傲慢与偏见对当今女性的借鉴意义-英文版

Advices to women by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen, one of the most famous British writers left six excellent books to the world. Pride and Prejudice is considered the most well-known among them. It was first published in 1813, about 200 years ago, but Jane’s ideas and opinions about love and marriage in this book are never out of date, they are still advices to today’s women. Let’s share some of them.

1. Leave him in no doubt if you really love him. In this story, Jane, the eldest

daughter from Bennet family fell in love with Mr. Bingley. But she was too reserved and scared of other people’s comments. She never showed her emotion. Charlotte, the friend of family noticed that, but her suggestion was not adopted. Mr. Bingley, who was not sure about Jane’s feelings to him, left Netherfield in his sisters and Mr. Darcy’s persuasion. This leave almost led to a lifelong regret to both of them. Although they got married at last, we have to say this fortune does not come to every girl in real life.

2. First impressions often deceive you. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham gave totally

different first impressions to Lizzy. Darcy was proud and arrogant, and Wickham was amiable and friendly. But the facts turned out their moral qualities were just on the contrary to the first impressions. So, never judge too soon. Especially for the girls who are in the Association of Appearance (so called Waimao Xiehui). Of course, the principle works for men as well.

3. Be yourself. Lizzy was a girl with strong insights, independent opinions and open

character. She expressed her thoughts to anyone naturally and gracefully, never pleased others for their special positions and wealth. What she said and did gave Mr. Darcy a clear profile of her, which was her unique attraction to him and made him abandon his discontents to her family even though she refused his proposal impolitely. Sometimes love grows from zero. When Lizzy found herself in love with Mr. Darcy, she sincerely and directly told him about her feelings. So, being yourself at any time is very important to show your characters, in which your Mr. Right is interested most. You never know when and where he is watching.

4. Never be a mother like Mrs. Bennet. She was a weak-understanding, snobbish

and gossipy woman. She thought money was the most important thing for marriage. Her foolish indulgence to Lydia’s flirting with the officers almost ruined the family, and she never blamed herself at all! She was a disaster for daughters. For men, Jane Austen gave her advice in Chapter 42, try to avoid marrying a woman just for her youth and beauty, and think more about her mind and characters, because she might be the mother of your children.

5. Do anything rather than marry without affection. Jane’s conception to

affection was not only attraction by appearance, but respect and understanding in spirit. To marry with affection was not easy in Jane’s time. She insisted in this principle by being single all the life. She fought with her time and her fate， eventually yielded to them. But the unfortunate love did not depress her. She still believed in love and put the belief into her books. Her perspective and understanding of love and marriage were very rational by observing as outsider, but she never lost her romance in her heart. Jane Austen might leave the world with great pity, but she was so generous to the ladies in her books. In this book, Jane and Lizzy both wished marry for love. Finally they did. And more than their wishes, their husbands were very rich. Maybe it was Jane Austen’s beautiful wish to all women after her, God bless the girls who pursue true love.