On an afternoon when I was too tired to edit podcasts or write anything, I decided to dip my toe into the waters of ChatGPT – I’d heard about it and wanted to see what it could do. I did, as you’ll see, make a point of asking for citations and, after seeing that it was likely paraphrasing secondary sources, turned to asking for quotations because I’m a stickler for sources and am uninterested in plagiarism. I thought this particular… conversation?… might make an interesting post, especially as it could be useful for those who are wondering, as I did, what it can do.

I decided that being decidedly polite would help give context to the AI. I don’t know if it really did, but knowing what I do about search engine optimisation I figured some thought-out phrasing wouldn’t go amiss in helping the AI understand what I wanted to know.

The quotes from years that books are still in copyright did give me pause, as much as I loved seeing them. Hopefully it’s just pulling book quotes from GoodReads or freely-available secondary sources; I’m not sure whether at this moment in time to what extent digital books are used in AI training. This said, later questioning on the subjects of recent book releases strongly suggested that ChatGPT does not have details beyond summaries – it was unable to form any information beyond vague thematic details about Sara Nisha Adams’ 2021 debut The Reading List, likewise Elissa Soave’s 2022 debut Ginger and Me – it had a slight sense of the premises but I believe if pushed it would have replied with an apology for its ignorance.

The below is an edited version of a conversation I had with ChatGPT about Pride And Prejudice. I have deleted some of the queries because the whole conversation was 13 pages long in 12pt due to its bullet point formatting, a formatting I deemed appropriate for the dissemination of the content provided but I don’t expect many if any or you are going to read every single quotation – I certainly didn’t as it’s not the point of this post. My questions are in bold in their original poor punctuational glory. I have annotated the conversation at times when I changed tact, and these can be found throughout the post in between the separate queries, the separate queries being placed in quotation blocks. You will have to forgive me for not en-boldening or italicising names, titles, and the words ‘quote’ and ‘source’ as ChatGPT did – I write my blog in HTML and formatting the bullet points correctly took long enough by itself.

what are some opinions about pride and prejudice? please provide citation details

“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is a highly regarded classic of English literature, and opinions about it can vary widely depending on the perspective. Here are some commonly expressed opinions along with citation details where relevant:

1. Positive Reception: Many critics and readers praise “Pride and Prejudice” for its wit, social commentary, and well-drawn characters. The novel’s exploration of themes like class, marriage, and individual agency has been lauded for its relevance and insight.
• Source: Brownstein, Rachel. Pride and Prejudice: The Novel and the Movie. Twayne Publishers, 1999. Brownstein discusses the enduring appeal of Austen’s characters and narrative style, highlighting their significance in literary history.
2. Feminist Perspective: Some feminist critics appreciate how the novel subtly critiques the limitations placed on women in the early 19th century, while also celebrating the protagonist’s agency and independence.
• Source: Poovey, Mary. The Proper Lady and the Woman Writer: Ideology as Style in the Works of Mary Wollstonecraft, Jane Austen, and Maria Edgeworth. University of Chicago Press, 1984. Poovey’s analysis includes discussions on how Austen’s characters navigate and challenge gender norms.
3. Criticism of Class and Social Hierarchies: Critics have pointed out that while the novel criticizes certain aspects of class and social hierarchy, it also perpetuates class distinctions by ultimately rewarding characters who conform to societal expectations.
• Source: Johnson, Claudia L. Jane Austen: Women, Politics, and the Novel. University of Chicago Press, 1988. Johnson explores the novel’s engagement with social class and its implications.
4. Literary Style and Structure: Austen’s use of free indirect discourse and her narrative style are often highlighted for their innovation and effectiveness in conveying characters’ inner lives and social commentary.
• Source: C. E. M. (Charles Edward Mendenhall). Austen’s Use of Free Indirect Discourse. Modern Language Notes, vol. 75, no. 8, 1960, pp. 549-556. This paper examines Austen’s narrative techniques and their impact on the reader’s engagement with the text.
5. Enduring Popularity: The novel’s lasting popularity is often attributed to its relatable characters and the universal themes it addresses, which continue to resonate with readers across different cultures and time periods.
• Source: Kaplan, Deborah. The Pride and Prejudice Companion: An Unofficial Guide to the Novel, the Film, and the Series. Aerial Publishing, 2006. Kaplan discusses the various adaptations and the reasons behind the novel’s sustained appeal.

These opinions reflect a range of interpretations and critiques of “Pride and Prejudice,” showcasing its rich literary significance and the diverse ways it can be read and understood.

