EIM Insights

Published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice is one of Jane Austen’s most beloved and widely read novels. Set in the early 19th century, it focuses on the life of Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five daughters in a middle-class family in rural England. The novel explores themes such as marriage, social class, love, and individual morality, all set against the backdrop of an intricate society where manners, reputation, and wealth dictate one’s place in life. Through wit, irony, and a keen sense of character, Austen examines the dynamics between two of literature’s most famous characters: Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

The Bennet Family

The story begins with the Bennet family, who live in the fictional village of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman of modest income, and Mrs. Bennet is a woman whose primary concern is marrying off her five daughters to wealthy suitors, as their inheritance will pass to a distant cousin, Mr. Collins, upon Mr. Bennet’s death. The five Bennet sisters—Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine (Kitty), and Lydia—each have distinct personality

1-Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest, is witty, independent, and outspoken. She is often described as "lively" and "smart," but her sharp tongue and judgmental tendencies often cause misunderstandings.

2-Mary Bennet, the third sister, is more bookish and moralistic, often offering pious and academic thoughts.

3-Kitty Bennet and Lydia Bennet, the younger sisters, are frivolous and less sensible, often preoccupied with socializing and the latest fashion trends.

The Bennet family’s social standing is precarious, as they are not wealthy, and Mrs. Bennet’s sole ambition is to secure advantageous marriages for her daughters. The importance of securing a good marriage—particularly for the girls—is a central theme in the novel.

The Introduction of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy

The story shifts to a nearby estate where the wealthy bachelor Mr. Charles Bingley takes residence at Netherfield Park. He is described as amiable, good-looking, and generous. His arrival excites Mrs. Bennet, who sees him as an ideal match for one of her daughters, particularly Jane, who is known for her beauty. Mr. Bingley immediately forms an attachment to Jane, and the two begin to develop a mutual affection.

Along with Mr. Bingley comes his friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, who is wealthy, reserved, and seemingly aloof. Darcy is initially seen as proud and disdainful of the local society, including the Bennets, whom he deems beneath him. At a local ball, Mr. Darcy’s reluctance to dance with anyone other than his sister and his remark about Elizabeth’s "fine eyes" being the only feature worth noting do little to endear him to the locals. Elizabeth overhears Darcy's comment, and her first impression of him is that he is arrogant, aloof, and proud.

Although Darcy is intrigued by Elizabeth’s intelligence and wit, he dismisses her as unsuitable due to her lower social standing and family’s lack of propriety. However, his growing attraction to her leads him to act in ways that will ultimately challenge his own pride and assumptions.

The Relationship Between Jane and Mr. Bingley

The blossoming romance between Jane and Mr. Bingley forms one of the novel’s key plotlines. However, their relationship faces numerous obstacles. Mr. Bingley, who is somewhat easily influenced, is swayed by Darcy’s opinion. Darcy, seeing the difference in social status between Jane and Bingley, discourages his friend from pursuing the relationship further, arguing that Jane's affections are not genuine. At Darcy’s urging, Bingley temporarily withdraws from the relationship, which deeply hurts Jane.

Elizabeth, distressed by the separation, becomes more critical of Darcy, believing him to be the cause of the breakup. Her perception of Darcy becomes increasingly negative, though she remains unaware of the depth of Darcy's feelings for her.

Mr. Collins and the Bennet Sisters

Meanwhile, Mr. William Collins, the Bennets’ cousin and the heir to their estate, arrives at Longbourn. Mr. Collins is a pompous, obsequious clergyman, who prides himself on his connection to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, his wealthy and influential benefactor. Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, even though he is initially unaware that she is not inclined to accept him. Elizabeth rejects his proposal, much to her mother’s dismay, as Mrs. Bennet is eager to see one of her daughters marry and secure the family’s future.

After Elizabeth’s rejection, Mr. Collins turns his attentions to Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s sensible friend, who accepts his proposal out of practical considerations. Charlotte's pragmatic decision is at odds with Elizabeth’s idealism about marriage, but Charlotte sees the marriage as a means of securing stability, even if it means sacrificing romantic affection.

Lydia and Wickham

The story takes another turn when Lydia Bennet and her younger sisters are invited to Meryton, where Lydia meets the charming George Wickham, a militia officer with a scandalous history. Wickham initially captivates Elizabeth with his tales of being wronged by Mr. Darcy, claiming that Darcy had denied him a promised inheritance. Elizabeth, who is already predisposed to dislike Darcy, believes Wickham’s version of events and becomes more suspicious of Darcy's character.

However, Lydia’s flirtations with Wickham lead to serious consequences. Lydia and Wickham elope, causing a scandal that threatens the reputation of the entire Bennet family. Elizabeth’s understanding of Darcy’s character undergoes a drastic shift when Darcy intervenes to secretly pay off Wickham and arrange for the couple’s marriage, restoring Lydia’s honor and preventing the Bennets from suffering irreparable damage to their social standing.

Elizabeth’s Changing Perception of Mr. Darcy

The turning point in the novel occurs when Elizabeth visits Pemberley, Darcy’s estate, during a tour with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. Here, she is struck by the contrast between Darcy’s formal, prideful demeanor and the kindness and generosity he demonstrates toward his servants and guests. Elizabeth begins to see another side of Darcy, one that is thoughtful, generous, and capable of genuine affection.

Darcy’s growing feelings for Elizabeth are revealed when he makes a second proposal to her, this time after she has gained a fuller understanding of his character. This proposal is markedly different from his first, as Darcy acknowledges his faults and the role his pride played in their earlier misunderstandings. Elizabeth, too, realizes that her prejudice against Darcy, shaped by her initial misjudgments and Wickham’s false narrative, was misguided.

The Resolution

Ultimately, Elizabeth and Darcy come to terms with their differences. Darcy’s actions—his financial support for Lydia’s marriage, his assistance in securing Jane and Bingley’s relationship, and his respectful treatment of Elizabeth’s family—demonstrate his genuine affection and transformation. Elizabeth, too, grows emotionally, recognizing that true love is based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.

Jane and Bingley’s engagement is also re-established, and the novel ends with the two couples—Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley—happily united. Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage is portrayed as one of mutual understanding, where both partners are aware of each other’s strengths and flaws and have learned to appreciate each other as individuals.

Themes

1. Marriage and Social Class: At the heart of Pride and Prejudice is the theme of marriage, particularly the varying motivations behind it. The novel critiques marriages that are based purely on wealth or social status (such as Charlotte Lucas’s marriage to Mr. Collins) and presents a more idealized version of love in the marriages of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Jane and Bingley. Marriage in the novel is depicted not only as a social contract but as an emotional and intellectual partnership.

2. Pride and Prejudice: The title itself reveals the key themes of the book. Darcy’s pride and Elizabeth’s prejudice prevent them from seeing each other clearly at first. Darcy’s initial disdain for Elizabeth is rooted in his pride in his social standing, while Elizabeth’s prejudice is based on her belief that Darcy is arrogant and selfish. Both characters undergo a transformation, learning humility and understanding in order to form a successful marriage.

3. Social Expectations and Morality: Austen critiques the rigid social structures of her time, particularly the expectation that women must marry for security. The novel portrays how these expectations impact the characters’ lives, often causing them to make choices that are practical rather than romantic. The characters' individual morality and personal integrity are also central to the story, with Elizabeth and Darcy demonstrating moral growth as they learn to be more open-minded and less governed by social convention.