Dear Jane Austen,

Reading Pride and Prejudice transported me to your time. I became the characters, reacting and responding to what they thought and saw.  Reading your literature changed me, in the way that I view the world, assess others, and conduct myself.

I have always been a voracious reader. Every spare moment I have my nose tucked in a book, but to the very day I was required to write a biography, I had a very naive view on classics. Classics were for old people who had too much time on their hands. When one of my teachers suggested you, I knew nothing of your works or your influential writing. Once I began to read Pride and Prejudice, I was hooked immediately. Though the thickness of the book and the vocabulary were intimidating, I just had to slow down and spend a little more time looking words up in the dictionary. Though normally I would give up on a book if it burdened me with any sort of reference book, your style of writing and the excitement of the story kept me going. Once I finished the book, all I wanted to do was read it again.

When I was younger, I believed that everyone got a happily ever after. Out in the world there was a Prince Charming for everyone. Obviously, I soon learned that was not true. I thought that a prince was someone who rescued the “damsel in distress.” In comparing my view to Lizzy’s, I realized that even though the world is full of evil things, everyone has a Prince. If not always in the way portrayed in fairytales. I doubt there are any princesses out there with hair long enough to climb or have evil stepmothers who force them into slavery. Princes could still be there, in a father, a friend or even God. Though not always a romantic love that ends in marriage, it is a binding courtship that lasts forever.

I, like Lizzy, always considered myself a very good judge of people and I have never believed myself wrong. Now that I have read about Lizzy’s experience, I have taken more care in seeing people. Now I look for who they really are and not how they choose to conduct themselves in front of others. I have a very good friend whose father is a minister. In public she is very reserved and conservative with her thoughts, feelings and manner of dress. Around the time I finished Pride and Prejudice we had a sleepover. When she was at my house, it was like I was meeting a whole new girl. She talked about boys, clothes, school and secrets just like any other giddy middle schooler. I was too quick to judge her when I only saw her at school. I would have never guessed she was just like everyone else.

I truly admire Lizzy’s wit and stubbornness. I do think I’m a lot like her in these ways. Also, in how mature she is. She claims that she, having three younger sisters growing up, can hardly own to it, (her age). I might say the same thing, but in a different way. I am an only child. I grew up listening to my mother and father and at an early age knew a lot about the world. I didn’t know how to be giddy and just act silly. I never had an opportunity; because of this I have felt most lonely in school. I now see Lizzy as a counselor. Lately I find myself asking, “What would Lizzy do if she was in my situation?” It is nice to have someone, even if she is fictional, I can relate to.

I have taken history classes, and read books, but I never realized how complex British society was in the late 1700’s. I learned how hard it was on girls to live a happy life that was also prosperous. I found it interesting that women were totally dependent upon whom they married. I’m not sure if life would be easier or harder than it is now. Back then the only worry girls had was how to marry the richest man possible that might be tolerable. Today, with a good education and the will to succeed, a woman can make her own way in the world. Like Lizzy, only the deepest love would persuade me into matrimony, so like you, I may have suitors, but most likely will never marry.

I am so glad that I decided to read Pride and Prejudice. It has taught me so much about life, people, and myself. I’m not sure I could have gained this knowledge in any other way. I only hope that when others read Pride and Prejudice that they are touched as deeply as I, compelling them to read it over and over again.

An Avid Reader,

Mikael Stovarsky

Mikael Stovarsky

8th grade

Barnette Magnette School, Fairbanks, Alaska

Teacher:  Heidi Imhof