Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Masterpiece of romance and manners entertains at any age.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 50 kid reviews
Kids say this classic is both beautiful and challenging, often recommending it for older readers due to its old-fashioned language and complex themes about romance and societal expectations. Many found the characters endearing and enjoyed the overall story, but noted the pacing could be slow, making it potentially less appealing for younger or less mature audiences.
- classic literature
- challenging language
- strong characters
- societal themes
- romance narrative
- older readers advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The five single Bennet girls of Longbourne have somewhat dubious prospects for marriage, because their father, though a gentleman, has no male heir and his estate is "entailed" away to his next male relation. So, Mrs. Bennet is extremely eager to find rich husbands for her daughters. When the Bennets become acquainted with a new neighbor, the wealthy Mr. Bingley, and his proud friend Mr. Darcy, first impressions lead to some hard feelings as well as romantic ones. Bingley becomes quickly attached to one of the girls, whereas Darcy leaves the Bennets and their friends cold. First impressions are not always what they seem, however, and the Bennet girls, particularly Elizabeth and Jane, learn where pride and trust are justified, and where they are not, as the romantic story unfolds.
Is It Any Good?
Austen gives you brave and good heroes and heroines, despicable villains, a decent dose of comic relief, a great and complex plot, and plenty of suspense of the mostly restrained, emotional variety. Austen's clever observations and dialogue contribute to her brilliance in developing fully formed characters, despite the polite manners throughout. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are two of the most romantic and memorable characters in the whole of English literature, and their story never fails to entertain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender roles in Pride and Prejudice. What are Elizabeth and her sisters allowed to do or not do in terms of their occupations and social behavior? How is a young woman's life different from a young man's in the world of the novel?
One of the themes Austen explores at length in Pride and Prejudice and in other novels is the compatibility and feelings that make a happy marriage. In the context of the book, what marriages are successful and which are not? What does Austen see as requirements for happiness in married life?
Jane Austen's novels are often compared and contrasted with the Brontes' darker, more gothic romances. How are the novels by these female novelists different, and how are they similar?
Why is Pride and Prejudice considered a classic of English literature?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Literary Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : January 28, 1813
- Number of pages : 368
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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