Pride and Prejudice

Definition

Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen published in 1813 that explores themes of love, social class, and individual agency through the lives of its main characters, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The novel critically examines the influence of societal expectations and personal biases, showcasing how pride and prejudice can distort relationships and hinder understanding between individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The title 'Pride and Prejudice' reflects the main characters' personal struggles with their own flaws, as Elizabeth must overcome her prejudice against Darcy's character, while he must confront his pride and arrogance.
2. The novel is set in early 19th century England, a time when social class dictated much of an individual's life choices and opportunities, influencing the characters' decisions throughout the story.
3. Elizabeth Bennet stands out as a strong-willed protagonist who challenges societal norms regarding marriage and femininity, representing a shift toward greater individualism.
4. Austen employs irony and wit throughout the novel, making it not just a love story but also a commentary on the social structures of her time.
5. Pride and Prejudice has become one of the most popular and widely adapted novels in English literature, highlighting its lasting relevance in discussions of gender and class.

Review Questions

• How do the characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy exemplify the themes of pride and prejudice throughout the novel?
  • Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy both undergo significant personal growth as they confront their own shortcomings. Elizabeth initially judges Darcy based on her preconceived notions influenced by social class, leading to her prejudice against him. Meanwhile, Darcy's pride prevents him from seeing Elizabeth's true worth. Their evolving relationship illustrates how overcoming these flaws is essential for personal development and understanding, reinforcing Austen's critique of societal expectations.
• Analyze how the social context of early 19th century England influences the characters' motivations in Pride and Prejudice.
  • The social context significantly impacts the motivations of characters in Pride and Prejudice. In an era where marriage was often a woman's only path to financial security, characters like Charlotte Lucas marry for practicality rather than love. This necessity places pressure on women to navigate the marriage market strategically. The constraints imposed by social class inform each character's decisions, highlighting how societal norms dictate personal ambitions and relationships.
• Evaluate the narrative techniques Austen uses to convey her critiques of pride and prejudice in society.
  • Austen employs various narrative techniques such as free indirect discourse, irony, and rich characterization to convey her critiques effectively. Free indirect discourse allows readers to experience characters' thoughts intimately, revealing their prejudices and pride without overt narration. Irony serves as a vehicle for satire, highlighting contradictions between societal ideals and personal realities. The nuanced characterization provides depth to each individual's flaws while illustrating broader societal issues. Together, these techniques underscore Austen's commentary on human behavior and social constructs.

Related terms

Social Class:

A hierarchical structure that categorizes individuals based on economic status, occupation, and social standing, which plays a crucial role in determining relationships in Austen's works.

Marriage Market: The social context in which young women, like those in Austen's novels, sought advantageous marriages to secure their financial stability and social status.

Characterization: The literary technique used by Austen to develop complex characters that embody various traits, such as pride and prejudice, allowing for deeper thematic exploration.