As of late I’ve been pondering a very simple question. Why is “Pride and Prejudice” so beloved by millions? And I don’t mean just simply loved like a great book (though it is). I mean really loved. In such ways that sequels have been attempted, websites created, debate over which filmed version is better occurring, fan clubs formed, DVD’s sold, watched multiple times per owner and oft quoted. In reality, it has it’s own subculture. If you don’t believe me just google it – I spent an hour playing on sites and taking tests to see which sister I was most like and which man was for me – which perfectly worked out to be Jane and Bingly because of my inherent sweetness and politeness (the tests knew me so well!). This story is LOVED. But what is at the core of the story that creates such affection for it? That is what has vexed me lately. And at times, I have been excessively diverted.
Now before any of my male friends stop reading, let me assure you that I have met plenty of men who have agreed that it is a good story and have ended up enjoying it even though originally forced to watch it. I give you leave to like it. You’ve liked many a stupider thing before. And I understand your unwillingness to admit your like of it. In vain have we subjected you to less worthy flicks (from Anne of Green Gables to Failure to Launch), and then accused you of being void of any real feeling. And I know most of you would categorize “Anchorman” under “Classics” and that’s OK (secretly maybe I would too). But there’s something attractive even to the male audience about this one. So before you find those aforementioned male fans and make them turn in their man cards, watch it for yourself. Perhaps it will induce you to behave in a more gentleman like manner.
Now to the point – why is it so liked? Well, you know my candor well enough to know me capable of getting to the point, so here it is. I think it is liked because, at its core, it is about righteousness. Let me explain. The story presents an age when propriety still meant something. Now, yes, of course Austen pokes a bit of fun at some of this propriety. And we come in contact with characters whose sense of doing what is right runs only skin deep and others who carry out the propriety of the day in pride and conceit. But it’s also about being patient for things to work out rightly instead of taking matters into your own hands and falling into sin (Lizzie and Jane vs. Wickham and Lydia). It’s about extending grace to others when they are too ignorant and naïve to recognize their need for it while knowing it will continue to cost you one way or another (Darcy to Wickham). It’s about recognizing your own sin and humbly changing your ways (Darcy and Lizzie). It’s about believing the best in everyone (Jane and Bingly). It’s about the consequences of unrighteousness (Wickham and Lydia). It’s about forgiveness instead of bitterness (Darcy’s, Bingly’s vs. Lady Catherine). It’s about community (Jane and Lizzie). It’s about purity and holiness in relationships and the lack there of (take your pick). And the list could go on.
Righteousness envelops this story, one way or another. And we are attracted to it, because we miss it. It is rare to find such displays of righteousness in the world in which we live. Propriety means nothing when compared to my own selfish wants and what makes me feel better. Indeed, we are ruined.
Ok, we’re not really ruined. But I do think our hearts, as believers, long for righteousness. And when we can be caught up in a story for a few hours that so well captures it, well, we’re captured. Stories of righteousness stir our souls. Enter the Gospel.
And this is why I think the attempted sequels, have in my opinion, failed miserably. OK, I admit that I’ve actually never read one. But that’s only because I can’t get past the synopses. They speak of Darcy potentially having an illegitimate child, Jane and Bingly’s passionless marriage, Bingly betraying the family, etc. etc. They all seem to miss out on the righteousness (and one is even listed as “erotica” – Austen would flip in her grave). And in my opinion, the sequels will never have the original’s happiness until they have it’s goodness.
So that in a nutshell is a simplified reason why I think the book is so well liked and may even go down as my all time favorite. Well, that and that Austen is a genius. So if you haven’t read it or seen it, do one or both. Embrace life, get lost in a story of righteousness and have some fun. Because every savage can dance. Even those whose favorite classic movie is “Anchorman.”
Oh and fyi, the 5 hour BBC movie version with Colin Firth is far superior to the still entertaining, yet cliff note version with Kiera Knightly.
And lastly, for those of you who think you know Austen well, this post is littered with adapted lines from the book. Reply in the comments and tell me how many you think you found.
