Got some Pride and Prejudice?

I am fast becoming a slave to this site. 

I had spent some time trying to find ways to decorate this place, in honour of my favourite time of year. Now, after reading monoceros and dimsumdolly’s take on Pride and Prejudice, I feel inspired to talk about my own experiences with the book.

Jane Austen’s classic was my Literature text when I was 14. I remember we had a lot of fun with the book, mainly because of the sardonic wit that permeated it, thanks to the mighty pen of Austen. My friends and I used to fancy ourselves the family of Bennet, and I, of course, declared myself to be Elizabeth (if only I were as gorgeous as Keira Knightley), hoping that I was as intelligent, strong and willing to admit my mistakes as she was.

In class, we would discuss about how silly Kitty and Lydia were, and laugh over the hysterics of Mrs Bennet. And whenever Mr Collins launched into one of his long and winding speeches, we would roll our eyes. Mr Darcy was, of course, very handsome in our fantasies, even more so than Mr Bingley, even though he had appalling manners initially. But who could resist a man who changed himself in order to gain the acceptance of his love? And who was very rich, indulgent and owned a mansion to boot?

Honestly, what is there not to love about this book? It’s funny and it’s an intelligent take on many issues, ranging from the types of marriages in Austen’s time, to the bucking of social norms to first impressions to love. I re-read my battered copy of P&P recently in preparation for the movie (I do that a lot) and looking through it with the eyes and experiences of a 24-year-old, I think I enjoyed it more than I did with my limited knowledge of life 10 years ago (has it been that long?).

P&P actually sparked off my interest in Jane Austen, and I subsequently laid my hands on other beloved titles such as Emma and Sense and Sensibility. I had rather liked Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma, many moons back, though I never had the chance to catch the movie adaptation of S&S.

Now, all I need to do is to somehow find the 1995 BBC miniseries of P&P, where Colin Firth starred as Mr Darcy. Swoon, everyone, swoon. I have adored Colin Firth ever since he made his appearance in Bridget Jones’ Diary as the socially inept Mark Darcy, with that horrid sweater. I always thought it was hilarious that Bridget Jones was so crazy over Mr Darcy when he was just right in front of her. But never mind, my little cheap thrill.

Cross my fingers, I hope the movie would be a wonderful adaptation and not a bitter disappointment like Harry Potter was.