Senior Living: Discovering Literature in Retirement: Pride and Prejudice
by Garden of PalmsSenior Living: Discovering Literature in Retirement: Pride and Prejudice
If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby in retirement, look no further than your local library. Getting lost in literature is not only a great way to pass the time, but it’s also mentally stimulating. In particular, classic novels, like Pride and Prejudice, can provide a unique and entertaining challenge.
Garden of Palms understands the necessity of intellectually stimulating activities, like reading, for a well-rounded senior living experience. That’s why we host our own lively book club, along with many other interesting activities, in our retirement community.
Here are a few reasons to add Pride and Prejudice to your reading list.
Accessible Writing Style
Classic literature can be daunting. Many people shy away from books like Pride and Prejudice due to the perceived difficulty; it is over 200 years old, after all! That being said, Pride and Prejudice is a great place to start your journey into the literary canon. It’s a good “entry-level” classic due to its accessible style, well-crafted characters, and engaging plot.
A Riveting Story
Although classic literature may evoke memories of boring school assignments, Pride and Prejudice is anything but dull. In fact, it’s surprisingly funny, and even scandalous. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s romance is that of a quintessential love story, but it’s far from cookie-cutter. Rather, Pride and Prejudice is filled with depth, drama, and social commentary. It’s a story with plenty to offer for all types of readers, even those who don’t normally enjoy soap operas or romance novels.
Contemporary Themes
Pride and Prejudice revolves around witty, complex characters facing conflicts and themes that are relevant for modern readers, which accounts for its lasting popularity. At its core, it’s a story about not only relationships, but also the power of upbringing, morality, and social pressure. Jane Austen’s famous novel is rich with wisdom and life lessons that still hold true today.
Closing Thoughts
Pride and Prejudice has enchanted readers for hundreds of years, making it an excellent choice if you’re new to classic literature. It’s a fun and challenging read that promises to be both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. Its timeless themes and multiple film adaptations also make it a great topic for discussions and book clubs.
At Garden of Palms, our monthly book club is just one of many amenities we offer for our dynamic and active senior living community. To find out more about our independent and assisted living programs, please contact us today.