Why Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is considered a classic novel.

Essay by kylieayn08High School, 12th gradeA+, December 2007

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Throughout high school, students are asked to read classic novels for book reports and essays. Many of them are unsure of what aspects a book must possess in order to be considered a true classic. Mostly, the majority of students are reluctant about reading these classic novels because they assume the novels will be lackluster compared to modern literature. However, many of them would be pleasantly surprised after reading some of the books that are considered classic. Clare Washbrook, a member of the National Association of Teacher of English, considers a classic novel to be moral, truthful, appealing, and relevant. Analyzing these aspects will prove that Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel.

Morality is a common theme throughout many classic novels. Clare Washbrook believes that "a classic novel will usually say something of value and draw attention to human problems" (en.allexperts.com). These novels will teach a lesson within the text.

Pride and Prejudice repeatedly portrays the pride and vanity that is a common human problem within literature. "A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us," (Austen page?). The text helps to prove that if pride is put aside, happiness can be achieved. When Darcy puts his pride aside and confesses his love for Elizabeth, it sets forth a series of events that in the end bring them together. Morality is an obvious necessary component of a classic novel, but truthfulness helps connect the reader to the story being told.

Truthfulness should appear in any novel considered classic. ClareWashbrook mentions that it is important to believe what is being said. This is a significant characteristic because the reader must connect with the text. The literature must be believable otherwise a reader...