Pride and Prejudice is a novel written by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The novel follows the romantic entanglements of the Bennet family, an upper-middle class family living in the imaginary county of Hertfordshire. The four Bennet daughters, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, and Lydia, are typical in that they are all on the search for a suitable husband, a matter of great importance to their mother, Mrs. Bennet. Through a series of comedic trials and tribulations, Jane and Elizabeth go on to marry happily and without compromising their ideals in the end. The book follows the journey of Elizabeth and her feelings toward the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth initially dislikes Darcy due to his reputation as an aloof and snobbish man. As Elizabeth gets to know him better, her feelings begin to change. The novel also focuses on the issues of social class and propriety. The Bennet family represent the common class while the wealthy families of Bingley and Darcy represent figures of power and wealth. Through their interactions it becomes evident that despite their wealth, these figures are still subject to the same issues surrounding courtship and relationships. The novel is written with Austens usual humor and wit, focusing on themes such as marriage, money, the role of women in society, and the gossip and manner of social etiquette that was typical of the time period. Ultimately, it is a novel about relationships and the power of love to triumph over adversity.