Pride and Prejudice: Key Quotes

“Pride and Prejudice: Key Quotes”

Understanding and Misunderstanding

• “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” - This opening line from Jane Austen presents a satirical commentary on the societal expectations of marriage and wealth within the Georgian-Regency period.

• “I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.” - A powerful declaration from Elizabeth Bennet towards Fitzwilliam Darcy, conveying her strong, independent character.

• “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” - Mr. Darcy’s way of confessing his love for Elizabeth, highlighting his evolving self-awareness and regard for others.

Pride and Prejudice

• “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” - This quote from Elizabeth Bennet demonstrates her prejudice against Mr. Darcy due to his initial arrogance and insult, which later forms a backbone of the novel’s conflict.

• “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us.” - In this quote, Mary Bennet distinguishes between two characteristics that are significant themes of the novel.

Marriage and Social Class

• “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” - Charlotte Lucas shares an insightful and rather cynical view of marriage, highlighting the lack of agency women had regarding marital choices during this period.

• “I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home.” - Charlotte Lucas’ pragmatic declaration suggests that status, comfort and security were often prioritised over love in marriages.

• “Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to play you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart.” - In this instance, Elizabeth Bennet advocates for the consideration of women as intelligent, rational beings - not mere ornaments in society.

Influence of Others

• “I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family library in such days as these.” - With this utterance, Mr. Darcy emphasises the importance of literature and intellectualism in society, a view contrasting the superficiality of certain aspects of high society.

• “There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil — a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.” - Mr. Darcy’s statement demonstrates his belief in inherent flaws in people, hinting at the difficulties he initially had in overcoming his own pride.