Lecture 6 of Book Two Lecture 6 of Book Two Jane Austen, Jane Austen,

Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice

Jane Austen ( 1775-1817)Jane Austen ( 1775-1817) lived and worked at the turn of the century. lived and worked at the turn of the century. the daughter of a country clergyman, and passed the daughter of a country clergyman, and passed

all her life in doing small domestic duties in the all her life in doing small domestic duties in the countryside. countryside.

educated at home and began to write at an early educated at home and began to write at an early age. age.

When a visitor entered, she would throw a sheet When a visitor entered, she would throw a sheet of paper or a piece of sewing over her work, and of paper or a piece of sewing over her work, and she modestly refused to acknowledge that she she modestly refused to acknowledge that she was the author of her novels which were was the author of her novels which were published anonymously owing to the prejudice published anonymously owing to the prejudice prevailing at the time concerning the writing of prevailing at the time concerning the writing of novels by a lady. novels by a lady.

During her lifetime she never moved in literary During her lifetime she never moved in literary circles, and was never "lionized'. circles, and was never "lionized'.

Living a quiet life in the countryside, she Living a quiet life in the countryside, she kept her eyes steadily upon the people kept her eyes steadily upon the people and incidents about her, and wrote about and incidents about her, and wrote about the small world she lived in.the small world she lived in.

She herself compared her work to a fine She herself compared her work to a fine engraving made upon a little piece of ivory engraving made upon a little piece of ivory only two inches square. The comparison is only two inches square. The comparison is true. The ivory surface is small enough, true. The ivory surface is small enough, but the woman who made drawings of but the woman who made drawings of human life on it is a real artist.human life on it is a real artist.

Jane Austen’s 6 novels: Jane Austen’s 6 novels: Northanger Abbey Northanger Abbey Sense and Sensibility Sense and Sensibility Pride and Prejudice Pride and Prejudice Mansfield Park Mansfield Park Emma Emma Persuasion Persuasion Pride and Prejudice" is the most Pride and Prejudice" is the most

widely read among them. widely read among them.

Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice Chapter IChapter I

IT is a truth universally IT is a truth universally

acknowledged, that a single man in acknowledged, that a single man in

possession of a good fortune must be possession of a good fortune must be

in want of a wife. in want of a wife.

However little known the feelings or views of sHowever little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighuch a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is consids of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or odered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. ther of their daughters.

``My dear Mr. Bennet,'' said his lady to him o``My dear Mr. Bennet,'' said his lady to him one day, ``have you heard that Netherfield Parne day, ``have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?'' k is let at last?''

Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. ``But it is,'' returned she; ``for Mrs. Long has ``But it is,'' returned she; ``for Mrs. Long has

just been here, and she told me all about it.'' just been here, and she told me all about it.'' Mr. Bennet made no answer. Mr. Bennet made no answer.

``Do not you want to know who has taken i``Do not you want to know who has taken it?'' cried his wife impatiently. t?'' cried his wife impatiently.

``You want to tell me, and I have no objectio``You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.'' n to hearing it.''

This was invitation enough. This was invitation enough. ``Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long sa``Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long sa

ys that Netherfield is taken by a young man of ys that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that hlarge fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four te came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted wio see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediatelth it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaely; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the mas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.'' house by the end of next week.''

``What is his name?'' ``What is his name?'' ``Bingley.'' ``Bingley.'' ``Is he married or single?'' ``Is he married or single?'' ``Oh! single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of larg``Oh! single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of larg

e fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thie fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!'' ng for our girls!''

``How so? how can it affect them?'' ``How so? how can it affect them?'' ``My dear Mr. Bennet,'' replied his wife, ``how can y``My dear Mr. Bennet,'' replied his wife, ``how can y

ou be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking oou be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.'' f his marrying one of them.''

``Is that his design in settling here?'' ``Is that his design in settling here?'' ``Design! nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is ver``Design! nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is ver

y likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and ty likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.'' herefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.''

``I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, ``I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better; for, as you are as handsome as any will be still better; for, as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the partof them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party.'' y.''

``My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my sh``My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be any thing extrare of beauty, but I do not pretend to be any thing extraordinary now. When a woman has five grown up dauaordinary now. When a woman has five grown up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beaghters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty.'' uty.''

``In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty ``In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of.'' to think of.''

``But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingl``But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when he comes into the neighbourhood.'' ey when he comes into the neighbourhood.''

``It is more than I engage for, I assure you.'' ``It is more than I engage for, I assure you.''

``But consider your daughters. Only think what an es``But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it would be for one of them. Sir William atablishment it would be for one of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you know they visit no new comccount, for in general, you know they visit no new comers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us ers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit him, if you do not.'' to visit him, if you do not.''

``You are over-scrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bing``You are over-scrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few liley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his nes by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying which ever he chuses of the girls; though I mmarrying which ever he chuses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy.'' ust throw in a good word for my little Lizzy.''

