind spots that Elizabeth couldn't see. There's so much you can disect about this novel it's never ending. I've read it 3 times. My second favorite is Sense and Sensibility. What's yours Merphy?

[@evtriaevyordofa5676]

I never read the book, but i have watched the movie sooo many times. And i was thinking whether Marry is falling in love to Collins. Well the movie had a good detail in every aspect. And Marry was one of the character i do not know how she ends up with. And i care for her sooo much. Ps: i'm sorry for my bad English. I'm not native :)

[@aberdeen0107]

evtria evyordofa you should read the book!

[@evtriaevyordofa5676]

@@aberdeen0107 i tried, but reading slump is killing me now 😔 😔 😔

[@onfaerystories]

I completely agree with you, except I don't get why Lydia's parents let her marry Wickham in the end?? He clearly only cared about money. Lydia is indeed a brat, but she's young and no parents would wish her daughter to be married to such a manipulative man. It seemed quite abusive to me and it made Mr Bennet's regrets toward his neglect quite useless. Mr. Darcy paid off Wickham's wedding without knowing if Lydia's parents really agreed to such an engagement. It didn't seem so honorable to me and I couldn't understand why Elizabeth, who had more sense than most, would think so. I didn't like that Mr. Bingley, a grown-up man, was so influenced by Mr. Darcy (so obviously filled with pride by his position in life) and his sisters. I think he was proud too and not so innocent as it all seemed. Austen's description of how Jane and Mr. Bingley were always together laughing and enjoying eachother's company couldn't have made it more plain that Jane did like him! I was quite annoyed that he never even took the time to write a proper letter to Jane. And now that I think about it, I didn't understand either why Elizabeth never answered Mr. Darcy's letter when she had enough time to have a change of heart and saw how kind he was to her at Pimberley. So many missed opportunities!

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

I’d love to see a March Madness type of bracket for epic love stories and see who wins. Subscribers can do their own and we can compare and ague about why we think what we do. 😅 Other themes for that kind of thing would be the best world (dystopian, fantasy, sci-fi), the best magic system, most entertaining villain, etc. If it was planned enough in advance, videos wherein entries are discussed, like reviews and season wrap-ups, can dovetail nicely into the bracket and also serve as advertising. If you keep hearing awesome stories that will be included, you’ll want to root for your “team,” when game time comes. I’ve seen the success Rhett and Link have had with cereal and snack brackets, and I feel like some kind of literary face off would be fun. 😅

[@lifeofbekahh]

Currently reading pride and prejudice for the first time 😊📖

[@dewah7775]

That's awful. Sending prayers.

[@Hadrian1616]

Feliz Navidad Merphy-san. Arigatou, me gusta. 🎄🎁🎅❤☃️

[@anna.t._7224]

Every time Mrs Bennet started speaking I just kept thinking in my head “shut up shut up shut up”

[@goriogustviceral349]

I liked the book it’s just not my type of novel but I do see the points you were making

[@burge2695]

I have quite a few classics for my tbr 2020...including p&p...jan I'm reading peter pan