A Norton Critical Edition: Pride and Prejudice

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A Story of lively and rebellious Elizabeth Bennett, one of five unmarried daughters living in the countryside of 19th century England. In a world where obtaining an advantageous marriage is a woman's sole occupation, Elizabeth's independent manner threatens her families future. Will her romantic sparing with the mysterious, sophisticated and arrogant E'Arcy end in misfortune-- or will love's true nature prevail? -- Jane Austen's superb romantic classic comedy follows a cast of society's elite through the games of love and negotiations of marriage in the countryside of 19th century England. It is a lighthearted commentary on the aristocratic and near-aristrocratic English country life. By the use of gentile irony, it shows us our own vanities and prejudices and encourages us to see in every person, an individual to be judged strictly on his or her own merits.