Monday 9 October 2023

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (TH)

                                               



Hello everyone, I'm writing my blog on "PRIDE AND PREJUDICE" by "JANE AUSTEN" ; task given by Megha Ma'am Trivedi.


> Here are three questions for discussion,...

1) Compare the narrative strategy of the novel and movie.

2)  Write an illustration of the society of Jane Austen's time. 

3) What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth never got together? What if Lydia's elopement had a different outcome?  Explore the consequences of these changes and write alternative endings to the novel.


> Let's discuss biography of Jane Austen,...

                     


Jane Austen, (born December 16, 1775, Steventon, Hampshire, England—died July 18, 1817, Winchester, Hampshire), English writer who first gave the novel its distinctly modern character through her treatment of ordinary people in everyday life. She published four novels during her lifetime: Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1815). In these and in Persuasion and Northanger Abbey (published together posthumously, 1817), she vividly depicted English middle-class life during the early 19th century. Her novels defined the era’s novel of manners, but they also became timeless classics that remained critical and popular successes for over two centuries after her death.

Jane Austen was born in the Hampshire village of Steventon, where her father, the Reverend George Austen, was rector. She was the second daughter and seventh child in a family of eight—six boys and two girls. Her closest companion throughout her life was her elder sister, Cassandra; neither Jane nor Cassandra married. Their father was a scholar who encouraged the love of learning in his children. His wife, Cassandra (née Leigh), was a woman of ready wit, famed for her impromptu verses and stories. The great family amusement was acting.

Her earliest known writings date from about 1787, and between then and 1793 she wrote a large body of material that has survived in three manuscript notebooks: Volume the FirstVolume the Second, and Volume the Third. These contain plays, verses, short novels, and other prose and show Austen engaged in the parody of existing literary forms, notably the genres of the sentimental novel and sentimental comedy. Her passage to a more serious view of life from the exuberant high spirits and extravagances of her earliest writings is evident in Lady Susan, a short epistolary novel written about 1793–94 (and not published until 1871). This portrait of a woman bent on the exercise of her own powerful mind and personality to the point of social self-destruction is, in effect, a study of frustration and of woman’s fate in a society that has no use for her talents.


                    

  1. 1.Early Life:

  2. Jane Austen was the seventh of eight children born to George Austen, a clergyman, and his wife, Cassandra Leigh. She grew up in a close-knit family and received her education primarily at home, where she had access to her father's extensive library.


  3. 2. Themes:

  4. Austen's novels typically revolve around themes of love and marriage, social class, and the role of women in society. Her keen sense o

  5. f irony and satire are evident in her portrayal of the manners and morals of her time.


  6. 3.Personal Life:

  7. Jane Austen never married and lived most of her life in the rural English countryside. Despite her own lack of personal experience with marriage, she had a deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of romantic relationships, which she skillfully portrayed in her novels.


  8. 4.Illness and Death:

  9. Austen's health began to decline in her early forties, and she eventually succumbed to what is believed to have been Addison's disease, a rare hormonal disorder. She died in Winchester, where she had gone seeking medical treatment, on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41.


  10. 5.Posthumous Fame:

  11. Although Jane Austen achieved some success during her lifetime, her novels gained widespread popularity in the decades following her death. Her works have been continuously in print and have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and other media. Her novels remain beloved and are still widely read and studied today.

Jane Austen's novels continue to be celebrated for their timeless themes and engaging characters, making her one of the most enduring and influential authors in English literature. Her ability to capture the nuances of human relationships and society has left a lasting legacy in the literary world.


> Watch this video of "The Untold Story Of Jane Austen"


             


QUE.1 Compare the narrative strategy of the novel and movie.


ANS.

# Narrative Strategy in the Novel Pride and Prejudice:-

                       


Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice is told from a third-person limited point of view, primarily following the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet.

The novel is also notable for its use of free indirect discourse, a narrative technique in which the narrator's voice merges with the character's thoughts, without using quotation marks or other explicit signals. This allows the reader to experience Elizabeth's world through her own eyes, and to understand her motivations and emotions in a more nuanced way.

Another importan.t aspect of the novel's narrative strategy is its use of irony. Austen frequently uses ironic devices, such as understatement, satire, and hyperbole, to poke fun at the social conventions and prejudices of her time. This irony also serves to highlight Elizabeth's intelligence and wit, as she is often able to see through the hypocrisy and pretense of the people around her.

Austen also uses a variety of other narrative techniques to create a rich and engaging story. For example, she uses dialogue to reveal character and to advance the plot. She also comments on the social and cultural norms of her time.


