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Evaluation of the Title of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Essay

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Evaluation of the Title of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

In Pride and Prejudice, some of the characters are distinctly associated with Pride and/or Prejudice. The definition for Pride is: those who have an excessively high opinion of themselves, while those who are believed to be prejudice prejudge people without a sufficient reason. These two themes are prominent throughout the book and are displayed through a variety of characters, including the two lovers, Elizabeth and Darcy.

Darcy's pride is displayed right at the beginning of the book, when he refuses to dance with Elizabeth, as she is only 'tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me…' Unlike his friend Mr Bingley, Darcy …show more content…

However, despite her relatively low connections, Elizabeth refuses him, even after Mr Collins points out that she cannot be certain that another marriage proposal will ever be made to her.

Mr Collins also shows characteristic of pride. Examples of this include his proposal to Elizabeth. From the start of his speech on his declaration of love for Elizabeth he is completely confident that she will accept him immediately His response to her refusal is simply that it is 'usual with young ladies to reject the address of the man whom they secretly mean to accept.' He also assures her how he expects no financial income from her:

"….and that one thousand pounds in the 4 per cents which will not be yours till after your Mother's decease, is that all you may be entitled to."

He later explains to her again why he is such a good choice for her as a husband.

"……..my situation in life, my connections with the family of Lady De Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in my favour….."

His pride is expressed even further when he comments on her wealth for the last time:

"Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications."

Another example of his pride is in a letter to Mr Bennett about Lydia's disgrace. He cruelly suggests

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