Pride And Prejudice Essay Example
Pride And Prejudice Essay Example

Pride And Prejudice Essay Example

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  • Published: October 1, 2017
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Jane Austen, the seventh out of eight children, was born into a caring and highly educated family on December 16th, 1775. The Austens lived in Steventon parish's rectory, located in Hampshire. 'Pride and Prejudice', Jane Austen's most popular and cherished work among her many creations, primarily delves into the themes of love and romance. In her time period, marriage granted women an opportunity to improve their social standing and attain independence that they couldn't achieve within their own kin.

Traditionally, males were the main income earners in a family unit. Yet, in modern marriages, there's been a move towards equal participation from both spouses not only financially but also with regard to commitment to the bond. This change is mirrored in some characters within the novel that bear similarities with Pride and Prejudice. The key role of careful examination fo

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r understanding is underlined as it is vital for revealing the storyline. Herein lies the relevance of "Prejudice", as these repeating themes are portrayed by several characters, among them Mrs.

The novel Pride and Prejudice delves into the tendency of Bennet and Elizabeth to prejudge and believe rumors shared by their friends and family members. Additionally, it examines the characters' preferences and dislikes to shed light on their views on marriage and love. Furthermore, social classes play a significant role as a theme in the novel, with individuals of higher social standing feeling a sense of pride and avoiding socializing with those from lower ranks in society. For instance, Mr. Darcy illustrates this behavior by considering himself morally superior and knowledgeable enough to not marry Elizabeth due to his perception of being of higher social status and backgroun

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than hers.

The fascinating concept provides us a deeper understanding of the viewpoints and convictions of high-class men and women in the nineteenth century. Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' captivates us by emphasizing two prevalent human flaws. Through her storytelling, she warns readers not to overly rely on first impressions, as they can lead to incorrect assessments and prejudices. Rather than hastily forming opinions about an individual's personality, we should strive to comprehend them more thoroughly. Pride is a crucial element in the storyline of this novel.

In "Pride and Prejudice", Mr. Darcy, a figure frequently associated with arrogance, endeavors to distance himself from individuals of inferior social rank. The narrative predominantly revolves around the Bennet family, particularly Mrs. Bennet who is determined to see her daughters wed before she passes away. Her declaration, "You must know that I am thinking of him marrying one of them", may be interpreted in diverse ways by different readers. Some might view Mrs. Bennet as spiteful, scheming and bitter character who puts undue pressure on her daughters.

Mrs. Bennet believes she has the ability to shape her daughters' futures. I believe she sees this as an opportunity to raise her societal rank and enhance her social standing. This suggests that she is self-serving, uncaring about how her actions may impact her daughters. Some could argue that she's simply playing a maternal role typical of Jane Austen's time period. It’s essential to note that Mrs. Bennet harbored real anxiety for the well-being of her children. She deeply cares for each of her five girls, hoping to protect them from any future suffering.

During the 1800s, should Mr. Bennet meet his end, his

wife and daughters would be left without a home as women couldn't inherit property from their fathers. The estate would instead be transferred to the next male kin. In 'Pride and Prejudice's' opening chapter, the author emphasises the importance of marriage and how it influences character behavior. Using sharp wit tinged with ridicule, this is humorously communicated in its iconic opening line: "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

Jane Austen's primary intent with her novel, as per her statement, is to explore the journey towards love and marriage. This implies that the plot could revolve around a man pursuing a woman or the other way round. Understanding this central theme allows readers to anticipate potential developments in the storyline. The usage of "acknowledged" suggests societal approval of such relationships; contrasting it with present times where feelings about romantic unions are often private. Furthermore, this chapter sheds light on how women utilized their leisure time during this era, emphasizing gossip and conjecture as pivotal activities resulting in fresh assumptions.

It also portrays the excitement among women when a new tenant, described as "a young man of large fortune," moves in. Mrs. Bennet is thrilled by the news of this unmarried man and views it as a chance to introduce her daughters to him. Jane Austen employs irony and satire through the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet cleverly uses sarcastic criticism to trick his wife, who often fails to comprehend his humor, such as when he says, "for as you are as handsome as any of them." Unaware of

the joke, Mrs. Bennet interprets this as a compliment.

This demonstrates the stark contrast between them, indicating that they are completely incompatible. It becomes evident to the reader that the marriage is not successful and some may even argue that it is incompatible. Mrs. Bennet desires Mr. Bennet to visit Mr. Bingley in order for her daughters and herself to become acquainted with the new lodger. By establishing a connection with Mr. Bingley, she hopes that one of her daughters will capture his interest and potentially secure a financially stable husband for the rest of the family.