``I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit ``I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good humoured as Lydhandsome as Jane, nor half so good humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference.'' ia. But you are always giving her the preference.''

``They have none of them much to recommend them,'' replied ``They have none of them much to recommend them,'' replied he; ``they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has he; ``they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.'' something more of quickness than her sisters.''

``Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such way?``Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my p You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves.'' oor nerves.''

``You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerve``You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with cs. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.'' onsideration these twenty years at least.''

``Ah! you do not know what I suffer.'' ``Ah! you do not know what I suffer.'' ``But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young me``But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young me

n of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.'' n of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.''

``It will be no use to us if twenty such should come, si``It will be no use to us if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them.'' nce you will not visit them.''

``Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twen``Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty I will visit them all.'' ty I will visit them all.''

Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcaMr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience stic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to maof three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was leske his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to develope. She was a woman of mean unds difficult to develope. She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. erstanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervoWhen she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters mus. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news. arried; its solace was visiting and news.

Story and themeStory and theme Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice ，， originally drafted under originally drafted under

the title “First Impression” in 1796the title “First Impression” in 1796 ，， was rewas revised and came out in 1813vised and came out in 1813 ．． The story centerThe story centers round the heroine Elizabeth Bennet and the s round the heroine Elizabeth Bennet and the hero Fitzwilliam Darcy and a minor couplehero Fitzwilliam Darcy and a minor couple ，， hher sister Jane and his friend Charles Bingley. Ter sister Jane and his friend Charles Bingley. The uneventful vicissitudes of the lives of these he uneventful vicissitudes of the lives of these characterscharacters ，， including teas and visits and walincluding teas and visits and walks and dances and conversations and other exks and dances and conversations and other expected or unexpected happenings, finally lead pected or unexpected happenings, finally lead to the happy unions of the two couples.to the happy unions of the two couples.

The title tells of a major concern of the novelThe title tells of a major concern of the novel ：：pride and prejudice. If to form good relationshpride and prejudice. If to form good relationships is our main task in lifeips is our main task in life ，， we must first have we must first have good judgment. Our first impressions, accordigood judgment. Our first impressions, according to Jane Austen, are usually wrongng to Jane Austen, are usually wrong ，， as is sas is shown here by those of Elizabethhown here by those of Elizabeth ． ． In the procIn the process of judging othersess of judging others ，， Elizabeth finds out soElizabeth finds out something about herself: her blindness, partialitmething about herself: her blindness, partiality, prejudice and absurdity. In time she discovey, prejudice and absurdity. In time she discovers her own shortcomings. On the other hand, Drs her own shortcomings. On the other hand, Darcy too 1earns about other people and himselarcy too 1earns about other people and himself. In the end false pride is humbled and prejudif. In the end false pride is humbled and prejudice dissolvedce dissolved ．．

Another theme is love and marriageAnother theme is love and marriage ．． In the nIn the novelovel ，， three kinds of attitudes towards marriathree kinds of attitudes towards marriage are presented for manifestation: marriage ge are presented for manifestation: marriage merely for material wealth and social positionmerely for material wealth and social position ；；marriage just for beauty, attraction and passiomarriage just for beauty, attraction and passion regardless of economic condition or Darsonan regardless of economic condition or Darsonal merits; and the ideal marriage for true love wil merits; and the ideal marriage for true love with a consideration of the partner's personal mth a consideration of the partner's personal merit as well as his economical and social statuserit as well as his economical and social status ．．What Jane Austen tries to say is that it is wronWhat Jane Austen tries to say is that it is wrong to marry just for money or for beauty, but it ig to marry just for money or for beauty, but it is also wrong to marry without consideration os also wrong to marry without consideration of economic conditions.f economic conditions.

CharacterizationCharacterization The novel is noted for its vividly depicteThe novel is noted for its vividly depicte

d characters of almost all kinds of peopld characters of almost all kinds of people of the landed gentry class. The characte of the landed gentry class. The characters reveal themselves gradually in their ers reveal themselves gradually in their dialogues or conversation; through their dialogues or conversation; through their letters-as in the case of Collins and Lydia;letters-as in the case of Collins and Lydia; and in their actions--Lydia's flirtatious b and in their actions--Lydia's flirtatious behavior, Miss Bingley's neglect and hostiehavior, Miss Bingley's neglect and hostility to Jane in Londonlity to Jane in London ．．

Characters are revealed by comparison and contrast Characters are revealed by comparison and contrast with others.with others.

(A) Wickham serves as a contrast to Darcy by appearin(A) Wickham serves as a contrast to Darcy by appearing to have all the good qualities, while Darcy really has g to have all the good qualities, while Darcy really has them. Wickham is in fact the opposite of Darcy. Both tthem. Wickham is in fact the opposite of Darcy. Both turn out the opposite to how they seemedurn out the opposite to how they seemed ．．

(B) Miss Bingley looks like, and seems to have the man(B) Miss Bingley looks like, and seems to have the manners of, a lady, while Elizabeth often does "unladylike" ners of, a lady, while Elizabeth often does "unladylike" things. But her continual criticism of Elizabeth and her things. But her continual criticism of Elizabeth and her hypocritical behavior toward Jane show that hers is a hypocritical behavior toward Jane show that hers is a false gentilityfalse gentility ．． ElizabethElizabeth ，， in comparison, proves to in comparison, proves to be a fitter wife for the well-bred Darcy.be a fitter wife for the well-bred Darcy.

