pride and prejudice analysis discussion questions

Discussion Questions for Pride and Prejudice

• Study Guides
• Authors & Texts
• Top Picks Lists
• Best Sellers
• Plays & Drama
• Shakespeare
• Short Stories
• Children's Books
• M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento
• B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento

Pride and Prejudice is one of the most well-known works by Jane Austen . A classic piece of literature, the ever satiric Jane Austen brings us a love story that is both critical of 19th-century English society and reminds us not to take first impressions too seriously. 

Still very popular, Pride and Prejudice is a great story to discuss with friends and classmates. Here is a list of questions that can be used for conversation.

• What is important about the title?
• What conflicts did you notice in Pride and Prejudice ? Were they physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional conflicts?
• How does Jane Austen reveal character in Pride and Prejudice ?
• What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• What are some symbols in Pride and Prejudice ? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• Is Elizabeth Bennet consistent in her actions? Is she a fully developed character? How so?
• Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters people you would want to meet?
• Does the novel end the way you expected? Why?
• What is the primary purpose of the novel? Do you find the purpose important or meaningful?
• How does the novel relate to feminist literature ?
• How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
• What is the role of women in the text? How are mothers represented? What about single and/or independent women?
• Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
• 'A Rose for Emily' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'To Kill a Mockingbird' Book Club Discussion Questions
• 'Wuthering Heights' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'A Passage to India' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'Brave New World:' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 50 General Book Club Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'Pride and Prejudice' Overview
• 'The Gift of the Magi' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel: Book Club Discussion Questions
• "A Tale of Two Cities" Discussion Questions
• Discussion Questions for 'A Christmas Carol'
• 'The Jungle' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'Pride and Prejudice' Quotes Explained
• 'The Old Man and the Sea' Questions for Discussion
• How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story
• 'Pride and Prejudice' Themes and Literary Devices

• Catalog and Account Guide
• Ask a Librarian
• Website Feedback
• Log In / Register
• My Library Dashboard
• My Borrowing
• Checked Out
• Borrowing History
• ILL Requests
• My Collections
• For Later Shelf
• Completed Shelf
• In Progress Shelf
• My Settings

Pride and Prejudice Discussion Questions

• “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” This first line has become one of the most famous in English literature. In addition to setting the narrative in motion, how does this line alert us to the tone of the novel, and our role, as readers, in appreciating it? What does the line imply about women?
• The book had the original, working title First Impressions . Why is Pride and Prejudice a better title? In what ways are Darcy and Elizabeth guilty of both pride and prejudice and how does this drive the action of the story?
• Marriage, as something to be aspired to, is portrayed quite differently in the novel than existing marriages. What married couples do we see in the novel? How would you characterize these relationships?
• How are Elizabeth’s wit and intelligence and independence first made clear in the novel? In what ways, during the course of the novel, is she the victim of her own intellect and independence? Are these features eventually responsible for her happy ending?
• The love Elizabeth feels toward Mr. Darcy evolves and deepens largely without direct contact. Does that make you question that love? What causes these feelings of love? Are they realistic?
• Why is Darcy so attracted to Elizabeth? When can we first sense this? Why does it take her so long to see it? Elizabeth’s attraction to Darcy arises very differently. Why is this important?
• For much of the novel, Austen seems to be offering a fairly pointed critique of marrying for social considerations. But it’s also true that the happy marriages that bring the novel to a close are favorable by the terms of the society. In the end, both Elizabeth and Jane do marry “up.” Does this undermine the critique the book offers? Is it meant to be read ironically? Do you think that Austen is critiquing Elizabeth and Jane?
• Pride and Prejudice is a novel that many Austen fans read and reread. What keeps readers returning to the book once the suspense of whether or not Darcy and Elizabeth will end up together is taken away?
• The works of Jane Austen have been the inspiration of numerous contemporary books and films, both adaptations and new original works. What universal themes in the novel resonate today?
• The happy union between Darcy and Elizabeth is ultimately (and unwittingly) assured by Lady Catherine. How? Why is this master stroke of dramatic irony so satisfying for readers? Can you see how the roots of this irony are sown throughout the novel?
• Pride and Prejudice is a novel largely about love and relationships, but without any descriptions of passion. Do you think the novel’s chasteness is more a reflection of the way people lived in that time and place or a reflection of what was acceptable in its literature or something specific to Jane Austen? Is the novel strengthened by this constraint?

Content last updated: October 31, 2005

Related Information

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioWeb: webapp05 Version 4.18.0 Last updated 2024/03/26 09:57

Pride and Prejudice Discussion Questions – Silver Petticoat Book Club Guide

A list of downloadable discussion questions for "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

It is the final week of April, so that means it is now time to discuss Pride and Prejudice ! To make it easy, we’ve posted downloadable discussion questions for your convenience.

You can use it for your personal use to discuss with us on Facebook , Instagram , or Goodreads . Or you can start your own local chapter of The Silver Petticoat Book Club and discuss it with your friends and/or family. (Read more details on this below.)

We hoped you enjoyed reading Pride and Prejudice with us and will join us for the next Silver Petticoat book club pick.