"It is probable that Mr. Bingley may develop romantic feelings for one of the Bennet sisters. The Bennets have never interacted with or laid eyes on him before, yet Mrs. Bennet is already making future plans, highlighting her desperation to see one of her daughters married. The use of the word 'probable' suggests Mrs. Bennet is confident that one of them will indeed get married. The phrase 'fall in love' implies that love cannot be instant and requires a lengthy process. Mrs. Bennet is overly optimistic about Mr. Bingley, firmly believing that he will 'fall' for one of her daughters. Her prejudices mostly revolve around characters' general emotions and her own expectations for her daughters."

In the initial part of the narrative, Mrs. Bennet strongly advocates for her daughters to consider marrying Mr. Bingley, a man of great wealth. She's driven by her belief that Mr. Bennet may not have much time left and fears for what might become of their residence, Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet holds steadfast in her conviction that love cannot be instantaneous but should gradually evolve over time.

It

is clear that Mrs. Bennet has a high level of assurance in Mr. Bingley's potential interest towards one of her daughters, reflecting her excessive optimism. The formal interaction between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, addressing each other as "Mr. Bennet" and "Mrs. Bennet," is indicative of their relationship's official tone which could be interpreted as a possible disconnection between them - an inference easily made by contemporary readership. This traditional manner of communication seems forced, leading the reader to suspect that they are feigning mutual respect and affection.

It's evident that even after twenty-three years of marriage, a noticeable disconnect remains between the Bennets. This becomes apparent in their communication style, understanding of each other, and display of individual traits. The absence of love and affection in their relationship is obvious. Mr. Bennet, who possesses moderate wealth, was initially drawn to Mrs. Bennet’s physical attractiveness and pleasing attributes. However, it seems like he rushed into this marriage without contemplating the fleeting aspect of beauty.

The compatibility of Mrs. Bennet and her husband is questionable as she seems to have a limited understanding of him, being portrayed as having "mean understanding" which suggests a deficiency in intelligence on her part. Mr. Bennet uses this to his advantage by subtly ridiculing her ignorance, exemplified when he states, "You mistake me, my dear, I have great respect for your nerves. They are old friends." This predicament engenders sympathy from the reader towards Mr. Bennet who appears trapped in an undesirable marital situation with no apparent exit strategy. It's plausible that Jane Austen set off the novel with this complex dynamic to seed potential conflicts that could unfold throughout the narrative.

Following the

perusal of the initial chapter, one can foresee the importance of matrimonial alliances in future chapters. It also offers a glimpse into societal norms and marriage customs during Jane Austen's period. This becomes fascinating as modern readers might not have an understanding of that age's conditions. In the nineteenth chapter, Mr. Collins seeks a dialogue with Elizabeth, much to Mrs. Bennet's joy. Even though Elizabeth was initially hesitant, she finally acknowledges the significance of considering this possibility.

It would be wisest to resolve this matter promptly, indicating that Elizabeth already anticipates her answer to the proposal. This showcases her as a strong and determined character who desires love within a marriage. However, she acknowledges that Mr. Collins will not be able to fulfill this aspect for her. He proceeds to explain his reasons for proposing and assures her that he will never mention her lack of wealth in their marriage. His statement of being "uniformly silent" and promising "ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married" is not an effective way to express love, as it distresses Elizabeth and undermines her self-worth.

The phrase "when we are married" indicates Collins' strong confidence in Elizabeth's acceptance of his proposal. Despite his extensive preparations and efforts, Elizabeth ultimately refuses him, stating it would be impossible for her to do otherwise. This demonstrates Elizabeth's practicality and aversion to unnecessary pressure. She recognizes that wealth alone will not bring her happiness and desires genuine love. Collins, however, remains optimistic and assumes Elizabeth is simply feigning resistance. He believes that eventually, with some encouragement from Mr and Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth will come to accept his proposal.

Within the nineteenth chapter

of the book, Elizabeth is facing immense stress due to her mother, Mrs. Bennet's insistence on her marrying Mr. Collins. Mrs. Bennet urges Elizabeth to remain and engage with Mr. Collins, revealing a manipulative side to her character. However, this could also be seen as Mrs. Bennet's worry for the future security of her daughters'. She overlooks Elizabeth's clear lack of interest and revulsion towards conversing privately with Mr.Collins which leads to Elizabeth begging her mother not to leave.

Beloved mother, please stay. It's comprehensible that the audience empathizes with Elizabeth in our contemporary society where arranged marriages are infrequent. Ultimately, she concedes to lend an ear to Mr. Collins' proposition for marriage. Even though she is aware of the foreseen conclusion, she opts to understand his rationale behind selecting her over her siblings. "You are my chosen partner for life." Some might infer that Mr. Collins truly cherishes Elizabeth at this juncture. However, my personal conviction is that he hurriedly made the proposal and should have invested time understanding Elizabeth's inclinations before plunging into matrimony.

