Pride and Prejudice Free pdf novel ebook download

Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen , first published in 1813. The
story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of
manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the
landed gentry of early 19th-century England . Elizabeth is the second of five
daughters of a country gentleman living near the fictional town of Meryton in
Hertfordshire, near London.
Though the story is set at the turn of the 19th century, it retains a fascination
for modern readers, continuing near the top of lists of 'most loved books'
such as The Big Read .[1] It has become one of the most popular novels in
English literature and receives considerable attention from literary scholars.
Modern interest in the book has resulted in a number of dramatic
adaptations and an abundance of novels and stories imitating Austen's
memorable characters or themes. To date, the book has sold some
20 million copies worldwide.[2]
As Anna Quindlen wrote, "Pride and Prejudice is also about that thing that all
great novels consider, the search for self. And it is the first great novel to
teach us that that search is as surely undertaken in the drawing room
making small talk as in the pursuit of a great white whale or the public
punishment of adultery." [3]
Plot summary
The novel centers on the Bennet family , consisting of the bookish Mr.
Bennet, his wife, a woman somewhat lacking in social graces and primarily
concerned with her family's fortunes, and their five daughters. The youngest,
Lydia, most takes after Mrs Bennet; the eldest, Jane, is kind-hearted and
proper; and the narrator, Elizabeth Bennet, is the second-eldest and most
takes after her father, sharing his keen wit and occasionally sarcastic
outlook.
The narrative opens with Mr Bingley, a wealthy, charismatic and social young
bachelor, moving into Netherfield Park in the neighbourhood of the Bennet
family. Mr Bingley is soon well received, while his friend Mr Darcy makes a
less favorable first impression by appearing proud and condescending at a
ball that they attend (he detests dancing and is not much for light
conversation). Mr Bingley singles out Jane for particular attention, and it soon
becomes apparent that they have formed an attachment to each other,
though Jane does not alter her conduct for him, confessing her great
happiness only to Lizzie. By contrast, Darcy slights Elizabeth, who overhears
and jokes about it despite feeling a budding resentment.
On paying a visit to Mr Bingley's sister, Caroline, Jane is caught in a heavy
downpour, catches cold, and is forced to stay at Netherfield for several days.
Elizabeth arrives to nurse her sister and is thrown into frequent company
with Mr Darcy, who begins to act marginally less coldly towards her.