So, here are the Pride and Prejudice discussion questions.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (WARNING – SPOILERS!)

"Pride and Prejudice" Discussion Questions

A list of discussion questions for "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. The questions were written by Amber and Autumn Topping from The Silver Petticoat Book Club.

Instructions

Click the print button and keep a copy of the discussion questions. You can choose to print or save it as a PDF to your computer. These discussion questions are for personal use only. If you use them, please credit The Silver Petticoat Book Club.

"Pride and Prejudice" Discussion Questions:

1. Did you enjoy “Pride and Prejudice?” Was this your first time reading it? Or have you read it before? If so, what was your experience rereading it? How did it compare to the time(s) you read it before? If you hadn’t read it before, was it what you expected? Or different? If you’re not used to reading classic novels from the 19th century, was it difficult for you to read or understand? Or did you adapt to the language quickly?

2. Why do you think “Pride and Prejudice” continues to be so popular? Do you recognize its influence on books, movies, and television today?

3. What was your favorite part of the book? Your least favorite?

4. Do you have any favorite quotes, chapters, or passages? Share! “Pride and Prejudice” is full of famous quotes for a reason. ????

5. Initially, Jane Austen called this book “First Impressions.” Why do you think she later changed the title to “Pride and Prejudice?”

6. The first sentence of “Pride and Prejudice” is one of the most well-known in literature. Do you think it sets the tone for the entire novel? Did it hook you and make you want to read more? Why?

•Quote: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

7. What did you think of Mrs. Bennet? Do you see her as a heroine trying to secure good lives for her daughters in harsh times? Or did you read her as annoying, overdramatic, and shallow?

8. While “Pride and Prejudice” has one of the greatest love stories ever written, it’s also considered a social satire. How did Austen use satire and irony to tell the story?

9. What universal themes stood out to you in the novel?

10. What did you think of the first meeting between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth? How did you feel about what she overheard him say?

•QUOTE: “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”

11. “Pride and Prejudice” is full of lively conversations with incredibly written dialogue. Did any conversations between characters stand out to you?

12. Why do you think Charlotte Lucas accepted Mr. Collins’ proposal? Would you have made the same choice or a different one?

13. How did you feel about Mr. Darcy’s first proposal?

14. When do you think Elizabeth’s feelings for Mr. Darcy began to change? When do you think she realized she was in love with him?

15. The character of Mr. Darcy has become the ideal romantic leading man in many ways. Why do you think the Darcy appeal endures? What is it about Mr. Darcy that makes readers fall in love with him?

16. Elizabeth Bennet is a sparkling, witty, and intelligent female character beloved for centuries. What is it about Elizabeth Bennet readers relate to or like?

17. Did you personally relate to any of the characters in the book? Which one is most like you and why?

18. What did you think of the characters in general? Did you have a favorite character? A least favorite? Did you like Elizabeth and Darcy? What about the secondary characters like Jane, Wickham, Bingley, Lady Catherine, etc.?

19. When Mr. Darcy helps find Wickham and Lydia and then gives him a yearly allowance to marry Lydia, for Elizabeth, of course, we call it a “grand gesture.” How did his “grand gesture” make you feel? Did you find his actions romantic?

•QUOTE: “Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her.”

20. How did you feel about the ending between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth? Did you think it was the fitting ending, or did you expect or want something else? How did you feel about Wickham and Lydia’s ending?

21. What was your favorite romantic moment in the book?

22. Would you recommend this book to others? Would you read more Jane Austen books?

23. Were you surprised by any plot points in the book?

24. Have you watched any of the numerous “Pride and Prejudice” adaptations? What is your favorite version, and why?

Want to start your own chapter of The Silver Petticoat Book Club?

You don’t just have to discuss the book club picks with us online. If you want The Silver Petticoat Book Club to be even more fun, gather and recruit your own extension of the club (crediting us, of course) and discuss each month’s pick with smaller gatherings with family and friends – whether in person or virtually!

You’ll be able to download the questions, add some of your own, and turn the book club into the “entertaining” and “social” experience it’s meant to be!

If you do start your own group, remember to use the hashtag #TheSilverPetticoatBookClub and share with us some pictures from your group. We would love to see how members of the book club are participating!

Book club gatherings can be simple (discussing with your family and close friends on ZOOM) or more complex – like meeting in person (once you feel safe) and having a Jane Austen-inspired tea party while discussing the book, for example.

The sky’s the limit on what you can do.

Recommended Products

This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you choose to buy through our links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

PIN THIS ARTICLE! AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON  PINTEREST .

MORE ROMANCE:

ROMANCE ARCHIVES: A COLLECTION SORTED BY GENRE

Amber works as a writer and digital publisher full-time and fell in love with stories and imagination at an early age. She has a Humanities and Film Degree from BYU, co-created The Silver Petticoat Review, contributed as a writer to various magazines, and has an MS in Publishing from Pace University, where she received the Publishing Award of Excellence and wrote her thesis on transmedia, Jane Austen, and the romance genre. Her ultimate dreams are publishing books, writing and producing movies, traveling around the world, and forming a creative village of talented storytellers trying to change the world through art.

