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

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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.

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