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Pride and Prejudice: themes
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The title names the two faults Elizabeth and Darcy must overcome. Around them, Austen explores marriage, class and reputation.
Pride and prejudice
Darcy's pride makes him look down on others; Elizabeth's prejudice makes her misjudge him and trust Wickham.
Both learn self-knowledge.
Both learn self-knowledge.
Marriage and money
Austen shows different marriages: Charlotte and Collins (security), Lydia and Wickham (passion without sense), Jane and Bingley (kindness), Elizabeth and Darcy (love and respect).
The opening line jokes about wealth and marriage, but for women without money, marriage was a necessity.
The opening line jokes about wealth and marriage, but for women without money, marriage was a necessity.
Class and reputation
Lady Catherine and the Bingley sisters judge by rank.
Lydia's elopement could have ruined all her sisters' chances of marriage, which shows how reputation affected whole families.
Lydia's elopement could have ruined all her sisters' chances of marriage, which shows how reputation affected whole families.
How does Charlotte Lucas's marriage show the importance of money?
- Charlotte is 27 and has little money.
- She accepts Collins for a comfortable home, not love.
- Austen shows marriage was often an economic necessity for women.
Answer: She marries for security, showing that women often needed marriage to survive.
Themes: pride, prejudice and self-knowledge; marriage (four contrasting couples); money; class; reputation; and Austen's irony.
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