Essay on the Deleterious Effects of Pride and Prejudice

The Deleterious Effects of Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, illustrates that behavior is innate and, for good or bad, can be influenced by society. Austen further demonstrates that behavior is alterable by focusing on two aspects of behavior; prejudice and pride. The deleterious effects of prejudice and pride and the possibility of reformation are exemplified in a story that focuses on the ideals, ceremonies, and customs of marriage.

Austen's attempts to demonstrate conclusively that the essence of behavior is intrinsic to one's disposition, character, and temperament. She is successful in establishing this by portraying innate qualities in both Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth has a natural sagacity; she is able to examine situations, affairs, and relationships intuitively and with remarkable perspicaciousness. For example, in Chapter four when Elizabeth expresses her discontent with the manners and the seeming character of the Bingley's sisters, Jane defends them but," Elizabeth listened in silence, but was not convinced; their behaviour at the assembly had not been calculated to please in general; and with more quickness of observation and less pliancy of temper than her sister, and with judgment too unassailed by any attention to herself, she was very little disposed to approve them," (Austen 12). Ultimately Elizabeth's suspicions are confirmed when the two Bingley sisters betray Jane's kindness and attempt to unjustly dissuade their brother's affection. Elizabeth's discerning judgement is a product of her congenital sapience.

Austen also highlights in Darcy the fact that behavior is intrinsically determined. Darcy's admirable generosity marks the positive aspect of his nature and is exemplified in several instances throughout the novel. Through a series of events, the reader learns that Darcy voluntarily provided sufficiently for Wickham, contrary to Wickham's slanderous claim. Darcy's generosity and genuine concern for others is again confirmed by his unsolicited aid in disentangling the imprudent affairs of Wickham and Lydia.

Austen also indirectly asserts that behavior is subject to outside influence and that any constituent of behavior can be cultivated. For example, Elizabeth realizes Darcy's pride after hearing him respond to Bingley that, "she is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me,"(Austen 9). Elizabeth's prejudice is cultivated by her mother who states that,"...he is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing. So high and conceited that there was no enduring him!"(Austen 10). Returning to the situation surrounding Wickham, one sees that Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy is again fueled by the defamatory remarks Wickham makes towards him.