Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Doing justice to the name, Charles Dickens leaves all raised expectations met in this lovely yet poignant novel. Following the story of humble and timid Pip, the unconventional hero and his journey of self-discovery, the novel harmonizes themes of love, ambition, guilt and redemption. An encounter with an escaped convict, meeting the bitter, jilted, forever bride Miss Havisham and getting his heart broken by the beautiful yet cold Estella – all shape and color Pip’s persona. Having had a taste of the wealthy life in Miss Havisham’s mansion, he longs for a life brighter and richer than that of a blacksmith. As if his prayers were heard, a mysterious benefactor sponsors him a prosperous life in London. Over the years, the generous and reticent young orphan disappears and, in his place, stands a snobbish, 23-year-old man. When life finally seems to be treating him well, baffling questions barge through the door. Who is the mysterious sponsor? Whose daughter is Estella? Who was the man that left Miss Havisham at the altar? As all these questions reveal their answers, readers are in for sympathetic sighs and startling gasps. For all those who have read other works of Charles, this would be a familiar walk down the Dickensian lane. For first time readers, there could be no better welcome.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
In this illustrious semi-autobiography, Louisa May Alcott spiritedly pulls readers into a delightful coming of age experience of four sisters. The March household, with the father off to war, is left at the hands of tomboyish Jo, gentle Meg, Melophile Beth, artistic Amy and their tireless mother. As the girls learn lessons of love, responsibilities, war and death, we witness their becoming of ‘little women’ indeed. The wealthy and handsome Laurie, the peevish Aunt March and the poor tutor Mr. Brooke play dynamic roles in the sisters’ lives. To chase after the heart’s whims or to harbour them behind the mind’s reason? – each character in the novel meets this dubiety. With the plot unravelling as they each find an answer, a common moral connects them all- they will always have each other. Alcott weaves a world between words, and readers shall soon find themselves nestled in 1800s England, amidst the Civil War, living with the girls. Despite the domesticity and simplicity of the novel, it holds timeless relevance with its feminist aspects. So timeless, that there have been 8 big and small screen adaptations over the years. For a visual treat, do watch the series and movies, but as the rule goes, only after reading the book!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
In her most recognized work, Jane Austen tells us the story of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet, a headstrong, intelligent woman who strongly believes in her ideals and is very vocal about them, contrary to most women of that time.
The story highlights the pride of a man and the prejudice of a woman. During a time where the only way women could increase their social status or become wealthy was by marrying, there is the family of Bennets. The eldest daughter is intrigued by the wealthy Mr. Bingley, while Lizzy Bennet is irked by his friend, Mr. Darcy. While Mr. Darcy finds Lizzy to be an ill-mannered, “barely tolerable”, discourteous woman, he ironically ends up fancying her. Mr. Darcy, who initially had the impression of being cold and snobbish, is made to realize how his arrogance and wealth was the reason for not being valued by the woman he loves. The story proceeds to show commendable introspection of the characters and their admirable development as they proceed to stop taking things at face value.
Despite being written 200 years ago, Pride and Prejudice is a blistering critique of the role of marriage in society. Highlighting the themes of “Marriage of convenience” vs “Marriage of love”, this book, with its witty humor, character developments and satirical comments on the contemporary era, is justifiably a classic that will continue to be cherished for many generations, be it for the relatable introversion exhibited by Mr. Darcy, or Lizzy’s unapologetic spirit.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Looking for a warm, welcoming book that lightens up your mood? Anne of Green Gables is your perfect fit. The book follows the life of Anne Shirley, who is accidentally delivered to the house of the old and unmarried Cuthbert siblings. The Cuthbert siblings are reluctant to the idea of living with Anne, so it’s upon the young girl to persuade them to let her stay while simultaneously balancing the brand-new world that is presented to her in the form of the beautiful land of Avonlea.
Montgomery convinces you to follow the fiery redhead with a vivid imagination on her journey to experience a new town, new friends and a place she might just be able to call home. The book keeps you hooked with the flawless writing style along with the distinct personalities o f each character in the book. From grumpy Ms. Marilla Cuthbert to the charming and witty Gilbert Blythe, the characters do not disappoint. The book is wholesome, uplifting and Anne’s optimism along with her bold personality soars out of the book and seeps inside you, giving you a fresh perspective to life.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Published in 1811, it is a story about two starkly opposite sisters - Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. The Dashwood sisters along with their widowed mother are forced to move to a new home in Barton cottage where the sisters take on the unfamiliar territory of love, engagement, heartbreak and most importantly- sense and sensibility.
Marianne is the embodiment of 'sensibility'. She's a little all over the place, a hopeless romantic and foreseeably falls in love with handsome Mr. John Willoughby, who might I add is only bad news. On the other hand, Elinor is practical, understanding, calm and exemplifies 'sense', but she struggles with her personal sorrow and disappointment owing to her romantic mess with Edward Ferrars.
Jane Austen, with these contrasting, yet parallel love stories takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you watch the girls find the perfect balance between sense and sensibility while realizing how much of the world is dictated by money and societal status. The intricate narratives used bring each character to life and when mixed with Austen's dry and witty humour make this book a perfect read for anyone looking for a story they can invest themselves into.
Edited by
Sahana Sadanand - 3BBA C
Ananyaa Maheshwari - 1 BBA F
Kanishka Saravanan - 1 BBA C
Designed by
Harshvardhan Singh - 1 BBA F
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