Pride and Prejudice: key quotations

16 short quotations from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen for Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Literature, with who says them, where, the themes and why they matter. Learn a few for each theme.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
Narrator, Chapter 1 · marriage, social class
The ironic opening shows that marriage and money drive the society of the novel.
“The business of her life was to get her daughters married”
Narrator, Chapter 1 · marriage, social class
Mrs Bennet's obsession reflects how women depended on marriage for security.
“She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt me”
Mr Darcy, Chapter 3 · pride, prejudice
Darcy's rude comment creates Elizabeth's first bad impression of him and sparks her prejudice.
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”
Charlotte Lucas, Chapter 6 · marriage, love
Charlotte's practical view shows that some women married for security rather than love.
“My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”
Mr Darcy, Chapter 11 · pride
Darcy admits he finds it hard to forgive, a sign of the pride he must overcome.
“where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation”
Mr Darcy, Chapter 11 · pride, social class
Darcy believes his pride is justified by his superiority, which Elizabeth later challenges.
“Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”
Mr Bennet, Chapter 20 · marriage, love
Mr Bennet's witty reply supports Elizabeth's right to refuse a loveless marriage.
“I am not romantic, you know; I never was.”
Charlotte Lucas, Chapter 22 · marriage, social class
Charlotte accepts Mr Collins for security, showing the limited choices women had.
“must be their pleasantest preservative from want”
Narrator, Chapter 22 · marriage, social class
Marriage is shown as protection from poverty for women without money.
“In vain I have struggled. It will not do.”
Mr Darcy, Chapter 34 · love, pride
Darcy's proposal shows he loves Elizabeth against his own will and pride.
“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Mr Darcy, Chapter 34 · love, pride
This passionate declaration is spoiled by Darcy's insulting focus on her low family status.
“you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry”
Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 34 · prejudice, marriage
Elizabeth's firm rejection shows her independence and her prejudice against Darcy.
“Till this moment I never knew myself.”
Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 36 · prejudice, pride
After reading Darcy's letter, Elizabeth realises her own prejudice, a turning point in the novel.
“to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!”
Narrator (Elizabeth's thoughts), Chapter 43 · social class, marriage
Seeing Pemberley makes Elizabeth begin to see Darcy differently, mixing admiration and regret.
“Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?”
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Chapter 56 · social class, reputation
Lady Catherine's snobbery shows the class prejudice Elizabeth must stand up to.
“He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal.”
Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 56 · social class, pride
Elizabeth confidently defends her worth, refusing to be made to feel inferior.

Every quotation was checked word for word against Pride and Prejudice, Project Gutenberg eBook #1342. Editions differ slightly in punctuation, so use your own copy in class. Practise using them in a long answer with the essay planner and Correct my answer.

Source: Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in English Literature (1ET0) Specification, Issue 2 (June 2019). Checked 23 October 2026. GCSE-ready is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson.