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The influence of the work 'Pride and Prejudice'

2024-09-26 10:57:24   0  Report

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This mind map explores the profound influence of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' a novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1813. Initially drafted as 'First Impressions,' the novel was rewritten and renamed, marking a significant turning point in Austen's literary career. Set against the backdrop of late 18th to early 19th-century British society, the story follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's journey from prejudice to mutual respect and love. Celebrated for its wit and social critique, 'Pride and Prejudice' defied the sentimental trends of its time, leaving a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

Other works by the author

Outline/Content

Creation Background

"Sense and Sensibility" is Jane Austen's earliest completed work. She began writing it in 1796, initially titled "First Impressions," and completed it in August 1797. Her father was deeply moved after reading it and specifically took it to Thomas Cadell to publish, but he flatly refused, which greatly disappointed both father and daughter. Consequently, Jane Austen set about revising another novel, "Pride and Prejudice.

After her father's death in 1805, Mrs. Austen moved with Jane and her sister Cassandra to Southampton. It was not until they settled in Chawton, Hampshire, at her brother Edward's estate in 1809 that Jane Austen seriously took up her pen again. After revising "Sense and Sensibility," she self-published the book, which sold well. Consequently, she rewrote "First Impressions," renaming it "Pride and Prejudice."

Author Profile

Jane Austen, born in Steventon, Hampshire, England in December 1775, was one of eight siblings. Her father served as the rector there for over forty years.

My mother came from a relatively wealthy family and possessed a certain level of cultural cultivation. She began writing at the age of thirteen or fourteen.

In 1796, at the age of 21, Austen completed her first novel, titled "First Impressions."

That same year, she began writing "Elinor and Marianne," which was later rewritten and published as "Sense and Sensibility." She also wrote "Northanger Abbey," completed in 1799. Over a decade later, "First Impressions" was rewritten and renamed "Pride and Prejudice," while "Elinor and Marianne" was rewritten and renamed "Sense and Sensibility," both works being published thereafter.

Content Introduction

The novel depicts the five marriageable daughters of the minor gentleman Mr. Bennet, with the protagonist being the second daughter, Elizabeth. She meets Mr. Darcy at a ball but, having heard of his arrogance, initially holds a prejudice against him. After a series of complications, Elizabeth overcomes her bias towards Darcy, and he, in turn，put down his pride. In the end, the two lovers are united in marriage.

This work, drawing on everyday life as its material, defies the popular sentimental novels and their contrived writing styles of the time, vividly reflecting the life and social customs of British towns in a state of conservatism and seclusion from the late 18th to the early 19th century. It has been adapted into films and television series multiple times.

Character Introduction

Elizabeth

The protagonist, Elizabeth, the second daughter of the Bennet family, is the wisest and wittiest person in the household.

is also one of the most famous female characters in British literature

Darcy

Mr. Darcy is the son of a wealthy and substantial landowner from Pemberley estate, and also Elizabeth's male companion.

Jane and Bingley

Jane is Elizabeth's sister, and Bingley is Darcy's best friend.

The Bennet family

Mrs. Bennet is a foolish and impetuous woman.

Mr. Bennett is a wise middle-aged man who often speaks to others with a tone that is sarcastic, cynical, yet indifferent.

Work Influence

Pride and Prejudice "was published in the year 1813. The book was welcomed by the critics, with Sir Walter Scott praising Austen for her \"clever penmanship,\" and for making \"ordinary and mundane matters and characters interesting.

"Pride and Prejudice" depicts the love and marriage of the middle class in England. Before Austen, there was a trend of female sentimentality in 18th-century British novels, filled with a melancholic mood and a penchant for sadness for the sake of sadness. "Pride and Prejudice" overcame this tendency and approached modern life. She used comedic techniques in her novel to express a serious critique of life, exploring the psychological process of self-discovery of the female protagonist from falling in love to getting married. The marriage between the heroine and Darcy is the happy marriage that the author extolled as "setting an example for all lovers in the world.

"Pride and Prejudice" vividly reflects the life and social customs of British towns in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which were in a state of conservatism and seclusion. It is listed as one of the ten greatest novels in the world by the British novelist and dramatist W. Somerset Maugham.