Year 11 - Comparative Study

We have studied the book 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen and the film version of 'Bridget Jones's Diary', directed by Sharon Maguire. In this comparative study we will be looking at the theme of relationships, highlighting their importance and quality back in early 19th century England and today's modern English society.

The importance of relationships in 'Pride and Prejudice' is demonstrated to us by the fact that all of the main characters in the novel fall in love and become engaged. The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as the relationship between Jane and Bingley show us that true love can overcome all obstacles. Including feelings of pride and prejudice based on social class differences and first impressions.

Mrs. Bennet would lead us to think that true relationships were unimportant; she was obsessed about getting her daughters married to rich men as quickly as possible without much consideration about the emotions exchanged between the two sides.

English: Back View of Jane Austen, Watercolor

English: Français : Une gravure de 1833 illustran...

Lady Catherine confronts Elizabeth about Darcy, on...

We see this clearly when Mrs. Bennet tried to force Elizabeth into marrying Mr. Collins (who is a generally idiotic clergyman) against Elizabeth's outright refusal of the proposal. Elizabeth understood the importance of the relationship as it would have meant that the Bennet family could continue to stay in the estate once Mr. Bennet dies, but Elizabeth knew that the quality of the relationship would have been far from perfect and this is why she chose not to marry Mr. Collins.

The most significant relationship in the novel is the one between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet; it is the central theme of the book and precisely demonstrates why relationships are so important. Their relationship shows us that true love can only be achieved after both parties have overcome their pride and prejudice,