(C) Mr. Collins's courtship of Elizabeth, and then Charl(C) Mr. Collins's courtship of Elizabeth, and then Charlotte, adds comedy to the novel. otte, adds comedy to the novel.

But it is needed to compare:But it is needed to compare: (a) Elizabeth's attitude to marriage and Charlotte's. Eli(a) Elizabeth's attitude to marriage and Charlotte's. Eli

zabeth's refusal, in comparison with Charlotte's accepzabeth's refusal, in comparison with Charlotte's acceptance, shows us the greater sense of Elizabeth, as well tance, shows us the greater sense of Elizabeth, as well as her high idealsas her high ideals ．．

(b) Mr. Collins's pride and Darcy's pride. Although Colli(b) Mr. Collins's pride and Darcy's pride. Although Collins proposal to Elizabeth is highly ridiculous, it can be ns proposal to Elizabeth is highly ridiculous, it can be compared to Darcy's first proposal later on. Both are qcompared to Darcy's first proposal later on. Both are quite sure they will be accepted, and both make hardly uite sure they will be accepted, and both make hardly any appeal to Elizabeth's feelings.any appeal to Elizabeth's feelings.

(D) Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet balance each othe(D) Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet balance each other in their desire to marry off their daughters and in their in their desire to marry off their daughters and in their respective vulgarities.r respective vulgarities.

CommentsComments Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice is a model work of Jane Austen's successful is a model work of Jane Austen's successful

employment of irony. Irony plays a decisive part in characterizatiemployment of irony. Irony plays a decisive part in characterization as well as in plot development. The verbal irony in the dialoguon as well as in plot development. The verbal irony in the dialogues and the situational or dramatic irony here are especially note-es and the situational or dramatic irony here are especially note-worthy. By saying one thing but meaning another, we see the stuworthy. By saying one thing but meaning another, we see the stupidity of Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth's derision of Darcy's pride. Anpidity of Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth's derision of Darcy's pride. And in terms of plot, the whole story seems to be composed of ironid in terms of plot, the whole story seems to be composed of ironies. With a negative start on both sides at the beginning of the stoes. With a negative start on both sides at the beginning of the story, we watch with anxiety the gradual development of love betwery, we watch with anxiety the gradual development of love between Darcy and Elizabeth. One ironical event leads to another wheren Darcy and Elizabeth. One ironical event leads to another where mutual repulsion is turned into mutual attraction, verbal quarre mutual repulsion is turned into mutual attraction, verbal quarrels turned into confessions, intended riddance turned into unexpels turned into confessions, intended riddance turned into unexpected hot nonetheless welcoming meetings, the proud turned intected hot nonetheless welcoming meetings, the proud turned into the humbled and the prejudiced turned into the repentant.o the humbled and the prejudiced turned into the repentant.

With other characters too, irony abounds. Mr. With other characters too, irony abounds. Mr. Collins proposes to one but marries another; Collins proposes to one but marries another; Miss Bingley tries to engage the heart of her beMiss Bingley tries to engage the heart of her beloved by speaking ill of her rival but only to aroloved by speaking ill of her rival but only to arouse his great interest in the latter; Mr. Bennet's use his great interest in the latter; Mr. Bennet's negligence of his daughters and his particular inegligence of his daughters and his particular impatience with the youngest one brings justifimpatience with the youngest one brings justified punishment on himself by Lydia's elopemeed punishment on himself by Lydia's elopement; Wickham's lies lead to the exposure of his tnt; Wickham's lies lead to the exposure of his true nature and Lady de Bourgh's intervention rue nature and Lady de Bourgh's intervention between Elizabeth and Darcy only brings hope between Elizabeth and Darcy only brings hope and then the final union of the two, etc. The irand then the final union of the two, etc. The irony helps to bring the conscious criticism of thony helps to bring the conscious criticism of the author to the reader and makes it fun to read e author to the reader and makes it fun to read the novel.the novel.

special featuresspecial features (1) Jane Austen's main concern is about human (1) Jane Austen's main concern is about human

beings in their personal relations, human beings beings in their personal relations, human beings with their families and neighbors. She is with their families and neighbors. She is particularly preoccupied with the relationship particularly preoccupied with the relationship between men and women in love.between men and women in love.

(2) She writes within a narrow sphere. The (2) She writes within a narrow sphere. The subject matter, the character range, the moral subject matter, the character range, the moral setting, physical setting and social setting, and setting, physical setting and social setting, and plots are all restricted to the provincial or village plots are all restricted to the provincial or village life of the 19th-century England, all concerning life of the 19th-century England, all concerning three or four landed gentry families with the three or four landed gentry families with the trivial incidents of their everyday life.trivial incidents of their everyday life.

