The Books that Opened My Mind I

The first time I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was when I was around eight. It was the Classics Illustrated edition. Mostly, I just liked the pretty illustrations. But the story interested me enough that I sought out the book. I got hooked on the humour, arguments, repartee and the study of characters.

There was this instance when Bingley rues his bad handwriting, saying his thoughts travelled too fast to emulate his friend Darcy’s elegant style. Darcy points out that Bingley is actually delivering a boast on the quickness of his thoughts in the guise of humility. That was a time when teachers despaired of my handwriting and I had thoughts similar to Bingley’s. It took Darcy to puncture our glorified balloons. :D

I was also fascinated by the study of first impressions, the journey of Darcy’s pride and Elizabeth’s prejudice and their respective re-evaluations. Perhaps Daniel Dennett would have made their journey easier with a lecture on guesstimate mistakes and course corrections. :D

I have come to the firm belief that if I want to retain my fondness for my favourite books the last thing I should do is analyse them. (The sole exception being Girish Karnad’s play Tughlaq. I couldn’t get over the fantastic use of satire in that one.) However, over the course of our second year literature studies, we went over Pride and Prejudice so minutely, I couldn’t look at the book without flinching for a long time. :P

Thankfully, I re-discovered the joys of the book, years later, particularly that scene towards the end when Elizabeth takes on Lady Catherine. If only I have that kind of presence of mind and rationale during all those times when I really need a good comeback! :D

My sister, Swapna, sure has this skill. I remember after one of our childhood quarrels I angrily told her to go to hell. Her response? A casual, 'Ok, see you there!' For a moment I was stunned because it was so perfect. Then I burst out laughing with her. And that was the end of that quarrel. :D

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Lady Catherine speaking to Elizabeth in the garden of the latter's house. Lady Catherine is wearing a purple cloak over her blue dress while Elizabeth is in yellow. Image Courtesy: C.E. Brock, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons