Themes: The Importance of Moderating Pride

One of Pride and Prejudice’s primary themes is that an overabundance of pride results in arrogance. Many characters exhibit prideful behavior:

• Darcy is rude and dismissive towards the Bennets and the other country residents, because he views himself as part of a superior class.
• Elizabeth’s pride in her intellect and judgement cause her to misjudge Darcy.
• Lady Catherine De Bourgh shows pride in her attempts to interfere in the match between...

Themes: The Limitations of Wealth and Class

The opening line of Pride and Prejudice foregrounds the importance of wealth in the novel. Almost every character is defined by society according to their social position and annual income:

• The Bennet daughters, who will receive very little in their inheritance, are driven by their mother to marry well.
• Wickham, hounded by gambling debts, is also driven to pursue women who stand to inherit good fortunes.
• Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, by contrast are...

Themes: Personal Desire and Marital Happiness

Marriage is a central goal of almost every character in Pride and Prejudice even though their approaches to marriage often differ. Over the course of the novel, four different couples marry. Austen uses these couples to highlight the outcomes of several different approaches to marriage:

• For Elizabeth and Darcy or Bingley and Jane, happiness is achieved for everyone involved.
• For Charlotte Lucas, contentment is achieved through compromise.
• For Lydia...

Themes: Marriage

Marriage is a central theme in Pride and Prejudice, reflecting the social norms and personal motivations of the early nineteenth century. The novel opens with the ironic statement, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." This line humorously critiques societal expectations and sets the stage for exploring the various reasons characters pursue marriage, ranging from...

Themes: Social Class

Social class plays a significant role in Pride and Prejudice, influencing characters' relationships and societal interactions. The novel critiques the rigid class structures of Regency England, highlighting how these divisions affect personal relationships and individual choices. Through various characters, Jane Austen explores the complexities and consequences of social mobility and class prejudice.

Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins exemplify the...

Themes: Prejudice

The theme of prejudice is central to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, influencing character interactions and driving the plot. The novel explores how preconceived notions and judgments can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Through the evolving relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Austen illustrates the dangers of allowing prejudice to cloud judgment and the importance of overcoming these biases to achieve personal growth...

Themes: Pride

The theme of pride is central to Pride and Prejudice, influencing characters' actions and relationships. Pride leads to misunderstandings and conflicts, particularly between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Both characters must overcome their pride to find happiness and mutual respect.

Mr. Darcy's pride is evident from his first appearance. His wealth and social status contribute to his aloofness and disdain for those he deems beneath him. At the...