Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a timeless classic that explores themes of love and societal expectations. While the entire novel is rich with these themes, my review will focus on the events surrounding Lydia Bennet’s elopement with George Wickham and its aftermath, viewed through the lens of the Christian experience and prayer.
To set the scene: towards the end of the novel, Elizabeth Bennet receives two letters from her sister Jane, delivering the distressing news of their youngest sister Lydia’s scandalous elopement with Wickham. This event threatens to ruin the Bennet family’s reputation. Elizabeth is devastated, understanding the gravity of the situation and the financial and social ruin it could bring. When Mr. Darcy unexpectedly visits Elizabeth during this time, she confides in him about her family’s dire predicament.
Elizabeth’s confession to Darcy reminds me of Philippians 4:6-7, where believers are encouraged to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Just as Elizabeth entrusts her worries to Darcy, Christians are called to pour out their hearts to God in prayer. Yet, despite this act of trust, Elizabeth, much like us Christians, continues to worry and doubt. She even imagines that Darcy, whom she has grown to love, would now view her as a pariah. This mirrors how Christians frequently pray about their concerns but then persist in fretting, doubting God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, driven by his deep love for her, immediately takes action to resolve the situation. He tirelessly searches for the eloped couple and, at great personal expense, arranges for their marriage, thus safeguarding the Bennet family’s honour. Darcy’s keeps his actions a secret, even giving credit to Elizabeth’s uncle to avoid drawing attention to himself. This selfless act of love and dedication beautifully illustrates how God works behind the scenes for the good of those who love Him.
The ultimate demonstration of God’s work for our good is found in the grand narrative of salvation history. From the very beginning of creation, God set in motion a plan to redeem humanity from sin. This divine plan culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the greatest gift of all—salvation and eternal life.
In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth’s eventual realisation of Darcy’s actions brings about a transformation in their relationship, leading to a deeper understanding and love. Similarly, when we recognise and trust in God’s hand at work in our lives and in history, our faith deepens, and our relationship with Him grows stronger.