His professed affection is fleeting as he swiftly shifts conversation to his own well-being and societal position in relation to the marriage. Mr. Collins plans to wed Elizabeth with an aim of enhancing his social status, viewing it as a "clergyman's duty" and an opportunity to "establish a matrimonial model within his parish." Such intentions indicate self-absorption at the cost of considering how others may be affected by the union. His use of "model" signifies that societal norms take precedence over personal contentment for him. The sincerity of his love for Elizabeth is lacking, casting uncertainty on his true sentiments. While

there might be a chance he's simply timid, evidence heavily leans towards the contrary.

The text highlights the evident confidence displayed by Mr. Collins and emphasizes Elizabeth's decision to decline his offer as the right thing to do. It suggests that accepting the proposal would lead to an unsuccessful marriage with eventual breakdown, trapping them in an unhappy relationship. This reminiscently mirrors the rushed marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, which resulted in various negative consequences portrayed throughout the novel. Mr. Collins further reveals his selfishness by expressing that the marriage would greatly contribute to his own happiness.

The word "my" suggests that he is narcissistic and excessively in love with himself. Mr. Collins, I envision, would have felt anxious while proposing; however, he is making the situation even more difficult by discussing his "inheritance" and the "death" of Elizabeth's father, Mr. Bennet. This is not an effective approach to proposing to your "love." It is rather insulting and lacks warmth. Elizabeth lacks the ability to effectively express her thoughts so that Mr. Collins can understand her emotions. She states, "Express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one," indicating that Mr. Collins is so proud that he assumes no one would reject his proposal.

The text demonstrates his disbelief through his words. In chapter thirty-four of the book, Elizabeth reads "all the letters Jane had written to her." She is furious that Mr. Darcy ruined Jane's romantic prospects by persuading his friend Mr. Bingley to leave and abandon Jane, Elizabeth's eldest sister. Elizabeth did everything she could to provoke Mr. Darcy, as indicated by the word "exasperate," revealing her clear anger

and frustration towards him.

The novel takes a turning point where tension builds up as the plot develops. Elizabeth, furious with him, receives an unexpected visit from Mr. Darcy. During the visit, he surprises her by confessing his love and desire to spend his life with her. I admire Mr. Darcy for fighting against his feelings due to her family's social status. He "liked" her "against" his "will." This untimely proposal may evoke sympathy from the reader.

Elizabeth's strong feelings of indignation and fury towards Mr. Darcy might have played a significant role in her choices. She admits that it was Mr. Darcy who dissuaded Mr. Bingley from pursuing a relationship with her sister Jane. Elizabeth, despite receiving a marriage proposal from Mr. Darcy, turns him down filled with remorse. This action underlines Elizabeth's strength of character as she puts her sister's happiness before her own needs and wants. From this situation, it can be deduced that Elizabeth is resolute and has clear life goals.

Mr. Darcy makes his entrance into the room hastily, which implies his unease and distress about the circumstances. It's evident that he feels at risk and perceives himself to be susceptible to manipulation and disturbance. The term "hastily" denotes his wish for time to speed up, inferring a sense of urgency and stress. Regardless of Mr. Darcy's attempts, Elizabeth declines, reproaching him for his discourse and behaviour towards Jane and Wickham, asserting that he ought to feel embarrassment.

Darcy is baffled that Elizabeth clings to the charges about his involvement in Jane and Bingley's separation and his aversion for Wickham, even though he openly confessed. He thinks her stubbornness stems from his comments about

her family's lower status. Nevertheless, Elizabeth neither forgives him nor assures him there were any words that could have led her to accept his proposal.

Elizabeth asserts, "Any alternate method would have persuaded me to agree," indicating that the proposal could not have been more appealing. The noticeable crumbling of Darcy's guard significantly influences his behavior and attitude. His upset state is conspicuous in his comment, "You have spoken enough, madam", which precedes his hurried evacuation from the room. Both his arrival and leaving are characterized by unrest and strain. Mr. Darcy is greatly distressed by the result, sensing he has experienced a severe setback.

It's clear that he truly loves her, evident by his humility. The idea that Darcy's affection matches the impact of Elizabeth's disdain highlights intense uneasiness. This notion is fascinating and gives the reader an insight into Elizabeth's bias when she angrily retorts to Darcy, saying, "But I cannot- I have never wanted your favorable view."

This suggests that she has never liked him, probably due to the accusation about the poor treatment to Wickham. "What can you have to say" about "Mr. Wickham"? Elizabeth, not knowing, is prejudging Mr. Darcy because she has not heard Darcy's side of the story and doesn't know what's right from wrong, which she speaks so enthusiastically about. Mr. Darcy declares his love for Elizabeth but is too proud that he feels compelled to criticize her family in the process. The novel primarily focuses on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, with mostly negative opinions of him. Elizabeth is a character who openly harbors prejudice against him.

