Life lessons from 'Pride and Prejudice' that still make sense
What's the story
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice comes with a treasure trove of timeless lessons about human beings and relationships. Set in the early 19th century, the book talks about love, class, and the norms of society. With its characters and their dynamics, one can learn invaluable lessons that are still applicable. Here, we take you through five such life lessons from the classic.
First impressions
The importance of first impressions
In Pride and Prejudice, first impressions go a long way in defining relationships. Elizabeth Bennet's first impression of Mr. Darcy stems from his snobbishness at a ball. But as the tale progresses, she realizes that her first impression wasn't completely right. This emphasizes on not judging a book by its cover and waiting to know more about a person/situation.
Humility matters
The value of humility
Mr. Darcy's character arc emphasizes the importance of humility. He is first seen as proud and arrogant, but slowly, he shows his true character through small acts of kindness and generosity. His journey teaches readers that humility can lead to personal growth and better relationships with people.
Effective communication
The power of communication
Misunderstandings between characters in Pride and Prejudice are largely due to poor communication. Elizabeth Bennet's relationship with Mr. Darcy improves drastically once they start communicating openly about their feelings, and the misunderstandings are cleared up. This lesson highlights how honest communication is the key to resolving conflicts.
Beyond social class
Social class does not define worth
The novel also challenges societal norms by showing that social class doesn't dictate one's worth or character. Elizabeth Bennet goes against the tide by holding personal integrity above wealth or status while deciding a partner. This lesson inspires readers to look beyond superficial markers while determining someone's value.
Effort in love
Love requires effort
Elizabeth Bennet's relationship with Mr. Darcy is a reminder that love takes work from both sides to grow the way it should over time. No matter if pride or prejudice comes in between them at the start. They tackle it together, with understanding. Through conversations, they come to a compromise. And, they end up happy, together. No one is prioritized over another.