This document provides background information on Jane Austen and her novel Pride and Prejudice. It discusses that Austen was born in 1775 and focused her writing on England's social life of the middle and upper classes. She was keenly observant of human behavior and portrayed traits realistically. The document also outlines the social class structure of the time period, including the aristocracy, gentry, and servants. Further, it notes that women had few rights and their main choices were to marry, remain single, or become a governess. The document concludes with a brief overview of some key themes in Pride and Prejudice such as marriage, class, and appearance versus reality.