Chapter thirty four of Pride and Prejudice explores the enduring themes of pride and

prejudice in various ways. It portrays the difficulties and pain associated with love, highlighting the realities of imperfect individuals. Despite his flaws, Darcy possesses qualities, like honesty, that set him apart from other men. Similarly, Elizabeth's speech may appear rude to some readers, especially when she interacts with characters such as Mr. Collins and Darcy. Furthermore, she tends to make judgments without considering others' viewpoints.

In the book, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are at the core of the narrative. Primarily influenced by gossip and second-hand information, Elizabeth harbors unfavorable views about Mr. Darcy. She heavily relies on these accounts to make judgments. Nonetheless, a pivotal point in the storyline arises when Mr. Darcy unexpectedly declares his affection for Elizabeth, but her sentiments for him are nowhere near romantic which naturally leads her to dismiss his attempts at courtship.

Contrary to Elizabeth's initial belief that her character significantly differed from Mr. Darcy's, she eventually realizes this isn't the case. Despite starting off on the wrong foot, by chapter fifty-eight, Elizabeth warmly receives Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal. This crucial chapter highlights the evolution and fortification of their bond despite numerous hurdles faced along their journey. Notably, Darcy advises his friend, Mr. Bingley to wed Jane, Elizabeth's sister - a suggestion that might influence Elizabeth's choice about accepting his proposal.

She expresses gratitude to Mr. Darcy for sending an invoice to Mr. Bingley, thanking him for his kindness towards her sister. Some argue that Elizabeth initially declined Mr. Darcy's proposal in chapter thirty four because she believed he had caused Mr. Bingley to abandon Jane. Now that Darcy has shown improvement, Elizabeth believes it is her duty to accept his proposal,

displaying her consideration for her sister's happiness above her own. Readers may perceive that Mr. Darcy realized Elizabeth would accept his proposal if he changed his ways, suggesting he is a selfish individual compared to Elizabeth's generous nature.

This text is open to numerous interpretations. Some might suggest that the main character's deeds were just those of a good-intentioned friend who reacted without fully grasping the circumstances. Nevertheless, they have acknowledged their error and corrected it. In essence, Darcy and Elizabeth form an ideal pair. They possess reciprocal emotions, enjoy familial support, and face no hindrances in expressing their love for each other. As the novel draws to a close, Elizabeth's desperation becomes clear in her speech and behavior.

Elizabeth's desperation, driven by her love for Darcy and the uncertainty of his feelings towards her, is evident. The instance where she "forced herself to speak" underscores her anxiety, an emotion seldom seen in the novel. This highlights how love can toy with our emotions, resulting in a feeling of uncontrollable "awkwardness." Both Elizabeth and Darcy are unsure about their conduct and next moves as they "walked on, without knowing in what direction," symbolizing their confusion within the intricacies of love.

In 'Pride and Prejudice' chapter 58, the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth is depicted as inevitable and a shining example of a successful union. Their love is not based on superficial appearances but rather on a gradual growth and understanding between the two individuals. Initially, Elizabeth and Darcy were distant due to their overly proud and prejudiced nature. However, the events that unfolded allowed them to not only gain valuable experiences but also to truly comprehend each other.

It is my belief that this will ultimately lead them to a harmonious and everlasting marriage.

The significance of getting to know partners before marriage is shown through the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. This perspective on true love is presented in various ways by Jane Austen. The marriage of Jane and Bingley, for example, relied on love at first sight, which I personally believe is unrealistic. 'Pride and Prejudice' explores the themes of love and marriage extensively. Jane Austen recognized that the perfect relationship is built on mutual respect and admiration. Initially, both Elizabeth and Darcy fail to appreciate each other, as they both consider themselves superior to one another.

Darcy's wealth and the lower social class of the Bennet family lead to feelings of pride and prejudice, creating tension between them. These conflicts must be resolved before they can come together at the end of the novel. Jane Austen also demonstrates failed relationships to the reader. Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins marry out of convenience, while Lydia and Wickham are merely physically attracted to each other. Mr. Bennet mocks his wife's poverty and neglects his responsibilities by withdrawing into his office. We assume that Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane, and Bingley will find happiness because they have chosen their partners wisely.

Jane Austen demonstrates that during the 19th century, it was essential for women with limited or no financial resources to marry wealthy men. However, she also emphasizes the importance of love for a successful relationship. The novel explores various forms of love in relation to money. One significant contrast is between false love driven by materialistic motives, as seen in Charlotte and Mr Collins' relationship, versus genuine

love enduring despite social obstacles, as seen in the marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth. Ultimately, money and power serve as primary motivations for marriages lacking genuine affection.

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