Testing the Waters! 

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, stations in life matter greatly and certainly to the Bennett family of five girls. Getting a husband and marrying well was the main pursuit of every young woman so that she would not be left as an old maid. Jane, Elizabeth. Mary, Kitty and Lydia are the five Bennett girls and the two eldest have suitors making offers.

Bingley (Jane’s love interest) is easily persuaded by others and is indecisive. Elizabeth, who is very outspoken has offers from Mr. Collins and from the ultra- rich Mr. Darcy. She despises them both, while holding an interest in an officer named Mr. Wickham.

This novel is a great character study as Elizabeth learns to look deeper into the actions of people, in general. Elizabeth is shocked at how self-serving people can be when Mr. Collins ends up with her best friend, Charlotte and her younger sister elopes with Wickham. After many twists and turns, she slowly begins to see the merits of Mr. Darcy. A timeless tale with great insight into everyday life in the 1800’s.

June 6,2026