Evaluation of the Title of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

804 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Analysis of themes in pride and prejudice by jane austen

Evaluation of the Title of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

In Pride and Prejudice, some of the characters are distinctly

associated with Pride and/or Prejudice. The definition for Pride is:

those who have an excessively high opinion of themselves, while those

who are believed to be prejudice prejudge people without a sufficient

reason. These two themes are prominent throughout the book and are

displayed through a variety of characters, including the two lovers,

Elizabeth and Darcy.

Darcy's pride is displayed right at the beginning of the book, when he

refuses to dance with Elizabeth, as she is only 'tolerable; but not

handsome enough to tempt me…' Unlike his friend Mr Bingley, Darcy

refuses to dance with any of the girls as they are not good enough for

his likings. His pride is revealed further by his proposal to

Elizabeth. By now he is in love with her, but has still not overcome

his pride, as he admits that he has 'struggled' not to love her. When

he is rejected his pride is expressed even further, in which he

replies to her:

'Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your

connections?"

However, Elizabeth also displays characteristics of pride, especially

towards Darcy. After she overhears Darcy's cruel remark about her

beauty being only 'tolerable,' she refuses to remain civil towards

him, but responds to him in a sarcastic and witty tone. Another

element of her pride is her refusal to Mr Collin's proposal. Marriage

was the only provision for well educated young women of small fortune

at the time. Mr Collins has a generous income, and is the heir to

Elizabeth's Father's estate. By marrying Mr Collins,...

... middle of paper ...

...both distintley associated

with these two themes; Darcy with his pride and Elizabeth with her

prejudice. However, both of these characters develop and overcome

their pride and prejudice to finally marry at the end. Most of the

other characters do not develop; they stay unchanged and keep their

pride and prejudices. This is why the title is so appropriate. The

humour and Social comment of the novel work so well because so many of

the characters have feelings of pride and prejudice. Also, the two

main characters also show these elements for a while. The main climax

in the book is when these two characters leave their pride and

prejudice behind, which is why the title is very appropriate for the

book. Not only does it represent the majority of the middle class at

the time, but is also supports the main plot of the book.

Show More
Related

  • The Three Houses in The Great Gatsby

    523 Words  | 2 Pages

    her and has been for a long time.  He'd do anything for her, but he doesn't

    Read More

  • Compare and Contrast the Two Proposals in Pride And Prejudice

    1462 Words  | 3 Pages

    In Pride and Prejudice, the main female character – Elizabeth is shown to have extreme pride towards the main male character – Darcy. This is because in their first meeting Elizabeth's pride is wounded by Darcy as he says ‘She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me, and I am in no humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.' This thoughtless and proud comment causes Elizabeth to take an instant dislike to Darcy. It also clouds her judgement of Darcy's true nature.

    Read More

  • Disgraceure For Women In Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice

    840 Words  | 2 Pages

    No room for mistakes. All eyes judging. Being the youngest sibling in society is truly a burden. Especially in 19th century England, the youngest carries the ultimate responsibility of representing their family. On top of navigating life with the least experience, imagine being the youngest woman in a family. The Regency Era’s intense pressure for women to marry into financially stable families encouraged them to prioritize social status over love. Although women generally accepted this duty, sometimes the stress resulted in rash decisions, similar to Lydia Bennet’s decision to marry Wickham in Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen uses this choice to expand Lydia’s relatively minor role as the semi-supportive youngest sister to that of the person causing substantial family turmoil. Her controversial decision to marry George Wickham, “one of the most worthless young men in Great Britain,” impacts the other characters’ motivations (Austen 292). Austen displays Lydia’s change of consciousness as an act of rebellion, not only to her family,

    Read More

  • Literary Analysis Of Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

    2036 Words  | 5 Pages

    One of the first letters that were introduced in the novel was the one where Jane writes to Elizabeth when she is sick at the Bingley 's house. This letter helps propel the plot in the sense that it shall bring Elizabeth to a new place and give her time with Darcy in order to also advance their relationship with one another. Also it gives the impression of hospitality from Mr. Bingley as he truly cares for her. When Jane writes to Elizabeth saying ”My kind friends will not hear of my returning home till I am better”(25) she informs Elizabeth of her illness and as a result she wishes to go visit her as fast as she can because they are the closest of the sisters plus she wants to aid that process. The letter is important to the novel as it helps moves Elizabeth out of Longbourn and broaden her

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Mr Wickham And Darcy

    1961 Words  | 4 Pages

    Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has emphases on how characters are perceived by the world they live in. Mr. Darcy is an unpopular and misunderstood character who is the symbol of pride throughout the novel. Mr. Wickham is a charismatic soldier who is perceptive of those around him and capitalizes on his knowledge. Throughout the novel similarities and differences between characters are highlighted. Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy grew up together, yet Mr. Darcy is known for having a disagreeable countenance and a large sense of pride and Mr. Wickham is more charming, charismatic, and socially well-versed. In the fourth chapter of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth says “It does not necessarily