(3) Her novels are surprisingly realistic, with keen (3) Her novels are surprisingly realistic, with keen observation and penetrating analysis. She keeps observation and penetrating analysis. She keeps the balance between fact and form as no other the balance between fact and form as no other English novelist has ever done.English novelist has ever done.

(4) Austen uses dialogues to reveal the p(4) Austen uses dialogues to reveal the personalities of her charactersersonalities of her characters ．． The plotThe plots of her novels appear natural and unfors of her novels appear natural and unforcedced ．． Her characters are vividly portrayHer characters are vividly portrayed and everyone comes alive.ed and everyone comes alive.

(5) Her language, which is of typical neo(5) Her language, which is of typical neoclassicism, is simple, easy, naturally luciclassicism, is simple, easy, naturally lucid and very economical.d and very economical.

Main idea of Chapter 1Main idea of Chapter 1 The selection is the first chapter of the novel, in which The selection is the first chapter of the novel, in which

the parents of the Bennet girls are busy considering ththe parents of the Bennet girls are busy considering the prospects of their daughters' marriages shortly after e prospects of their daughters' marriages shortly after hearing of the arrival of a rich unmarried young man, hearing of the arrival of a rich unmarried young man, Mr. Bingley, as their neighbor.Mr. Bingley, as their neighbor.

In this selection, we can find mild satire in the authoIn this selection, we can find mild satire in the author's seemingly matter-of-fact description of the conversr's seemingly matter-of-fact description of the conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, in the vivid portraiation between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, in the vivid portrait of the husband and the wife and, specifically, in the ot of the husband and the wife and, specifically, in the opening sentence. The relationship of the husband and pening sentence. The relationship of the husband and wife and their attitude towards each other are also suwife and their attitude towards each other are also subtly presented. Mrs. Bennet, an empty-headed womabtly presented. Mrs. Bennet, an empty-headed woman, is simple and naive, eager to talk with any slight encn, is simple and naive, eager to talk with any slight encouragement. Mr. Bennet is a man of intricate characteouragement. Mr. Bennet is a man of intricate character and quick wit. His teasing tone and sarcastic humor r and quick wit. His teasing tone and sarcastic humor are just beyond his wife's understanding.are just beyond his wife's understanding.

Key FactsKey Facts type of worktype of work · Novel · Novel genregenre · Comedy of manners · Comedy of manners narratornarrator · Third-person omniscient · Third-person omniscient climax ·climax · Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth

(Volume III, Chapter XVI)(Volume III, Chapter XVI) protagonistprotagonist · Elizabeth Bennet · Elizabeth Bennet antagonist antagonist · Snobbish class-· Snobbish class-

consciousness (epitomized by Lady consciousness (epitomized by Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Miss Bingley)Catherine de Bourgh and Miss Bingley)

setting setting (time) · Some point during the (time) · Some point during the Napoleonic Wars (1797–1815)Napoleonic Wars (1797–1815)

setting setting (place) · Longbourn, in rural (place) · Longbourn, in rural EnglandEngland

point of viewpoint of view · The novel is primarily told from Elizabeth · The novel is primarily told from Elizabeth Bennet’s point of view.Bennet’s point of view.

falling action falling action · The two chapters of the novel after · The two chapters of the novel after Darcy’s proposalDarcy’s proposal

tense tense · Past tense · Past tense foreshadowing foreshadowing · The only notable example of · The only notable example of

foreshadowing occurs when Elizabeth visits Pemberley, foreshadowing occurs when Elizabeth visits Pemberley, Darcy’s estate, in Volume III, Chapter 1. Her appreciation of Darcy’s estate, in Volume III, Chapter 1. Her appreciation of the estate foreshadows her eventual realization of her love the estate foreshadows her eventual realization of her love for its owner.for its owner.

tonetone · Comic—or, in Jane Austen’s own words, “light and · Comic—or, in Jane Austen’s own words, “light and bright, and sparkling”bright, and sparkling”

themesthemes · Love; Reputation; Class · Love; Reputation; Class motifsmotifs · Courtship; Journeys · Courtship; Journeys symbols symbols · The novel is light on symbolism, except on the · The novel is light on symbolism, except on the

visit to Pemberley, which is described as being “neither visit to Pemberley, which is described as being “neither formal, nor falsely adorned,” and is clearly meant to formal, nor falsely adorned,” and is clearly meant to symbolize the character of Mr. Darcy.symbolize the character of Mr. Darcy.

““ It is a truth universally acknowledged, It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

This is the first sentence of Pride and Prejudice This is the first sentence of Pride and Prejudice and stands as one of the most famous first lines and stands as one of the most famous first lines in literature. Even as it briskly introduces the in literature. Even as it briskly introduces the arrival of Mr. Bingley at Netherfield—the event arrival of Mr. Bingley at Netherfield—the event that sets the novel in motion—this sentence also that sets the novel in motion—this sentence also offers a miniature sketch of the entire plot, which offers a miniature sketch of the entire plot, which concerns itself with the pursuit of “single men in concerns itself with the pursuit of “single men in possession of a good fortune” by various female possession of a good fortune” by various female characters. The preoccupation with socially characters. The preoccupation with socially advantageous marriage in nineteenth-century advantageous marriage in nineteenth-century English society manifests itself here, for in English society manifests itself here, for in claiming that a single man “must be in want of a claiming that a single man “must be in want of a wife,” the narrator reveals that the reverse is also wife,” the narrator reveals that the reverse is also true: a single woman, whose socially prescribed true: a single woman, whose socially prescribed options are quite limited, is in (perhaps options are quite limited, is in (perhaps desperate) want of a husband.desperate) want of a husband.

Analysis of Major CharactersAnalysis of Major Characters Elizabeth BennetElizabeth Bennet The second daughter in the Bennet family, and the most The second daughter in the Bennet family, and the most

intelligent and quick-witted, Elizabeth is the protagonist of intelligent and quick-witted, Elizabeth is the protagonist of Pride and Prejudice and one of the most well-known female Pride and Prejudice and one of the most well-known female characters in English literature. Her admirable qualities are characters in English literature. Her admirable qualities are numerous—she is lovely, clever, and, in a novel defined by numerous—she is lovely, clever, and, in a novel defined by dialogue, she converses as brilliantly as anyone. Her dialogue, she converses as brilliantly as anyone. Her honesty, virtue, and lively wit enable her to rise above the honesty, virtue, and lively wit enable her to rise above the nonsense and bad behavior that pervade her class-bound nonsense and bad behavior that pervade her class-bound and often spiteful society. Nevertheless, her sharp tongue and often spiteful society. Nevertheless, her sharp tongue and tendency to make hasty judgments often lead her and tendency to make hasty judgments often lead her astray; Pride and Prejudice is essentially the story of how astray; Pride and Prejudice is essentially the story of how she (and her true love, Darcy) overcome all obstacles—she (and her true love, Darcy) overcome all obstacles—including their own personal failings—to find romantic including their own personal failings—to find romantic happiness. Elizabeth must not only cope with a hopeless happiness. Elizabeth must not only cope with a hopeless mother, a distant father, two badly behaved younger mother, a distant father, two badly behaved younger siblings, and several snobbish, antagonizing females, she siblings, and several snobbish, antagonizing females, she must also overcome her own mistaken impressions of must also overcome her own mistaken impressions of Darcy, which initially lead her to reject his proposals of Darcy, which initially lead her to reject his proposals of marriage. Her charms are sufficient to keep him interested, marriage. Her charms are sufficient to keep him interested, fortunately, while she navigates familial and social turmoil. fortunately, while she navigates familial and social turmoil. As she gradually comes to recognize the nobility of Darcy’s As she gradually comes to recognize the nobility of Darcy’s character, she realizes the error of her initial prejudice character, she realizes the error of her initial prejudice against him.against him.

Fitzwilliam DarcyFitzwilliam Darcy The son of a wealthy, well-established family and the The son of a wealthy, well-established family and the

master of the great estate of Pemberley, Darcy is master of the great estate of Pemberley, Darcy is Elizabeth’s male counterpart. The narrator relates Elizabeth’s male counterpart. The narrator relates Elizabeth’s point of view of events more often than Darcy’s, Elizabeth’s point of view of events more often than Darcy’s, so Elizabeth often seems a more sympathetic figure. The so Elizabeth often seems a more sympathetic figure. The reader eventually realizes, however, that Darcy is her ideal reader eventually realizes, however, that Darcy is her ideal match. Intelligent and forthright, he too has a tendency to match. Intelligent and forthright, he too has a tendency to judge too hastily and harshly, and his high birth and wealth judge too hastily and harshly, and his high birth and wealth make him overly proud and overly conscious of his social make him overly proud and overly conscious of his social status. Indeed, his haughtiness makes him initially bungle status. Indeed, his haughtiness makes him initially bungle his courtship. When he proposes to her, for instance, he his courtship. When he proposes to her, for instance, he dwells more on how unsuitable a match she is than on her dwells more on how unsuitable a match she is than on her charms, beauty, or anything else complimentary. Her charms, beauty, or anything else complimentary. Her rejection of his advances builds a kind of humility in him. rejection of his advances builds a kind of humility in him. Darcy demonstrates his continued devotion to Elizabeth, in Darcy demonstrates his continued devotion to Elizabeth, in spite of his distaste for her low connections, when he spite of his distaste for her low connections, when he rescues Lydia and the entire Bennet family from disgrace, rescues Lydia and the entire Bennet family from disgrace, and when he goes against the wishes of his haughty aunt, and when he goes against the wishes of his haughty aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by continuing to pursue Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by continuing to pursue Elizabeth. Darcy proves himself worthy of Elizabeth, and Elizabeth. Darcy proves himself worthy of Elizabeth, and she ends up repenting her earlier, overly harsh judgment of she ends up repenting her earlier, overly harsh judgment of him.him.

