Literary Mixtape | Pride and Prejudice

Do you ever want a modern soundtrack to a classic novel? Yes? Me too. That’s the point of this feature. So read on to find out what songs I assigned to Pride and Prejudice. On a side note: Did you know that December 16th is Jane Austen’s birthday?

Jsne Austen’s classic novel is beloved by many, including myself. It’s certainly not my favorite classic, nor is it my favorite novel by the author (that honor goes to Persuasion), but it is one that I believe deserves its very own mixtape. So curl up with a blanket, spotify (or the like, these links will take you to youtube), and Elizabeth and Darcy. it’s bound to be satisfying for all, though I’m not willing to guarantee it.

As usual, please note that this feature is meant to be irreverent and fun. No harm’s intended.

1. Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top

Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year. The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man; the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley.

2. It’s No Good – Depeche Mode

She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me, and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.

3. I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You by Tom Waits

Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger

4. Runaway by Kanye West

I am not romantic, you know; I never was.

5. Just Like a Woman by Bob Dylan

There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.

6. ????? This is my favorite quote from the novel, which makes it particularly frustrating that I cannot think of anything to accompany it.

I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.

7. I Hate Myself For Loving You by Joan Jett.

In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feeling will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

8. Give Me One Reason by Tracy Chapman

And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected.

9. Hell and Back by Airborne Toxic Event

These offences might have been overlooked, had not your pride been hurt by my honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented my forming any serious design. These bitter accusations might have been suppressed, had I, with greater policy, concealed my struggles, and flattered you into the belief of my being impelled by unqualified, unalloyed inclination, by reason, by reflection, by everything. But disguise of every sort is my abhorrence.

10. High Hopes by Kodaline

You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness.

11. Love Don’t Die by The Fray

If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, by one word from you will silence me on the subject forever.

12. The Memory Remains by Metallica

I cannot be so easily reconciled with myself. The recollection of what I then said, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it, is now, and has been many months, inexpressibly painful to me.

13. Golden by Holley Maher (we’ve got something that you can’t ignore / when people wish for love we’re what they’re wishing for – I think this is true for a lot of women in regards to P&P)

They were able to love each other even as well as they intended.

Your job is to to find something suitable for #6. I would be very grateful. Thoughts? Suggestions? Did I miss a song that’s particularly suitable?