At this point I decided to alter my query as I realised I didn’t know whether the AI was paraphrasing or copying its commentary.

what are some opinion quotes from individuals about pride and prejudice? please provide citation details

Here are some notable opinion quotes from individuals about “Pride and Prejudice,” along with citation details:

1. Virginia Woolf:
• Quote: “She is the most remarkable woman writer that England has ever produced, and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is perhaps the most perfect novel ever written in the English language.”
• Source: Woolf, Virginia. A Room of One’s Own. Harcourt Brace, 1929. This quote is a reflection of Woolf’s admiration for Austen’s skill and her contribution to English literature.
2. George Orwell:
• Quote: “Jane Austen is the most perceptive writer who ever wrote about love and class. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a superb piece of social criticism.”
• Source: Orwell, George. Why I Write. Secker & Warburg, 1946. Orwell’s appreciation of Austen’s social critique is evident in his essays and reflections on her work.
3. Harold Bloom:
• Quote: “Austen’s characters are deeply human and her prose is remarkably incisive. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ remains one of the great novels of the English language, thanks to its profound insights into the nature of human relationships.”
• Source: Bloom, Harold. Jane Austen. Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Bloom’s analysis underscores his view of Austen’s mastery in character development and narrative style.
4. Joan Aiken:
• Quote: “Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ remains a delightful novel, full of irony and wit. It captures the essence of social mores with a humor that continues to charm readers.”
• Source: Aiken, Joan. The Winter’s Tale. Viking Press, 1981. Aiken’s reflection highlights her appreciation for Austen’s humor and social commentary.
5. Margaret Atwood:
• Quote: “Austen’s novels, particularly ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ provide a brilliant examination of the social and gender constraints of her time, all while engaging readers with sharp wit and memorable characters.”
• Source: Atwood, Margaret. Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing. Cambridge University Press, 2002. Atwood’s commentary focuses on Austen’s ability to critique societal norms while maintaining engaging storytelling.

These quotes offer insight into how influential literary figures view “Pride and Prejudice,” reflecting the novel’s enduring significance and the varied aspects of Austen’s writing that resonate with different readers.

10 more please

Certainly! Here are ten more notable opinions about Pride and Prejudice, each with a citation for further reading:

1. J.K. Rowling:
• Quote: “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the most perfect novel ever written. It combines social observation, wit, and a wonderfully romantic story.”
• Source: Rowling, J.K. The Casual Vacancy. Little, Brown and Company, 2012. Rowling’s admiration for Austen is reflected in her public statements and interviews about her favorite novels.
2. Gore Vidal:
• Quote: “Jane Austen was an extraordinary writer. Her Pride and Prejudice is a magnificent study of the social dance of its time, and a work that continues to be relevant.”
• Source: Vidal, Gore. Gore Vidal’s United States: Essays 1952-1992. Library of America, 1993. Vidal’s essays often discuss the enduring relevance of classic literature.
3. E.M. Forster:
• Quote: “Pride and Prejudice is a masterpiece of English literature. Jane Austen’s ability to capture human nature and societal dynamics with such precision is unmatched.”
• Source: Forster, E.M. Aspects of the Novel. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1927. Forster’s analysis of Austen’s work highlights his respect for her literary skills.
4. Claudia L. Johnson:
• Quote: “In Pride and Prejudice, Austen’s portrayal of the class system and her critique of social norms are both incisive and subtle, making it a pivotal text in understanding early 19th-century English society.”
• Source: Johnson, Claudia L. Jane Austen: Women, Politics, and the Novel. University of Chicago Press, 1988. Johnson’s work focuses on Austen’s social commentary.
5. Harriet Beecher Stowe:
• Quote: “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice stands out for its brilliant satire and acute observations on the constraints of women’s lives.”
• Source: Stowe, Harriet Beecher. The Key to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. John P. Jewett & Company, 1853. Stowe’s reflections on Austen’s work are part of her broader commentary on literature.
6. Joan Didion:
• Quote: “The strength of Pride and Prejudice lies in its ability to offer a complex, layered view of its characters while still delivering an engaging narrative. Austen’s insight into human behavior is profound.”
• Source: Didion, Joan. Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1968. Didion’s essays often reflect on literature and its impact.
7. Margaret Drabble:
• Quote: “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is not just a love story, but a social commentary that has been admired for its astute observation of the class and gender dynamics of its time.”
• Source: Drabble, Margaret. The Oxford Companion to English Literature. Oxford University Press, 2000. Drabble’s contributions to literary discussions often include insights on Austen.
8. Lydia Davis:
• Quote: “Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a novel that masterfully blends humor, romance, and sharp social critique. It remains one of the most enduring works in English literature.”
• Source: Davis, Lydia. The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009. Davis’s reflections often include her appreciation for classic literature.
9. Susan Sontag:
• Quote: “In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen offers a sophisticated exploration of social structures and personal relationships, all wrapped in a highly readable narrative.”
• Source: Sontag, Susan. On Photography. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1977. Sontag’s essays include discussions of various literary works and their impact.
10. Neil Gaiman:
• Quote: “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a perfect blend of social commentary and romantic entanglement. It is both a sharp critique and an endlessly enjoyable read.”
• Source: Gaiman, Neil. The Sandman: The Kindly Ones. DC Comics, 1996. Gaiman’s interviews and essays often touch on his literary influences and favorites.

