Having studied 19th century literature extensively, 'Pride' stands out for its layered social commentary. On the surface it's about one man's tragic flaw, but dig deeper and you find a systematic takedown of industrialization-era values.
The novel attacks the myth of social mobility through hard work. Despite the protagonist's genuine talent and effort, inherited wealth and connections always trump merit. The factory owners who exploit workers get knighted while skilled laborers die penniless. This wasn't just fiction - research shows less than 3% of Victorian entrepreneurs actually rose from poverty.
It also dismantles gender norms more subtly than contemporaries. Female characters aren't just victims; they actively manipulate the system. The protagonist's sister uses marriage proposals as leverage, his mother turns gossip into power, and even the 'fallen woman' character outsmarts several men before her eventual demise. The novel suggests women understood societal games better than the men making the rules.
The most cutting critique lies in how religion gets weaponized. Charitable acts become social climbing tools, church attendance measures respectability rather than faith, and moral outrage conveniently aligns with class interests. 'Pride' reveals how societies dress oppression in virtuous clothing.
I see it as a brutal mirror held up to Victorian society's obsession with class and reputation. The novel exposes how people trapped in rigid social hierarchies become their own worst enemies - the protagonist's downfall comes from internalizing society's expectations until they destroy him. What makes 'Pride' special is how it shows the psychological toll of maintaining appearances. Characters would rather starve than admit financial trouble, ruin relationships to preserve dignity, and sacrifice true happiness for fleeting social approval. The author doesn't just criticize these norms; they dissect how intelligent people convince themselves to uphold systems that make them miserable.
What grabs me about 'Pride' is how it makes you feel the suffocation of societal expectations. The writing puts you inside characters' heads as they calculate every gesture - a handshake lasts half a second too long and suddenly their reputation's at stake. You experience how exhausting it is to constantly perform perfection.
The novel's genius is showing these norms as collective insanity everyone pretends is rational. Scenes where characters discuss trivial breaches of etiquette with life-or-death seriousness gradually reveal the absurdity. There's this powerful moment where the protagonist realizes his entire value system is arbitrary, but by then it's too late - the damage is done.
Unlike other social critiques of its time, 'Pride' doesn't offer easy answers. Reformers come off as naive, rebels as selfish, and traditionalists as hypocrites. The message seems to be that societal change requires more than good intentions - it needs people willing to endure being temporarily seen as 'wrong' by everyone else. That's why it still resonates; we still judge others by unspoken rules we barely understand ourselves.
2025-07-05 19:38:21
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The Pride
Rindu Rinjani
9.5
237.1K
The Pride
Nicko is an unexpected son in law in Windsor Family, who is rich and famous in Westcoast Town. Earlier, his Wedding with the beautiful Josephine is only a reciprocate to Mr.Gilbert Windsor, Josephine's grandpa. The one who always kind to him since he was a child.
Even though Josephine always treat him nicely as a man and husband, but not her big family. Nicko is nothing but a trash for Windsor family.
"So, you came here with an empty hand? How silly you are," Armando, his brother in law is mocking him as always.
"Armando, dont you remember the fact that he is depending his life to Josephine and his parent in law? He just a poor unemployement," Damian, Josephine's cousin try to make him feel worse.
That's Nicko's daily life, always being mocked and insulted anytime, anywhere. This also make Josephine's pride is getting lower among her conservative family.
One day, a surprising day came to him unexpectedly. He met his biogical father, Phillip Lloyd, a man from the top social pyramid.
Everything has change. Money is not a problem for him anymore. However, he prefer to hide his true identity.
What is the reason behind? Find out and see Nicholas Lloyd's journey.
An overnight conspiracy crowned me the ruler of East Millsdearne. A ruler unfit to rule, a ruler always questioned, and looked down upon as weak. Why?
Because I am a woman.
Princess Adria was a rebel. Since young, all she wanted was the power and respect in every eye that looked at her. But all she got was lust. Where the crown gave her the power, she still surged to get the respect. Respect that came laced with lust, loss, and sacrifices. Sacrifices that kept her away from the love of her life.
Tangled in a journey to find and give what women deserve, Adria tangles her love life. Will she succumb to the power of the throne, or will she draw herself out?
A tale of the queen, that deserved power, and love. The question is how will she hold onto both.
Fletcher:
I came out to my family at my 18th birthday and my elder brother decided to confess his sexuality too, but our parents didn't approve of us. We were the black sheep of the family. A big disgrace for their status.
They kicked us both out, but we couldn't leave our baby brother in the toxic family.
We started our new life, filled with happiness and love until I found out that my baby brother, my cherished younger brother is in love with me.
But how could he? We are brothers by blood. Did he forget the hatred we faced when I come out as a Gay? Doesn't he remember how much it effected my mental health? How can he even think of confessing his love for me?
Zee Donnovan:
I couldn't stop my heart from falling in love with my elder brother. How couldn't I? He is everything I wanted in my life partner. He has always put me first. He has always prioritized me. Its only right if it's only me in his life. That way he wouldn't be afraid of any heartbreaks. I will never break his heart.
I will always love him.
