by Hannah Curtis

Created on: August 15, 2008

This is arguably Austen's most popular and beloved novel, and has delighted many movie audiences over the years, as well as avid readers. The heroine is said to be based on the authoress' personality, and both Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Austen are well loved figures within literary circles.

Plot summary:

The novel commences with a conversation between Mrs Bennet and her long-suffering husband. She excitedly informs him of the arrival of new neighbors in the area; a wealthy young single gentleman and his sisters. She chatters away about the potential prospect for one of her five unmarried daughters and insists that Mr Bennet do his duty and introduce himself to the new neighbor, Mr Bingley as soon as possible. He teases her initially by showing complete disinterest in meeting the new arrivals, despite the fact he has already visited and become acquainted with Mr Bingley.

The community meets for a ball at the local assembly rooms and become acquainted the new-comers. Mr Darcy is introduced to the readers and the village and makes an unfavorable impression as he snubs Elizabeth by refusing to stand up with her. She judges him at this meeting which leads to her prejudice against him. Mr Bingley and Jane stand up together for several dances and the instant attraction between them is noted.

Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth's best friend and closest neighbor makes an appearance and their friendship is explored. At a dance held at the Lucas' residence Elizabeth realizes that she is watched frequently by Mr Darcy and she is given the opportunity to refuse him when he is forced out of politeness to ask her to dance. This act causes Mr Darcy to take notice of the spirited young lady and this heralds the beginning of his attraction towards her. Miss Bingley's attraction to Mr Darcy is also noted by the reader in this scene.

Jane is invited to visit with the Bingley sisters while the men are absent. Her mother observing the weather schemes that Jane should travel on horseback so she would be forced to stay the night if it rained. This comes to pass, however Jane catches chill on the ride over and is bed-ridden there for several weeks. Elizabeth out of sisterly concern travels by foot to nurse her favorite sister. The relationship continues to develop between Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley. The family comes to visit and makes an embarrassing impression, shortly afterwards the girls return home.

Mr Bennet's cousin Mr Collins arrives at Longborn to make the acquaintance of the

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