Jane Bennet and Charles BingleyJane Bennet and Charles Bingley Elizabeth’s beautiful elder sister and Darcy’s wealthy best Elizabeth’s beautiful elder sister and Darcy’s wealthy best

friend, Jane and Bingley engage in a courtship that occupies friend, Jane and Bingley engage in a courtship that occupies a central place in the novel. They first meet at the ball in a central place in the novel. They first meet at the ball in Meryton and enjoy an immediate mutual attraction. They Meryton and enjoy an immediate mutual attraction. They are spoken of as a potential couple throughout the book, are spoken of as a potential couple throughout the book, long before anyone imagines that Darcy and Elizabeth long before anyone imagines that Darcy and Elizabeth might marry. Despite their centrality to the narrative, they might marry. Despite their centrality to the narrative, they are vague characters, sketched by Austen rather than are vague characters, sketched by Austen rather than carefully drawn. Indeed, they are so similar in nature and carefully drawn. Indeed, they are so similar in nature and behavior that they can be described together: both are behavior that they can be described together: both are cheerful, friendly, and good-natured, always ready to think cheerful, friendly, and good-natured, always ready to think the best of others; they lack entirely the prickly egotism of the best of others; they lack entirely the prickly egotism of Elizabeth and Darcy. Jane’s gentle spirit serves as a foil for Elizabeth and Darcy. Jane’s gentle spirit serves as a foil for her sister’s fiery, contentious nature, while Bingley’s eager her sister’s fiery, contentious nature, while Bingley’s eager friendliness contrasts with Darcy’s stiff pride. Their principal friendliness contrasts with Darcy’s stiff pride. Their principal characteristics are goodwill and compatibility, and the characteristics are goodwill and compatibility, and the contrast of their romance with that of Darcy and Elizabeth contrast of their romance with that of Darcy and Elizabeth is remarkable. Jane and Bingley exhibit to the reader true is remarkable. Jane and Bingley exhibit to the reader true love unhampered by either pride or prejudice, though in love unhampered by either pride or prejudice, though in their simple goodness, they also demonstrate that such a their simple goodness, they also demonstrate that such a love is mildly dull.love is mildly dull.

Mr. BennetMr. Bennet Mr. Bennet is the patriarch of the Bennet household—the Mr. Bennet is the patriarch of the Bennet household—the

husband of Mrs. Bennet and the father of Jane, Elizabeth, husband of Mrs. Bennet and the father of Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Kitty, and Mary. He is a man driven to exasperation Lydia, Kitty, and Mary. He is a man driven to exasperation by his ridiculous wife and difficult daughters. He reacts by by his ridiculous wife and difficult daughters. He reacts by withdrawing from his family and assuming a detached withdrawing from his family and assuming a detached attitude punctuated by bursts of sarcastic humor. He is attitude punctuated by bursts of sarcastic humor. He is closest to Elizabeth because they are the two most closest to Elizabeth because they are the two most intelligent Bennets. Initially, his dry wit and self-possession intelligent Bennets. Initially, his dry wit and self-possession in the face of his wife’s hysteria make him a sympathetic in the face of his wife’s hysteria make him a sympathetic figure, but, though he remains likable throughout, the figure, but, though he remains likable throughout, the reader gradually loses respect for him as it becomes clear reader gradually loses respect for him as it becomes clear that the price of his detachment is considerable. Detached that the price of his detachment is considerable. Detached from his family, he is a weak father and, at critical from his family, he is a weak father and, at critical moments, fails his family. In particular, his foolish moments, fails his family. In particular, his foolish indulgence of Lydia’s immature behavior nearly leads to indulgence of Lydia’s immature behavior nearly leads to general disgrace when she elopes with Wickham. Further, general disgrace when she elopes with Wickham. Further, upon her disappearance, he proves largely ineffective. It is upon her disappearance, he proves largely ineffective. It is left to Mr. Gardiner and Darcy to track Lydia down and left to Mr. Gardiner and Darcy to track Lydia down and rectify the situation. Ultimately, Mr. Bennet would rather rectify the situation. Ultimately, Mr. Bennet would rather withdraw from the world than cope with it.withdraw from the world than cope with it.