# Narrative Strategy in the 2005 Film Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice:-

The 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is generally faithful to the novel in terms of plot and characterization. However, the film does make some changes to the novel's narrative strategy. For example, the film uses a more omniscient point of view, allowing the audience to see into the minds of other characters besides Elizabeth. This helps to streamline the story and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

The film also makes greater use of visual and symbolic imagery to convey the story and the characters' emotions. For example, in the scene where Elizabeth first meets Mr. Darcy at the Netherfield ball, the film uses close-up shots of their faces and body language to highlight their mutual attraction, even though they are not yet speaking to each other.

Another notable difference between the novel and the film is the way that they handle irony. The film uses irony more sparingly than the novel, and it often makes the irony more explicit. For example, in the scene where Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth at Hunsford Parsonage, the film cuts to a shot of Charlotte Lucas shaking her head disapprovingly, which signals to the audience that Elizabeth is about to make a mistake.

Overall, the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is a successful rendering of the novel's story and characters. The film's narrative strategy is different from the novel's in some ways, but it is still effective in telling the story in a visually and emotionally engaging way.


# Comparison of Narrative Strategies

One of the key differences between the novel's and film's narrative strategies is the use of interiority. The novel gives the reader access to Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings, which allows the reader to understand her motivations and her journey of self-discovery. The film, on the other hand, relies on visual and auditory cues to communicate Elizabeth's inner life. This can make it more challenging for the viewer to fully understand Elizabeth's character.

Another difference between the two narratives is the use of irony and satire. The novel is full of ironic and satirical moments, which Austen uses to comment on the social and cultural norms of her time. The film does not include as much irony or satire as the novel, but it does use some of these techniques to add humor and depth to the story.

Overall, the novel and film adaptations of Pride and Prejudice both tell the same story, but they use different narrative strategies to do so. The novel gives the reader more access to Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings, and it uses irony and satire to comment on the social and cultural norms of Austen's time. The film relies more on visual and auditory cues to communicate Elizabeth's inner life, and it uses less irony and satire.

Which narrative strategy is more effective is a matter of personal preference. Some readers may prefer the novel's more introspective approach, while others may prefer the film's more visual and emotional approach.

# Conclusion:-

Both the novel and the film Pride and Prejudice are excellent examples of storytelling. The novel's narrative strategy is more complex and nuanced, while the film's narrative strategy is more streamlined and accessible. Ultimately, the2)  Write an illustration of the society of Jane Austen's time. best way to experience the story of Pride and Prejudice is to read the novel and watch the film.


> Watch this video for more information about comparison strategy of Novel & Movie,...

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QUE.2 Write an illustration of the society of Jane Austen's time.


ANS:

Jane Austen lived in England during the Regency era, a period of social and cultural change. The Industrial Revolution was transforming the country, and the aristocracy was losing some of its power to the rising middle class. However, British society was still highly stratified, and class distinctions were strictly observed.

At the top of the social ladder were the aristocracy, who owned most of the land and wealth in England. Below them were the gentry, who were not as wealthy as the aristocracy, but still had a significant amount of social and political influence. The middle class consisted of merchants, bankers, lawyers, and other professionals. At the bottom of the social ladder were the working class and the poor.

Austen's novels focus on the lives of the gentry and the middle class. Her characters are primarily concerned with issues of marriage, money, and social status. She satirizes the social conventions of her time, but she also celebrates the importance of love, friendship, and family.

> Here are some specific illustrations of the society of Jane Austen's time:-


  • Marriage was essential for women. Unmarried women had very few opportunities to support themselves, and they were often dependent on their families for financial support. Marriage was also the only way for women to achieve social status and security.
  • Dowry was important. When a woman married, her family was expected to provide her with a dowry, which was a sum of money or property that would help to support her and her new husband. The size of the dowry was a reflection of the woman's social status and her family's wealth.
  • Entailment was a common practice. Entailment was a legal arrangement that ensured that an estate would be passed down to the eldest male heir. This made it difficult for women and younger sons to inherit property.
  • Social class was strictly observed. There were clear social distinctions between the different classes, and it was difficult to move between them. People were expected to socialize and marry within their own social class.
  • The Church of England was the official religion of England. Everyone was expected to attend church services and to conform to the teachings of the Church of England.


