Golden Pictures: jane austen quotes

##title##

Though the story is set at the turn of the 19th century, it retains a fascination for modern readers, continuing near the top of lists of 'most loved books' such as The Big Read. It has become one of the most popular novels in English literature, and receives considerable attention from literary scholars. Modern interest in the book has resulted in a number of dramatic adaptations and an abundance of novels and stories imitating Austen's memorable characters or themes. To date, the book has sold some 20 million copies worldwide.

The narrative opens with Mr Bingley, a wealthy young bachelor, moving into Netherfield Park in the neighbourhood of the Bennet family (who live at Longbourne). Mr Bingley is soon well-received, while his friend Mr Darcy makes a less favourable first impression by appearing proud and condescending. When Elizabeth Bennet overhears herself slighted by Mr Darcy, she forms a prejudice against him. Mr Bingley singles out Elizabeth's elder sister, Jane, for particular attention and it soon becomes apparent that they have formed an attachment to one another.

At a ball given by Mr Bingley at Netherfield, Mr Darcy becomes aware of a general expectation that Mr Bingley and Jane will marry. Meanwhile, the Bennet family, with the exception of Jane and Elizabeth, make a public display of poor manners and decorum, much to Elizabeth's embarrassment and Darcy's disgust. The following morning, Mr Collins proposes marriage to Elizabeth, who refuses him, much to her mother's distress as the five daughters are facing a future as penniless spinsters upon their father's death. Mr Collins recovers and promptly becomes engaged to Elizabeth's close friend, Charlotte, who justifies her decision to an outraged Elizabeth by pointing out that Mr Collins is a good, respectful, well-employed man and she doesn't want to become the ridiculed spinster-figure Elizabeth's mother fears. Mr Bingley abruptly quits Netherfield and returns to London, and Elizabeth is convinced that Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley's sister have conspired to separate him from Jane.

Lydia and Mr Wickham are soon found by Uncle Gardiner, upon which Wickham is forced to marry Lydia (much to Lydia's delight) to try to stem the tide of disgrace. Upon visiting her family, a gleeful Lydia discloses that Mr Darcy was present at her wedding while boasting to her sisters. Elizabeth finds that Mr Darcy was responsible for finding the couple and arranging their marriage, at great expense to himself. Soon after, Mr Bingley, encouraged by Mr. Darcy, returns to Longbourne and proposes marriage to Jane, who immediately accepts.