Pride and Prejudice | Essays and Criticism

  • Major Themes in Pride and Prejudice

    In the following overview, C. Cordero discusses the major themes in Pride and Prejudice and discusses how the themes of pride and prejudice apply to the major characters in the novel. Cordero allso discusses the theme of reputation and marriage in the context of the times.

  • Good Matches in Pride and Prejudice

    In the following essay, C. Cordero discusses the role of social status in Regency England and how Austen criticizes this concept of marriage, instead contending that a good marriage consists of two people who are of similar mind and talents.

  • Humor in Pride and Prejudice

    In the following essay, C. Cordero relates the many bits of humor in the novel, particularly Austen’s ironic and scathing treatment of specific characters, which help to clarify the major themes and make the work an enjoyable read.

  • Pride and Prejudice: Historical Background and Treatment of Men and Women

    In the following essay, Diana Francis relates the historical background surrounding both Jane Austen and her novel Pride and Prejudice. She includes a critique of Austen's treatment of both male and female characters.

  • The New Romance in Pride and Prejudice

    In the following excerpt, Susan Kneedler explains how Pride and Prejudice breaks conventions in its portrayals of relationships between the sexes.

  • The 'Social History' of Pride and Prejudice

    In the following excerpt, Julia Prewitt Brown discusses how Austen offers a powerful commentary on the changes in society, gender attitudes, and class structure in early nineteenth century England.