Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has not only established its historical importance among scholars and critics, but continues to remain popular. Pride and Prejudice, a comedy of manners, was published in 1813 and is a staple of English literature. It recreates the social world of the landed gentry of early 19th century England and embodies the theme that preconceptions and selfishness can defeat true love. Pride and Prejudice is somewhat autobiographical; emphasizes key elements of setting, characterization, and theme; and received extensive and in-depth reviews. Pride and Prejudice focuses on Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Kitty and Mary. Mrs. Bennet, determined that each of her daughters marry richly, is delighted to learn that a young man with a great fortune, Mr. Bingley, is to move to Netherfield Park and become the Bennets' neighbor. Jane, Bennet's eldest and most beautiful daughter, falls in love with the charming Mr. Bingley, while Mr. Darcy, her equally wealthy friend, has offended almost everyone with his condescending nature. To live happily, Mrs. Bennet believes that one must marry into a higher social class; however, Elizabeth believes in marrying for love. As the plot progresses, two major courtships take place. Jane and Mr. Bingley develop a reserved relationship, while the stubborn Elizabeth refuses the advances of the haughty, handsome, and wealthy Mr. Darcy. To Jane's surprise and chagrin, Mr. Bingley returns to London, as Darcy believes that the shy Jane had no feelings for Bingley. As a result, the prospect of properly marrying off any of the Bennet daughters appears bleak. It comes full circle, however, when Mr. Darcy, who directed and edited...... middle of paper ....... Adapted into countless forms of media, Pride and Prejudice looked at the marriage argument. for love versus marrying for money, a prevalent problem then as now. Critics argued that the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was too modernized and failed to show the profound emotional change Darcy underwent from rude to gentleman. Because Darcy was not as insulting as in the novel, Elizabeth's outbursts were unwarranted and thus their relationship was altered (Dashwood). Unlike the film, the novel focuses solely on society's impact on true love and a character's ability to overcome barriers, both in society and within himself. The women in Austen's novels embodied the feminine spirit, although some feminists criticized the passivity of their roles. Nevertheless, Pride and Prejudice continues to remain a pillar of English literature..