There is not one theme in Pride and Prejudice but several. However, one of the most important is the triumph of love over social convention. The society depicted by Jane Austen is rigidly hierarchical, with everyone expected to know their place and act accordingly. When it comes to getting married, wealth and social class are considered the most important things; love doesn't enter into it. So despite the growing love that Lizzie and Mr. Darcy feel for each other, they have to overcome the enormous social barriers that exist between them. Though Lizzie's father is a gentleman, he's not quite in the same league as Mr. Darcy and his family. Nor for that matter is Jane in respect to the super-snobbish Bingleys. She too must triumph over the conventions of English rural society if she's to follow her heart and marry the man she loves.