Why I love Pride & Prejudice

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If you have been to my blog for .2 seconds you know I love me some Pride & Prejudice. It's my favourite book, my favourite movie, my favourite TV series. I have read a bazillion sequels or variations, seen all the spin offs and have an entire pinterest board dedicated to it.

But maybe you don't know anything about it? Maybe you've seen the movie and haven't read the book? When we went away for Labor Day, I had just gotten a new copy and was reading it on the way home. I had to stop and read lines out to my friends because I was just so giddy and happy, and my friends didn't understand a lot of them - I'm not gonna lie, it's not an easy read. I read it before I saw the movie in 2005 (I went through a Keira Knightley phase, I never would have seen the movie if I wasn't obsessed with her, so thanks Keira) and barely understood it. I reckon I watched the movie 20 times while it was in theatres, and read the book a few more times before I really understood the writing.

But anywhoozle. Today I wanted to share my favourite things about Pride & Prejudice, all things P&P. Books, movies, tv shows, whatevs. I love it all. So, in no order, here are all the things I love about my favourite story.

This is a quote from the book, when Elizabeth asks Darcy when he fell in love with her.

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And these quotes:

“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” 
“I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.” 
“I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.” 
“You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” 
“But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.” 

And of course, this one:

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The soundtrack for the 2005 version is freaking AMAZING. I have taken to listening to it all day erryday, mainly because its nice and soothing and not distracting to listen to at work, and every so often I'll hear a part that takes me right into the movie, thus taking me right into the story and makes me ever so happy. I know when the song comes on it's when Georgiana is playing, or the Netherfield ball... sigh.

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This super old and awesome edition - published 1894. It's only $2500. I love the peacock design and I have it in a shirt, but I would love the book.

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In fact, I love pretty much all of the covers. I have 5 or 6 of my own and don't own any of the cool ones in this list so clearly that needs to change. My favourite thing is buying a copy when I travel.

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Darcy's sweet proposal in the 2005 movie

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And Lizzie's response.

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Actually, what I most love about that scene, in the book and screen adaptations... well, Roger said it better than I: This argument serves two purposes: It clears up misunderstandings, and it allows both characters to see each other as the true and brave people they really are. It is not enough for them to love each other; they must also love the goodness in each other, and that is where the story’s true emotion lies.

Oh, this scene. Darcy wasn't supposed to be home, but he was, and Elizabeth is so embarrassed and angry at herself because she thinks Darcy might think she is throwing herself at him, and what must he think of her.. all the while, even though she hasn't admitted that she likes him after that disastrous proposal... 

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And Wickham and Lydia both getting exactly what they deserved. Each other.

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I want this mug.

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OMFG all the feels.

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The first line of the book.

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Awkward Colin Firth's Mr Darcy

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I adore this quote, about Elizabeth, after Darcy said he had no interest in dancing with women slighted by other men, and that she wasn't handsome enough to tempt him.

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And I love this, in the movie, when Lizzie basically says 'yeah I heard you, douche'

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And of course, Bingley's proposal and Jane's adorable acceptance.

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I think Jennifer Ehle captures the playfulnesss of Lizzie perfectly. 

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I think - personally! - the BBC version shows Darcy as a snob and proud, with a little awkwardness towards the end and Lizzie as playful and witty, whereas the 2005 shows Darcy as more shy and awkward, and Lizzie is still playful but overall more serious, with a certain vivacity. The BBC version is very true to the book and is longer than the 2005 movie, so obviously they had to seriously condense the movie. I love both of them, but the BBC version is much more of a time commitment, whereas I can throw the movie on easily. I also like the 80s and the 40s versions, but I don't watch them as much.

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I love the ending of the BBC version so.much.more, look how happy they look!

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I also think the 2005 version had an absolute stellar cast - besides Keira & Matthew Macfadyen, you've got Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Tom Hollander, Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan, Jena Malone, Talulah Riley, Judi Dench, Simon Woods, Claudie Blakley, Kelly Reilly, Rupert Friend, Penelope Wilton and Peter Wight.

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This quote. So true - even if it was Caroline who said it.

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But why do I love Pride & Prejudice? 

Austen writes about romance,  manners, upbringing, morality, education, humility and marriage. Lizzie is the perfect heroine - one I can actually identify with - I love the plot and the perfectly dreamy ending. I think it is funny, sexy, intense and life changing. In my humble opinion, it is the best book ever written.

Do you have a book or movie that you are just as obsessed with as I am with P&P?