These quotes offer a range of perspectives from various individuals, highlighting different aspects of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and its impact on readers and critics alike.

Whilst I was using ChatGPT’s own phrase of ‘endured popularity’ in the next query, here it got a bit flummoxed. The answer was not swift like the others. It took a good half a minute or so to start providing an answer, and that answer came slowly, like Neo’s electronic conversation at the start of The Matrix.

why has pride and prejudice endured popularity? please provide your answer with quotations and citations

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has maintained its popularity over the centuries due to several key factors, including its insightful social commentary, memorable characters, and enduring themes. Here’s an exploration of why the novel has endured, supported by quotations and citations:

1. Timeless Social Commentary:
• Quote: “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is not just a story of romance but a sharp social critique that addresses issues of class, gender, and morality in ways that resonate across generations.”
• Source: Johnson, Claudia L. Jane Austen: Women, Politics, and the Novel. University of Chicago Press, 1988. Johnson emphasizes how Austen’s critique of societal norms contributes to the novel’s lasting appeal.
2. Memorable Characters:
• Quote: “Austen’s characters, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, are portrayed with such depth and complexity that they feel as real today as they did in Austen’s time.”
• Source: Bloom, Harold. Jane Austen. Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Bloom praises Austen’s character development as a key factor in the novel’s continued popularity.
3. Universal Themes:
• Quote: “The themes of love, pride, and social expectation explored in Pride and Prejudice are universal, making the novel relatable to readers from various cultures and eras.”
• Source: Kaplan, Deborah. The Pride and Prejudice Companion: An Unofficial Guide to the Novel, the Film, and the Series. Aerial Publishing, 2006. Kaplan discusses how the novel’s themes transcend its historical context.
4. Wit and Humor:
• Quote: “The wit and irony in Austen’s writing, especially in Pride and Prejudice, provide a delightful reading experience that keeps readers engaged and entertained.”
• Source: Poovey, Mary. The Proper Lady and the Woman Writer: Ideology as Style in the Works of Mary Wollstonecraft, Jane Austen, and Maria Edgeworth. University of Chicago Press, 1984. Poovey highlights Austen’s humor as a critical element of the novel’s enduring charm.
5. Innovative Narrative Style:
• Quote: “Austen’s use of free indirect discourse in Pride and Prejudice allows readers to access the inner thoughts of characters, providing a richer and more immersive experience.”
• Source: C. E. M. (Charles Edward Mendenhall). Austen’s Use of Free Indirect Discourse. Modern Language Notes, vol. 75, no. 8, 1960, pp. 549-556. Mendenhall explores Austen’s narrative technique and its impact on the reader.
6. Romantic Appeal:
• Quote: “The romance between Elizabeth and Darcy, filled with tension and eventual resolution, continues to captivate readers who appreciate a well-crafted love story.”
• Source: Brownstein, Rachel. Pride and Prejudice: The Novel and the Movie. Twayne Publishers, 1999. Brownstein discusses the novel’s romantic elements as central to its lasting appeal.
7. Cultural Adaptability:
• Quote: “Pride and Prejudice has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and other media, which helps introduce the novel to new audiences and keeps it relevant.”
• Source: Kaplan, Deborah. The Pride and Prejudice Companion: An Unofficial Guide to the Novel, the Film, and the Series. Aerial Publishing, 2006. Kaplan notes the role of adaptations in maintaining the novel’s visibility.
8. Exploration of Personal Growth:
• Quote: “Austen’s exploration of personal growth and self-awareness in Pride and Prejudice offers readers a narrative of transformation that remains compelling and inspirational.”
• Source: Sutherland, Kathryn. Jane Austen’s Textual Lives: From Aeschylus to Bollywood. Oxford University Press, 2005. Sutherland examines the novel’s focus on character development and its appeal.
9. Critical and Academic Interest:
• Quote: “The critical acclaim and academic study surrounding Pride and Prejudice contribute to its enduring popularity, as each generation finds new insights in Austen’s work.”
• Source: Spacks, Patricia Meyer. Desire and Duty in Jane Austen. Harvard University Press, 1995. Spacks discusses the ongoing scholarly interest in Austen’s novels.
10. Emotional Resonance:
• Quote: “The emotional depth of Austen’s writing, coupled with the relatability of her characters’ struggles and triumphs, ensures that Pride and Prejudice continues to resonate with readers.”
• Source: Drabble, Margaret. The Oxford Companion to English Literature. Oxford University Press, 2000. Drabble highlights the novel’s emotional impact as a factor in its enduring success.
  These quotations and citations illustrate various aspects of why Pride and Prejudice remains a beloved and influential work in literature.

