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Sadie asked this question about Pride and Prejudice:
How do I understand the language in Pride and Prejudice? I'm 13 and we haven't studied it in school but I would like to read it for fun but I can't understand even the first page! Can someone please help me out!
Libby Patton Sadie, I hope that you've read it and maybe even reread it by now! You received lots of good advice here and I think we'd love to hear an update!

I di…moreSadie, I hope that you've read it and maybe even reread it by now! You received lots of good advice here and I think we'd love to hear an update!

I didn't read Austen until my 30s and am jealous that you'll have more time to enjoy her books. My favorite is Persuasion.

I have the David Shapard annotated copies of many Austens and I highly recommend them. The English language grows and changes (not to mention the differences between the UK and American versions of English), and Mr. Shapard clarifies these differences for the modern reader. His annotations are on the page opposite Austen's text, so there's no flipping back and forth needed.

I would also encourage you to reread Austen as you grow. Upon first reading Pride and Prejudice, I thought it was a romance. Now I believe it to be social satire with romance as background.

Many people have recommended viewing it before reading it. I love the 1995 Colin Firth version. It is the truest adaptation. It is my favorite. But the Keira Knightley version is good, too (except for the ending which is atrocious and doesn't fit the book at all).

Best wishes to you! (less)
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Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
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