Pride and Prejudice

Definition

Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, published in 1813, that explores themes of love, social class, and the effects of first impressions. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the complexities of society and her own feelings towards Mr. Darcy, highlighting how pride and prejudice can cloud judgment and influence relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The title 'Pride and Prejudice' reflects the main characters' initial flaws: Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy's pride and Darcy's pride leading to his misjudgments.
2. The novel is set in early 19th-century England, where marriage is heavily influenced by economic status and social standing.
3. Elizabeth Bennet is often viewed as a strong female protagonist who challenges societal expectations of women during her time.
4. Mr. Darcy's character arc illustrates how self-awareness and humility can lead to personal growth and better relationships.
5. Austen uses irony not only for humor but also to highlight the absurdities of social conventions and human behavior in her society.

Review Questions

• How do the themes of pride and prejudice manifest in the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy?
  • In their relationship, pride manifests through Mr. Darcy's initial arrogance and Elizabeth's strong-willed nature, which leads to misunderstandings. Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy arises from her initial impressions and societal opinions about him, causing her to misjudge his character. As the story progresses, both characters learn to overcome their respective flaws, illustrating how personal growth can transform relationships.
• Evaluate the role of social class in 'Pride and Prejudice' and its impact on character interactions.
  • Social class plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics between characters in 'Pride and Prejudice'. The distinctions between wealth, status, and propriety influence the characters' interactions, particularly in marriage proposals and family expectations. Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Collins’ proposal underscores her values that prioritize love over financial security, while Darcy's initial proposal reflects his struggle with societal pressures regarding class. Austen critiques these class-based expectations through her characters’ experiences.
• Assess how Jane Austen employs irony throughout 'Pride and Prejudice' to convey deeper social commentary.
  • Austen skillfully uses irony to reveal the contradictions within societal norms and individual behaviors in 'Pride and Prejudice'. For example, while characters like Lady Catherine de Bourgh espouse traditional views of class superiority, their actions often contradict their words. Through ironic situations, such as Darcy’s humble proposal being initially rejected, Austen critiques how society values wealth over personal merit. This layered use of irony provides insight into the rigid class structures of her time while also enriching character development.

Related terms

Social Class:

The hierarchical distinctions between different groups in society, often influencing relationships, marriage prospects, and individual behavior in the context of the novel.

Character Development:

The process by which characters evolve throughout the narrative, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they confront their own flaws and biases.

Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning; used extensively in the novel to critique societal norms and character behaviors.