Pride and Prejudice Trivia: The Book That Launched 1,000 Proposals
- Jessica Graham
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Before it became the ultimate slow-burn romance — and a staple of every English Lit class — Pride and Prejudice was a rejected manuscript called First Impressions, written by a 20-year-old woman who couldn’t even publish under her own name.
Welcome to your one-stop shop for the best Pride and Prejudice trivia — from Austen’s publishing struggles to Darcy’s disastrous first proposal, and every scandalous sister in between.
Prefer your trivia right in your ear? 👉 Listen to the full Pride and Prejudice episode now — only on the Book Trivia Podcast.
From “By a Lady” to Timeless Bestseller
When Pride and Prejudice hit shelves in 1813, Jane Austen’s name wasn’t on the cover. Instead, it was credited simply as “By a Lady.”
She sold the publishing rights for £110 — about $11,000 USD today — and never saw another penny, even as the book went on to become one of the most adapted novels in literary history.
The title? Inspired by a line in Fanny Burney’s Cecilia (1782), which Austen loved. And while you’re here — yes, her original manuscript was written entirely in letter format.
🎩 Pride and Prejudice Trivia:
Austen wrote the first draft at age 20.
She reused the name “Mary” in multiple books.
Her identity as the author wasn’t revealed until after her death in 1817.
Jane Austen: Writing, Wit, and (Almost) Wedding Bells
Born in 1775, Austen was the seventh of eight children and started writing at just 11. She never married — but came close. Her almost-fiancé Tom Lefroy? Irish, charming, and quickly sent away by his family once things got too serious.
Later, she accepted a marriage proposal from a wealthy suitor… and rescinded it the next day.
💌 Fun Fact: The whole “marry for money, not love” dilemma in her novels? Yeah — that was her real life.
Enemies to Lovers: The Original Blueprint
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy defined the “I hate him / I love him / I hate that I love him” trope before it had a name.
Darcy is aloof, proud, and emotionally constipated.Lizzie is sharp, independent, and maybe a little too quick to judge.
Their first proposal? A glorious disaster.
📝 Pride and Prejudice Trivia:
Mr. Darcy was 28; Lizzie, 20 — standard for the Regency era.
Austen thought the novel might be “too light, bright, and sparkling.”
Her own words on Lizzie:
“I think her as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.”
The Bennet Sister Power Rankings (Don’t @ Us)
We ranked them from chaotic to competent:
Mary – Misunderstood icon. Deserved a spinoff.
Jane – Soft, sweet, maybe too perfect.
Elizabeth – Witty, but slightly smug.
Kitty – Lydia’s shadow. Didn’t stand a chance.
Lydia – Pure disaster. Dragging Wickham behind her.
Bonus trivia: “Mary” was the most popular girls’ name in 1800 — Austen used it in nearly every novel.
Austen Adapted: Wet Shirts, Swoons & Side-Eyes
You can’t talk Pride and Prejudice trivia without diving into the adaptations. Here’s a rundown of the two big ones:
📺 1995 BBC Miniseries
Colin Firth = definitive Darcy.
Jennifer Ehle (Lizzie) and Firth dated IRL. 💔
Miss Bingley was played by Jane Austen’s real-life descendant, Anna Chancellor.
🎞️ 2005 Film
Rosamund Pike (Jane) turned down Harry Potter to play this role.
Mary (Talulah Riley) was once married to Elon Musk.
Lizzie and Bingley were played by real-life exes. Spicy.
🏆 Our Fantasy Recast:
Darcy: Colin Firth, forever.
Lizzie: Jennifer Ehle, no contest.
Jane: Rosamund Pike (angelic perfection).
Wickham: Hugh Grant (via Bridget Jones energy).
FAQ: Pride and Prejudice Trivia Edition
Q1: What was the original title of Pride and Prejudice?
A1: First Impressions. Austen changed it before publication in 1813.
Q2: Did Jane Austen really write it anonymously?
A2: Yes. Her books were published “By a Lady.” Her name wasn't publicly linked until after her death.
Q3: Was the book written in letters?
A3: Yes — the original draft was epistolary. Some of that format still remains in the final version.
Q4: Which Pride and Prejudice adaptation is best?A4: The 1995 BBC version is truest to the novel — but the 2005 film has mood lighting and that iconic hand-flex.
Final Chapter: Why It Still Slaps
Pride and Prejudice has endured for over 200 years because it nails the essentials: sharp dialogue, emotional stakes, and just enough chaos. It’s a novel about class, pride, and — ultimately — personal growth.
Whether you’re here for the Pride and Prejudice trivia or just love a good love story with lingering glances and slow realizations, this classic never misses.
🎧 Want more trivia, behind-the-scenes drama, and adaptation hot takes?
👉 Listen to the full Pride and Prejudice episode now — only on the Book Trivia Podcast.
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