Here are some specific illustrations of the society of Jane Austen's time from her novels:-

  • In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet is forced to choose between two suitors: Mr. Darcy, a wealthy aristocrat, and Mr. Bingley, a wealthy bachelor. Elizabeth is initially attracted to Mr. Bingley, but she is put off by his pride and snobbery. Mr. Darcy is also proud, but he is also intelligent and kind. Elizabeth eventually comes to see Mr. Darcy's good qualities and they fall in love.
  • In Emma, Emma Woodhouse is a wealthy young woman who enjoys matchmaking. She tries to arrange a marriage between her friend Harriet Smith and Mr. Martin, a local farmer. However, Harriet is in love with Mr. Elton, a clergyman. Mr. Elton initially leads Harriet on, but he eventually proposes to Emma. Emma is shocked and realizes that she is in love with Mr. Knightley, a friend of the family.
  • In Sense and Sensibility, the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, are forced to leave their home after their father dies. They move to a small cottage with their stepmother and her daughters. Elinor is sensible and practical, while Marianne is romantic and emotional. Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, but he is engaged to another woman. Marianne falls in love with Willoughby, a charming but deceitful man. Elinor and Marianne eventually learn that it is important to balance s
  • ense and sensibility in matters of love.


In conclusion we can say that Austen's novels are not just social commentaries. They are also witty and romantic stories that have captivated readers for centuries. However, her insights into Georgian society are still relevant today. Her novels help us to understand the world in which she lived and the social forces that shaped her life and the lives of her characters.


QUE:3 What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth never got together? What if Lydia's elopement had a different outcome?  Explore the consequences of these changes and write alternative endings to the novel.

ANS:

# INTRODUCTION:-

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a classic tale of love, marriage, and social class. The novel follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a witty and intelligent young woman, as she navigates the society of early 19th century England. Elizabeth eventually finds love with Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud man, but not before they overcome their own prejudices and misunderstandings.

What would have happened if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth had never gotten together? What if Lydia's elopement had a different outcome? These are just a few of the questions that Austen fans have pondered for generations. In this answer we will explore the consequences of these changes and write alternative endings to the novel.


# What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth never got together?

If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth had never gotten together, it would have had a significant impact on their lives. Elizabeth would have likely remained unmarried, as she was not interested in marrying any of the other men in her community. She may have become a governess or a companion to a wealthy family, but she would not have been able to achieve her full potential.

Mr. Darcy would have also been affected by Elizabeth's rejection. He may have become even more arrogant and proud, or he may have eventually married another woman, such as Miss Bingley or Miss de Bourgh. However, he would never have found true love and happiness with anyone else.


What if Lydia's elopement had a different outcome?

If Lydia's elopement had had a different outcome, it would have changed the course of the novel. If Lydia had not married Mr. Wickham, she would have been ruined. She would have been unable to find a suitable husband, and her family would have been disgraced.

The Bennets would have been forced to leave Longbourn and move to a smaller, less desirable home. Elizabeth's chances of marrying well would have been greatly diminished. She may have had to marry a man she did not love simply to provide for her family.


# Alternative Endings:-

1. Darcy's Proposal Rejected:

In this alternate ending, Elizabeth Bennet decides to reject Mr. Darcy's first proposal due to her lingering prejudice against him. She believes that he hasn't truly changed and continues to hold her initial opinions of him. The story then explores how both characters evolve separately and find happiness in unexpected ways, possibly with different partners.

2. Lydia's Redemption:

Instead of Lydia's elopement with Mr. Wickham leading to disgrace and scandal, she realizes the error of her ways and returns home before any harm is done. This allows the Bennet family to maintain their social standing, and Mr. Darcy still falls in love with Elizabeth despite Lydia's behavior.

3. Lady Catherine's Approval:

Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who initially disapproves of Darcy's relationship with Elizabeth, has a change of heart and gives her blessing to their union. This alternate ending explores how Lady Catherine's acceptance impacts their marriage and the society's perception of them.

4. An Alternative Suitor for Elizabeth:

Mr. Darcy, for some reason, doesn't pursue Elizabeth after his initial proposal is rejected. Instead, another eligible bachelor enters Elizabeth's life, and she marries him. Mr. Darcy remains single or marries someone else, and the story focuses on how their lives unfold separately.

5. Tragic Ending:

In this darker version, the misunderstandings and social pressures ultimately tear Elizabeth and Darcy apart. They are unable to overcome the pride and prejudice that surrounds them, leading to a tragic separation that leaves both characters unfulfilled and unhappy.

# CONCLUSION:-

The novel concludes with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy living happily at Pemberley, surrounded by their loving families, and continuing to challenge societal norms with their strong partnership and unwavering love for each other.

Remember that these alternative endings diverge from Jane Austen's original intent, which is a story of love overcoming pride and prejudice. However, exploring different possibilities can be a fun exercise for fans of the novel to imagine how the characters' fates could have unfolded differently.


Thank you for reading...

Happy Learning...Exploring






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