Analysis of the Opening Chapter of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

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Analysis of the Opening Chapter of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ focuses mainly on the protagonists, Elizabeth and Jane. Most of the novel is centred around Elizabeth’s point of view. The arrival of Bingley in the neighbourhood is the starting point. In the opening chapter, the reader is introduced to Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet. Through these characters, the reader learns about Mrs Bennet’s biggest concern; to marry off all her daughters. The themes of the novel are mostly related to the title, ‘Pride and Prejudice’, there is an element of personal pride amongst the characters and also prejudice, particularly with Darcy and Elizabeth. The first chapter brings in the reader into the world of social class importance, marriage and women’s role in the 19th century, which is satirized by Austen. The Bennets have five unmarried daughters, and Mrs Bennet, is one who agrees with the opening sentence: ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.’ The statement is one of great significance to the novel, because of its masterful irony, its humorous tone, and its foreshadowing of the entire novel. To Mrs Bennet, the arrival of Mr Bingley in the neighbourhood is seen as a great opportunity for one of her daughters to obtain a wealthy spouse. The first sentence is ironic because a man with a fortune does not necessarily need a wife, as much as a woman, who has no means of outside support in the 19th century, is greatly in need of a wealthy spouse. When the reader meets Mr Darcy, a wealthy and ‘fine, tall person’, with ‘handsome features’ ... ... middle of paper ... ...se it engages the audience straightaway, into the novel. Austen uses little concrete nouns, instead, she prefers to concentrate on abstract nouns, for example, ‘pride’ and ‘judgement’. This provides the reader a deeper insight into emotions and feelings, rather than physical description of characters and visualisation of the scenes. The opening chapter briefly introduces the Bennets and Mrs Bennet’s concern to make sure all her daughters are married. Although only Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet is present, the reader also finds out about the sisters as well. From just this short chapter, immediately, the protagonists in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ are obviously, Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley. In conclusion, the first chapter is very important and definitely introduces the reader to the central characters and concerns of the novel.

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