Jane Austen’s most popular novel, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, was published was the first time 200 years ago today. Since then it has marked Jane Austen as an important part of English literature and has led to an almost cult-like worship of the works of Jane Austen.
The book has also been adapted many, many times with the most recent adaptation being in 2005 and starring Keira Knightly.
Despite being set in the 19th century, the book continues to resonate in modern times and many find the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as having very modern, feminist views on society, marriage and the role of women.
DID YOU KNOW?
- When PRIDE AND PREJUDICE was published, it was considered unladylike to write books. As a result, all of her initial novels were published under anonymous titles like “A Lady.”
- Austen began writing the novel when she was only 21 years old, but it wasn’t published until she was 37.
- The initial title of the book was “First Impressions.”
- The grumpy character of Mr. Darcy is much more like Jane Austen than the bright protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet.
- Austen sold the rights to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE for only £110.