Mrs. BennetMrs. Bennet Mrs. Bennet is a miraculously tiresome character. Noisy and Mrs. Bennet is a miraculously tiresome character. Noisy and

foolish, she is a woman consumed by the desire to see her foolish, she is a woman consumed by the desire to see her daughters married and seems to care for nothing else in daughters married and seems to care for nothing else in the world. Ironically, her single-minded pursuit of this goal the world. Ironically, her single-minded pursuit of this goal tends to backfire, as her lack of social graces alienates the tends to backfire, as her lack of social graces alienates the very people (Darcy and Bingley) whom she tries very people (Darcy and Bingley) whom she tries desperately to attract. Austen uses her continually to desperately to attract. Austen uses her continually to highlight the necessity of marriage for young women. Mrs. highlight the necessity of marriage for young women. Mrs. Bennet also serves as a middle-class counterpoint to such Bennet also serves as a middle-class counterpoint to such upper-class snobs as Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley, upper-class snobs as Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley, demonstrating that foolishness can be found at every level demonstrating that foolishness can be found at every level of society. In the end, however, Mrs. Bennet proves such an of society. In the end, however, Mrs. Bennet proves such an unattractive figure, lacking redeeming characteristics of unattractive figure, lacking redeeming characteristics of any kind, that some readers have accused Austen of any kind, that some readers have accused Austen of unfairness in portraying her—as if Austen, like Mr. Bennet, unfairness in portraying her—as if Austen, like Mr. Bennet, took perverse pleasure in poking fun at a woman already took perverse pleasure in poking fun at a woman already scorned as a result of her ill breeding.scorned as a result of her ill breeding.

QuestionsQuestions 1. Jane Austen’s original title for the novel 1. Jane Austen’s original title for the novel

was First Impressions. What role do first was First Impressions. What role do first impressions play in Pride and Prejudice?impressions play in Pride and Prejudice?

Pride and Prejudice is, first and foremost, a novel Pride and Prejudice is, first and foremost, a novel about surmounting obstacles and achieving about surmounting obstacles and achieving romantic happiness. For Elizabeth, the heroine, romantic happiness. For Elizabeth, the heroine, and Darcy, her eventual husband, the chief and Darcy, her eventual husband, the chief obstacle resides in the book’s original title: First obstacle resides in the book’s original title: First Impressions. Darcy, the proud, prickly Impressions. Darcy, the proud, prickly noblewoman’s nephew, must break free from his noblewoman’s nephew, must break free from his original dismissal of Elizabeth as “not handsome original dismissal of Elizabeth as “not handsome enough to tempt me,” and from his class-based enough to tempt me,” and from his class-based prejudice against her lack of wealth and family prejudice against her lack of wealth and family connections. Elizabeth’s first impressions, connections. Elizabeth’s first impressions, meanwhile, catalogue Darcy as arrogant and self-meanwhile, catalogue Darcy as arrogant and self-satisfied; as a result, she later accepts slanderous satisfied; as a result, she later accepts slanderous accusations against him as true.accusations against him as true.

Both Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to come to Both Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to come to grips with their own initial mistakes. Structurally, grips with their own initial mistakes. Structurally, the first half of the novel traces Darcy’s the first half of the novel traces Darcy’s progression to the point at which he is able to progression to the point at which he is able to admit his love in spite of his prejudice. In the admit his love in spite of his prejudice. In the second half, Elizabeth’s mistaken impressions are second half, Elizabeth’s mistaken impressions are supplanted by informed realizations about supplanted by informed realizations about Darcy’s true character. Darcy’s two proposals to Darcy’s true character. Darcy’s two proposals to Elizabeth chart the mature development of their Elizabeth chart the mature development of their relationship. He delivers the first at the mid-point relationship. He delivers the first at the mid-point of the novel, when he has realized his love for of the novel, when he has realized his love for Elizabeth but has not yet escaped his prejudices Elizabeth but has not yet escaped his prejudices against her family, and when she is still in the against her family, and when she is still in the grip of her first, negative impression of him. The grip of her first, negative impression of him. The second proposal—in which Darcy humbly restates second proposal—in which Darcy humbly restates his love for her and Elizabeth, now with full his love for her and Elizabeth, now with full knowledge of Mr. Darcy’s good character, happily knowledge of Mr. Darcy’s good character, happily accepts—marks the arrival of the two characters, accepts—marks the arrival of the two characters, each finally achieving the ability to view the other each finally achieving the ability to view the other through unprejudiced eyes.through unprejudiced eyes.

2. Analyze how Austen depicts Mr. Bennet. Is he a 2. Analyze how Austen depicts Mr. Bennet. Is he a positive or negative figure?positive or negative figure?

Mr. Bennet’s chief characteristics are an ironic detachment Mr. Bennet’s chief characteristics are an ironic detachment and a sharp, cutting wit. The distance that he creates and a sharp, cutting wit. The distance that he creates between himself and the absurdity around him often between himself and the absurdity around him often endears him to the reader and parallels the amused endears him to the reader and parallels the amused detachment with which Austen treats ridiculous characters detachment with which Austen treats ridiculous characters such as Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine. To associate the such as Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine. To associate the author’s point of view with that of Mr. Bennet, however, is author’s point of view with that of Mr. Bennet, however, is to ignore his ultimate failure as a father and husband. He is to ignore his ultimate failure as a father and husband. He is endlessly witty, but his distance from the events around endlessly witty, but his distance from the events around him makes him an ineffective parent. Detached humor may him makes him an ineffective parent. Detached humor may prove useful for handling the Mr. Collinses of the world, but prove useful for handling the Mr. Collinses of the world, but it is helpless against the depredations of the villainous (but it is helpless against the depredations of the villainous (but likable) Wickham. When the crisis of Lydia’s elopement likable) Wickham. When the crisis of Lydia’s elopement strikes, Mr. Bennet proves unable to handle the situation. strikes, Mr. Bennet proves unable to handle the situation. Darcy, decent and energetic, and the Gardiners, whose Darcy, decent and energetic, and the Gardiners, whose intelligence, perceptiveness, and resourcefulness make intelligence, perceptiveness, and resourcefulness make them the strongest adult force in the novel, must step in. them the strongest adult force in the novel, must step in. He is a likable, entertaining character, but he never He is a likable, entertaining character, but he never manages to earn the respect of the reader.manages to earn the respect of the reader.

