Jane Austen's description of the involvement and feelings of ordinary eighteenth century life is realistically recreated as an urban satire of modern human relations. The parallels to be distinguished between Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary convey many values which have been maintained through time, despite change in cultural context. Nevertheless certain morals and principles have been altered to suit an updated environment.

Appearance and behaviour allowed judgemental ideas to form at the Netherfield local ball, and remained a prominent issue at Una Alconbury's Turkey Curry Buffet. First impressions are considered especially important, and in fact was the first title for Austen's novel. Mr Darcy, though tall, handsome, opulent and gifted with `noble mien', became greatly disliked by many people due to his proud demeanour and aloofness. Mark Darcy's isolation at the Alconbury's home was intertextually linked with Mr Darcy's poor attempt to form acquaintances at the...