Pride and PrejudiceJane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has not only established its historical importance among scholars and critics, but continues to remain popular. Pride and Prejudice, a comedy of manners, was published in 1813 and is a staple of English literature. It recreates the social world of the landed gentry of early 19th century England and embodies the theme that preconceptions and selfishness can overcome true love. Pride and Prejudice is somewhat autobiographical; emphasizes key elements of setting, characterization, and theme; and received wide and thorough criticism. Pride and Prejudice focuses on Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Kitty, and Mary. Mrs Bennet, determined that each of her daughters will marry rich, is delighted to learn that a young man with a large fortune, Mr Bingley, will move to Netherfield Park and become the Bennets' neighbour. Jane, the eldest and most beautiful Bennet daughter, falls in love with the charming Mr. Bingley, while Mr. Darcy, her equally wealthy friend, offends almost everyone with his condescending nature. To live happily, Mrs. Bennet believes it is necessary to marry into a higher social class; however, Elizabeth believes that one should marry for love. As the plot progresses, two important courtships take place. Jane and Mr. Bingley develop a secretive relationship, while the headstrong Elizabeth rejects the advances of the haughty, handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy. To Jane's surprise and heartbreak, Mr. Bingley returns to London, as Darcy believes that the shy Jane had no feelings for Bingley. As a result, the prospect of properly marrying one of the Bennet girls seems bleak. It comes full circle, however, when Mr. Darcy, who crafted and corrected...... middle of paper....... Adapted to countless forms of media, Pride and Prejudice delved into the subject of marriage for love versus marriage for money, a prevalent issue both then and now. Critics argued that the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was too modernized and failed to show the profound emotional change Darcy underwent, from rude to gentleman. Since Darcy was not as abusive as in the novel, Elizabeth's temper tantrums were unjustified and, therefore, their relationship was changed (Dashwood). Unlike the film, the novel focuses solely on society's impact on true love and a character's ability to overcome barriers, both in society and within themselves. The women in Austen's novels embodied the feminine spirit, although some feminists criticized the passivity of their roles. However, Pride and Prejudice continues to remain a mainstay of English literature.