Discuss the importance of dialogue to character Discuss the importance of dialogue to character development in the novel.development in the novel.

All of Austen’s many characters come alive through dialogue, All of Austen’s many characters come alive through dialogue, as the narrative voice in Austen’s work is secondary to the as the narrative voice in Austen’s work is secondary to the voices of the characters. Long, unwieldy speeches are rare, as voices of the characters. Long, unwieldy speeches are rare, as are detailed physical descriptions. In their place, the reader are detailed physical descriptions. In their place, the reader hears the crackle of quick, witty conversation. True nature hears the crackle of quick, witty conversation. True nature reveals itself in the way the characters speak: Mr. Bennet’s reveals itself in the way the characters speak: Mr. Bennet’s emotional detachment comes across in his dry wit, while Mrs. emotional detachment comes across in his dry wit, while Mrs. Bennet’s hysterical excess drips from every sentence she Bennet’s hysterical excess drips from every sentence she utters. Austen’s dialogue often serves to reveal the worst utters. Austen’s dialogue often serves to reveal the worst aspects of her characters—Miss Bingley’s spiteful, snobbish aspects of her characters—Miss Bingley’s spiteful, snobbish attitudes are readily apparent in her words, and Mr. Collins’s attitudes are readily apparent in her words, and Mr. Collins’s long-winded speeches (and occasional letters, which are a kind long-winded speeches (and occasional letters, which are a kind of secondary dialogue) carry with them a tone-deaf pomposity of secondary dialogue) carry with them a tone-deaf pomposity that defines his character perfectly. Dialogue can also conceal that defines his character perfectly. Dialogue can also conceal bad character traits: Wickham, for instance, hides his rogue’s bad character traits: Wickham, for instance, hides his rogue’s heart beneath the patter of pleasant, witty banter, and he heart beneath the patter of pleasant, witty banter, and he manages to take Elizabeth in with his smooth tongue (although manages to take Elizabeth in with his smooth tongue (although his good looks help as well). Ultimately, though, good his good looks help as well). Ultimately, though, good conversational ability and general goodness of personality conversational ability and general goodness of personality seem to go hand in hand. It is no accident that Darcy and seem to go hand in hand. It is no accident that Darcy and Elizabeth are the best conversationalists in the book: Pride and Elizabeth are the best conversationalists in the book: Pride and Prejudice is the story of their love, and for the reader, that love Prejudice is the story of their love, and for the reader, that love unfolds through the words they share.unfolds through the words they share.

Essay Topics Essay Topics 1. Discuss the importance of social class in the novel, 1. Discuss the importance of social class in the novel,

especially as it impacts the relationship between Elizabeth especially as it impacts the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy.and Darcy.

2. Though Jane Austen satirizes snobs in her novels, some 2. Though Jane Austen satirizes snobs in her novels, some critics have accused her of being a snob herself. Giving critics have accused her of being a snob herself. Giving special consideration to Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins, argue special consideration to Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins, argue and defend one side of this issue.and defend one side of this issue.

3. Pride and Prejudice is a novel about women who feel 3. Pride and Prejudice is a novel about women who feel they have to marry to be happy. Taking Charlotte Lucas as they have to marry to be happy. Taking Charlotte Lucas as an example, do you think the author is making a social an example, do you think the author is making a social criticism of her era’s view of marriage?criticism of her era’s view of marriage?

4. Giving special attention to Wickham, Charlotte Lucas, 4. Giving special attention to Wickham, Charlotte Lucas, and Elizabeth, compare and contrast male and female and Elizabeth, compare and contrast male and female attitudes toward marriage in the novel.attitudes toward marriage in the novel.

5. Discuss the relationship between Mrs. Bennet and her 5. Discuss the relationship between Mrs. Bennet and her children, especially Elizabeth and Lydia.children, especially Elizabeth and Lydia.

6. Compare and contrast the Bingley-Darcy relationship 6. Compare and contrast the Bingley-Darcy relationship with the Jane-Elizabeth relationship.with the Jane-Elizabeth relationship.

7. Compare and contrast the roles of Lady Catherine de 7. Compare and contrast the roles of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mrs. Bennet.Bourgh and Mrs. Bennet.