Pride and Prejudice - Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader I (Pure English Version)

Author: Mao Ronggui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Pride and Prejudice is the masterpiece of the renowned British female writer Jane Austen (1775—1817), a novel that depicts love and marriage. The story follows the romantic entanglement between the protagonists, Darcy and Elizabeth, caused by pride and prejudice, and revolves around four marriage prospects: Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley, Lydia and Wickham, and Charlotte and Collins. Elizabeth, Jane, and Lydia are three sisters among the five daughters of the Bennet family, while Charlotte is their neighbor and Elizabeth's friend. The male protagonist, Darcy, is a close friend of Bingley and grew up with Wickham, whereas Collins is a distant relative of the Bennets. The Bennet couple has five unmarried daughters with no male heir, and according to the laws of the time, their estate would be inherited by a distant cousin, Collins, upon their death. Therefore, marrying their daughters into wealthy families became Mrs. Bennet's greatest wish. Bingley, an unmarried wealthy young man, rents the nearby Netherfield estate from the Bennets, becoming the center of attention and the subject of much discussion. Soon after, Bingley falls in love with the beautiful and virtuous eldest daughter, Jane. Darcy, a friend of Bingley, develops a fondness for the intelligent and straightforward second daughter, Elizabeth, but his rude remarks at a ball cause Elizabeth to hold him in prejudice. Wickham, a man of questionable character, tells Elizabeth that he is the son of the deceased steward of Darcy's estate and grew up with Darcy. Darcy's father had promised him a position, which Darcy unjustly deprived him of. Darcy, however, persuades Bingley to end his relationship with Jane due to his mother and other sisters, leading to a rift between the four. Wickham's slander against Darcy and Darcy's interference further deepen Elizabeth's prejudice against him. Collins, seeking to inherit the estate with ease, decides to choose one of the five beautiful daughters of the Bennets as his "wife" and proposes to Elizabeth. After being rejected, he immediately turns to Charlotte, a single woman eager to find a "home," and surprisingly receives her acceptance. Elizabeth is invited to the newly married home of Collins and Charlotte, where she unexpectedly encounters Darcy, who has come to visit Catherine de Bourgh. Darcy is captivated by Elizabeth and proposes, but his arrogant words lead to her furious rejection. Elizabeth also accuses Darcy of being cruel to Wickham and of ruining Bingley and Jane's relationship. Later, Darcy writes a letter to defend himself, gradually erasing Elizabeth's prejudice. While traveling with her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth passes by Darcy's estate, assuming he is not there, and enters to visit. To her surprise, Darcy returns unexpectedly, leaving Elizabeth feeling very embarrassed. However, Darcy shows no trace of his usual arrogance and warmly welcomes them. At this moment, Elizabeth receives a letter, learning that Wickham has run away with her sister Lydia! Rushing home, the family is at a loss, but Darcy secretly tracks down their whereabouts, funds their marriage, and arranges their lives, saving the Bennet family's honor. This incident resolves the conflict between Elizabeth and Darcy, and Bingley and Jane also reconcile, with all the lovers eventually finding happiness.