    Read More

  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    6668 Words  | 14 Pages

    fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If you

    Read More

  • Feeling Accomplished: Reflections of Judgement in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

    1219 Words  | 3 Pages

    When one's accomplishments are held under scrutiny, there are varying standards that they may be considered against, depending on the judge. However, the criteria that one evaluates others with speak volumes to the critic's own character. In the passage of Pride and Prejudice, where Darcy, Caroline, Elizabeth, and Bingley discuss the definition of an "accomplished woman", the requirements that each character considers ideal reveal the stark contrast between their personalities; Jane Austen's variation in each characters' tone, irony, and diction suggests that the way one critiques others is a reflection of their own innate nature.

    Read More

  • Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre: Love and Characterization

    2651 Words  | 6 Pages

    Love has many forms and can be expressed in many ways. The way a person expresses their love is dependent on their personality. Some people’s love is passionate and fiery, for others it is more reserved. Though a love can be expressed differently, this does not mean the people involved love each other any less. There are countless novels that focus on the love between characters, and each character loves differently. In Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochester and Jane have an impassioned affair, this affair is cut short by Jane’s realization that Mr.Rochester already has ties to another woman. In Pride and Prejudice, it is clear that Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy love each other very deeply, as Mr. Darcy is able to overcome his doubts about Elizabeth’s family, and his own timidity, and marry his true love. Though their romance is more reserved, the love that Elizabeth and Darcy share is no weaker than that of Jane and Mr.Rochester. The way that Bronte and Austen approach the theme of love, and the styles of characterization they use, define what the novels becomes. Though they share a common theme, each novelist approaches the subject differently, by the way they use characterization to create characters that contrastingly react to situations.

    Read More

  • Analysis of the Opening Chapter of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    1421 Words  | 3 Pages

    Analysis of the Opening Chapter of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ focuses mainly on the protagonists, Elizabeth and Jane. Most of the novel is centred around Elizabeth’s point of view. The arrival of Bingley in the neighbourhood is the starting point. In the opening chapter, the reader is introduced to Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet.

    Read More

  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    1036 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sheehan, L. (n.d.). Historical Context for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | The Core Curriculum. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.college.columbia.edu/core/node/1765.

    Read More

  • Character Analysis of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice

    1033 Words  | 3 Pages

    The reader is first acquainted with Mr. Darcy's arrogance at the Meryton Ball. Speaking of Elizabeth Bennet, he so snobbishly says that she was, "…tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me" (Austen 9). His feelings of superiority to the people of the town lend Mr. Darcy to be judged as a man with a repulsive and cruel personality. The women, who had found him dashingly attractive at first glance, deemed him a man unworthy of marriage because he offered no positive qualities other than wealth. Not only did Darcy refuse to dance with Elizabeth, but he makes it clear that no woman in the room was worthy or met his standards of a suitable partner stating that, "…there is not another woman in this room, whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with" (Austen 8). In the beginning of the novel, Mr. Darcy is only concerned with the wealth and social standing of the people in the town. Because of their lesser social rank, he feels they are un-deserving of his presence and refuses to communicate with them. As the novel progressed, however, Darcy became more and more accepting of the Bennet family. Growing most fond of Elizabeth Bennet, the straightforward, clever daughter, he finally breaks and confesses his true feelings of love for her. "In vain...

    Read More

  • Literary Analysis of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    1623 Words  | 4 Pages

    While this is going on, Mr. Darcy realizes he has feelings for Elizabeth and proposes to her, this is the climax of the novel. She is astonished by his actions, and turns him flat. She explains that she feels he is arrogant, and feels he stood in the way of Jane and Mr. Bingley marrying, and also feels he is a cruel man, especially in his treating of Mr. Wickham, she is expressing her prejudice towards him. He leaves and they part very angry with each other. Mr. Darcy then writes Elizabeth a letter, explaining his feelings, defending his actions, and revealing the true nature of Mr. Wickham.

    Read More

  • The Significance of 'First Impressions' in 'Pride and Prejudice'

    1374 Words  | 3 Pages

    Both characters develop throughout the novel, and their first impressions of each other gradually change. Darcy’s pride diminishes, as does Elizabeth’s prejudice.

    Read More

  • Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'

    1226 Words  | 3 Pages

    get a master or even someone to show her how to do things in life.

    Read More

  • A Critical Review of Pride and Prejudice

    945 Words  | 2 Pages

    Her pride is hurt when she hears Darcy commenting about her. Believing Mr. Wickham's lies, they lead her to think that Mr. Darcy is very proud.... ... middle of paper ... ... Pride and Prejudice emphasizes pride, prejudice and love.

    Read More

More about Evaluation of the Title of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Open Document