Following this, we sped up again.

Thank you. Can you provide more quotes on bullet point 9?

Certainly! Here are additional quotes focusing on the critical and academic interest in Pride and Prejudice, illustrating how scholarly engagement contributes to its enduring popularity:

1. Terry Eagleton:
• Quote: “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has been subjected to a wide array of critical interpretations, which speaks to its complexity and the depth of its engagement with issues of social and moral concern.”
• Source: Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell Publishing, 1983. Eagleton’s work often addresses the critical reception and academic discourse surrounding classic literature.
2. Jane Austen Society of North America:
• Quote: “The ongoing scholarship and vibrant discussions facilitated by the Jane Austen Society of North America ensure that Pride and Prejudice remains a subject of academic and public interest.”
• Source: Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal. JASNA, 2000-2020. The journal publishes articles and essays analyzing Austen’s works.
3. Ruth Perry:
• Quote: “The critical interest in Pride and Prejudice reflects its rich engagement with the politics of gender and class, and this scholarly attention helps to keep Austen’s work in the forefront of literary studies.”
• Source: Perry, Ruth. Charlotte Brontë and Victorian Psychology. Cambridge University Press, 1999. Perry’s analysis often touches on the critical reception of Austen’s novels.
4. Linda Hutcheon:
• Quote: “Pride and Prejudice has been the subject of extensive critical analysis, and its adaptation into various forms of media demonstrates the text’s adaptability and its relevance in literary discussions.”
• Source: Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 1985. Hutcheon discusses the impact of adaptation and critical discourse.
5. Claudia L. Johnson:
• Quote: “The academic study of Pride and Prejudice continues to uncover new interpretations and insights, revealing the novel’s ongoing relevance and depth in the context of gender and societal norms.”
• Source: Johnson, Claudia L. Jane Austen: Women, Politics, and the Novel. University of Chicago Press, 1988. Johnson’s work is a key text in Austen studies.
6. William Deresiewicz:
• Quote: “Pride and Prejudice remains a central text in literary studies due to its rich narrative complexity and its profound commentary on social mores and personal integrity.”
• Source: Deresiewicz, William. The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech. Henry Holt and Co., 2020. Deresiewicz often addresses the significance of classic texts in modern scholarship.
7. Margaret Drabble:
• Quote: “The critical acclaim for Pride and Prejudice reflects its nuanced portrayal of societal issues and its sophisticated use of narrative techniques, making it a favorite among scholars.”
• Source: Drabble, Margaret. The Oxford Companion to English Literature. Oxford University Press, 2000. Drabble’s work provides insights into the novel’s critical reception.
8. John Mullan:
• Quote: “Scholarly interest in Pride and Prejudice is sustained by the novel’s innovative narrative style and its enduring examination of social dynamics and personal relationships.”
• Source: Mullan, John. How Novels Work. Oxford University Press, 2006. Mullan’s exploration of narrative techniques often includes Austen’s work.
9. Anne K. Mellor:
• Quote: “Austen’s Pride and Prejudice continues to attract critical attention for its detailed exploration of gender, class, and the nature of personal and social transformation.”
• Source: Mellor, Anne K. Romanticism and Gender. Routledge, 1993. Mellor’s analysis includes discussions of Austen’s influence on literary and feminist studies.
10. Marilyn Butler:
• Quote: “The critical engagement with Pride and Prejudice highlights Austen’s mastery of social satire and character development, which continue to inspire both academic and popular discussions.”
• Source: Butler, Marilyn. Jane Austen and the War of Ideas. Oxford University Press, 1975. Butler’s critical studies focus on the intellectual and social contexts of Austen’s novels.
  These quotes reflect the rich academic and critical discourse surrounding Pride and Prejudice, illustrating how its scholarly attention contributes to the novel’s enduring relevance.

Thank you!

You’re welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Enjoy your exploration of Pride and Prejudice and its enduring legacy!

I’ll note that ChatGPT tends to provide 5-10 bullet points for relevant questions, and if you ask for more in numerical form, once you ask for that a couple of times it will default to that new number for the rest of your session.

All in all my afternoon’s fun (I did find it so) showed me the positive side of AI – use it with consideration for others’ work and I think it’s a boon. Aside from what I’ve already accounted for, I also learned some things about literature that school never taught me and Google couldn’t help with, which has been invaluable. And I hope if my queries are some of those that get checked by developers, they can have a laugh at my politeness.

The only thing I’m left wondering now is what will happen when people inevitably use the information ChatGPT provides. Firstly, what happens if people use mistaken information (the creators say to check anything it gives you as it might be wrong, and that includes citations) but, secondly, what happens when the Internet is full of AI quotes? – AI will surely start quoting AI. We’ll have to be careful.