What would happen when they both confess their love? Will their family, friends and the society approve of this taboo love?
On New Year's Eve, my in-laws, Richard Prescott and Leona Reed, had flown back to have dinner at my place.
However, our butler, Rupert Williams, had only prepared two plates of cold lobster rolls even though I had specifically reminded him that Leona was allergic to lobster.
Rupert looked at me with his usual stiff expression and said, "Mr. Shaw, I understand that people from your background like to take advantage of situations. Your parents showing up for a free holiday meal doesn't surprise me."
He added, "But as Ms. Jaclyn Prescott's most trusted butler, I have a duty to protect the Prescott family assets from being touched by questionable individuals, even if it's just a dinner. That said, I'm not heartless enough to let two elderly people go hungry.
"Here are some leftover expired lobster rolls. Your parents can eat them and leave. Ms. Prescott is very busy with work, and I can't have her come home later only to deal with your poor parents."
I froze for a moment, then realized he had mistaken Jaclyn's parents for mine. He was deliberately trying to humiliate me like he always did.
I was about to explain when Richard and Leona, furious, turned to leave.
However, Rupert called for the security guards to block their way. "I can understand that people from rural areas might lack proper manners, but wasting food is still a bad habit. Since the lobster rolls have already been prepared, I insist you finish them before you go."
My father sold me out, I hate my family and hatred is slowly taking over my life. I was forced into a marriage that I didn't want with a billionaire.
My pride couldn't bear his arrogance and cold-heartedness demeanor so I ran away wishing to not get caught.
-"I might not want to be a part of this marriage but why don't you?" he asked in a husky voice.
-"Why can you not want it but I can't, that is why I despise you, Shawn." I spat out.
He grabbed my hand pulling me to his chest as he aimed for my lips, I wanted to back away but his firm grip wouldn't let me. He tried to invade my mouth but I didn't grant him entry so he bit my lip which caused me to yelp and that was his chance to deepen the kiss as he held my waist pinning me to his body.
Amaya and Max are two young CEOs from different countries that are both afraid of committing to an intimate relationship because they were being tied up to their work. Though among their hectic schedule their thirst for sexual intercourse was never gone and their selfish desires would keep hurting the people around them.
Amaya as a strong independent businesswoman in this world was having trouble controlling herself when it comes to sex while trying to keep it peaceful in her side of the business world. While Max is living in a competitive world wanting no one to overrule him who has nothing but his business. Yet meeting Amaya at a University in Canada was something he wasn't pleased with because of her Max's pride was triggered and wants to bring her down. Though how far will he be able to drag her combining his prideful personality yet can't resist the temptation of mating? Will it be just sex or will they fall in love and take the risks?
The protagonist in 'Pride' is Victor, a half-vampire hybrid who starts off as an underdog but grows into a powerhouse. His key traits include relentless determination and adaptability. Victor doesn't just rely on brute strength; he's a tactical thinker who studies his opponents' weaknesses. His hybrid nature gives him unique advantages, like partial resistance to sunlight and the ability to temporarily mimic other vampires' powers. What makes him stand out is his emotional intelligence—he understands fear, rage, and love deeply, which fuels his growth. Unlike traditional vampire protagonists who brood, Victor actively challenges the status quo, making allies and enemies among vampire nobility. His journey from outsider to leader shows how he balances human compassion with vampire ruthlessness.
The novel 'Pride' digs deep into the rigid social hierarchies of its time, showing how class dictates every interaction. The upper-class characters move through the world with an air of entitlement, while the working class struggles to be seen as more than servants or obstacles. What’s brilliant is how the author contrasts genuine kindness with empty aristocratic manners—like when the protagonist helps a farmer’s family during a storm, shocking his wealthy peers. The story exposes how 'nobility' often means cruelty wrapped in politeness, while true integrity flourishes among those society dismisses. The climax, where a titled villain falls from grace and a humble scholar earns respect, flips the class script entirely.
I just finished reading 'Pride' and the love story is absolutely central to the plot. The main romance revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, a sharp-witted and independent woman, and Mr. Darcy, a wealthy but initially aloof aristocrat. Their relationship starts with mutual dislike—Elizabeth finds Darcy arrogant, while he dismisses her family as beneath him. But as they interact more, especially during Darcy's visits to Elizabeth's home and his unexpected proposal, their feelings evolve. Darcy's letter revealing his true character and his later actions to help Elizabeth's family prove his love isn't just words. Their love story is a slow burn, full of misunderstandings and personal growth, making it one of the most satisfying romances in literature.
I've always been struck by how 'Pride' captures human nature with such precision. The way it explores pride and prejudice as flaws that blind people to love and truth feels just as relevant today as when it was written. The characters aren't perfect - they're flawed, relatable, and grow throughout the story. Elizabeth's sharp wit and independent spirit make her stand out in her time, challenging societal norms in ways that still inspire readers. The romantic tension between her and Darcy builds so naturally, from misunderstanding to mutual respect to love. That slow burn romance set against class struggles and family drama creates a story that never gets old. The humor sprinkled throughout keeps it fresh, and the social commentary about judging others too quickly remains timeless.