book report on pride&prejudice-傲慢与偏见英文读书笔记

Name: Zhang Yifei

Student No. 2012012808

November 19, 2012

Will Elizabeth and Darcy marry each other in

reality?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in

possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” This is the first sentence of the novel and it sets the tone for the whole story. Two aspects should be noticed: the story is about marriage, not love; and that marriage is based upon possession or money. If we bear this in mind, then it is rather strange to see that at the end of the novel the two humble girls should marry their wealthy Mr. Right. Actually, this is where the genius of Jane Austen shines brightly, that the comic ending is a sharp irony towards the 18th century, when the European society boasted heavily of wealth and social status.

The Bennet couple is truly snobbish, especially the madam. Dig down into reasons why Mrs. Bennet is so eager to marry her five daughters and you will find that, at that time, a good marriage brings about a fortune to the family. Such fortune will sustain their life lest they will be swept out of the house and live in starvation after Mr. bennet dies. Just take a look at how the mother’s attitude towards Elizabeth changes when Mr. Collin is willing to propose to her daughter and when later on the girl turns him down. There is no better description than this to picture Mrs. Bennet’s characteristic and intention.

Mr. Bingley’s sisters and Mr. Darcy’s aunt are representatives of the rich and upper class, but their fine taste does not varnish their narrow opinions of social stratum. By constantly saying ill of the Bennets and showing proud themselves, they convey the message that they despise the Bennets, they will not truck with them, let alone the marriage of the two families.

Four marriages in total are mentioned in the novel and they share the same theme. If we consider the marriage of hooligan Wickham and silly Lydia as the outcome of the mere pursuit of money, then the one between Charlotte and Mr. Collin is a good example for girls in poor condition to gain social security. Clever as Charlotte, though not that handsome but she knows to seize every