More posts by this author.

A Summary and Analysis of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Pride and Prejudice , published in 1813, is Jane Austen’s best-known and probably most widely studied novel. But what does the novel mean? What is it really all about? And where did that title, Pride and Prejudice , come from?

Before we attempt to answer some of these questions, it might be worth recapping the plot of Austen’s novel. So, before our analysis of Pride and Prejudice , here’s a brief plot summary.

Pride and Prejudice : plot summary

A wealthy man named Mr Bingley moves to the area, and Mrs Bennet – mother of five daughters – tells her husband to call on the eligible young bachelor. A match between Bingley and the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, is soon in the works – but a match between another rich bachelor, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, and the second-eldest Bennet daughter, Elizabeth, looks less likely.

This is because Mr Darcy’s pride – his haughty attitude towards Elizabeth Bennet and her family – sour her view towards him, while Elizabeth’s prejudice towards Mr Darcy is also a stumbling-block. After he acts in an arrogant and disdainful way towards her at a ball, she learns from a young soldier, Mr George Wickham, that Darcy apparently mistreated him.

Wickham is the son of a man who used to be Darcy’s steward or servant, and Darcy acted unkindly towards the young George. Darcy’s and Bingley’s sisters conspire to drive a wedge between Mr Bingley and Jane Bennet because they believe Bingley can find a wife from a better social station than the Bennets.

Meanwhile, Darcy also has an arrogant aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who acts as patroness to a clergyman named Mr Collins, who in turn flatters her with disgusting servility. (Mr Collins is also Mr Bennet’s nephew: since Mr and Mrs Bennet have no sons, Mr Bennet’s estate is due to pass to Mr Collins when Mr Bennet dies.)

Mr Collins is encouraged to ask one of the Bennet sisters for her hand in marriage, and he decides upon Elizabeth. She, however, turns him down, and he marries Charlotte Lucas instead.

The happy couple get together, and Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, but it’s clear he still views her and her family with some contempt because he is of a higher social status than they are. She responds by citing George Wickham’s accusations against him; she also thinks he played a part in breaking up the match between her sister, Jane, and Bingley.

However, in a later letter to her, Darcy reveals that Wickham cannot be trusted: he is a womaniser and a liar. Elizabeth visits Darcy’s home, Pemberley, while visiting the north of England with her aunt and uncle. Darcy welcomes them and introduces them to his sister.

Darcy’s words about Wickham are proved true, as the soldier elopes with Lydia, the youngest of the five Bennet sisters. Darcy tracks the two lovebirds down and persuades them to marry so Lydia is made an honest woman of. Bingley and Jane finally get engaged, and Darcy and Elizabeth overcome their ‘pride and prejudice’ and become a couple.

Pride and Prejudice : analysis

In his vast study of plot structures, The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories , Christopher Booker suggests that Pride and Prejudice is more straightforwardly in the ‘comedy’ genre than it may first appear to be. He points out that much of the novel turns on misunderstandings, characters misreading others’ intentions or others’ personalities, and people generally getting things wrong: the Bennets think Mr Wickham is the wronged one and Darcy the villain, but it turns out that they have this the wrong way around.

So what used to be more explicit in, say, stage comedies of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries – indeed, going right back to Shakespeare – is made more subtle and internalised in Austen’s novel, and rather than having her characters literally confuse one person with another (because of some absurd coincidence, wearing similar clothing, and so on), her characters find they have misread a person’s motive or misjudged their honesty, as with Mr Wickham.

This is why the title of the novel is so important: Darcy and Elizabeth’s union at the end of the novel strikes us as true because they have had to overcome their own personal flaws, which prevent a union between them, but having done so they have an honest and realistic appraisal of each other’s personality. They have, if you like, ‘seen’ each other.

We might contrast this with the various illusions and misapprehensions in the novel, or the other motivations driving people together (Mr Collins trying to woo Elizabeth simply because she’s the next Bennet sister in the list).

Is  Pride and Prejudice  a late Augustan work or a novel belonging to Romanticism? Romanticism was largely a reaction against Augustan values: order, rationalism, and the intellect were tempered if not wholly replaced by the Romantic values of freedom, emotion, and individualism.

But whether we should regard  Pride and Prejudice  as Augustan or Romantic is a question that divides critics. Terry Eagleton, in The English Novel: An Introduction , points out that Austen was not somebody who trusted wholly in the supremacy of reason, not least because her beliefs – what Eagleton calls her Tory Christian pessimism, which made her alert to the flawed nature of all human beings – would not allow her to be so. Austen is aware that human beings are imperfect and, at times, irrational.

And in this connection, it is worth pondering what Andrew H. Wright observes in Jane Austen’s Novels, a Study in Structure : that the reason Elizabeth Bennet, rather than Jane, is the real heroine of  Pride and Prejudice  is that Jane is not flawed enough. She is too perfect: something that would make her the ideal heroine for most novels, but the very reason she cannot be the protagonist of a Jane Austen novel.

Austen is too interested in the intricate and complex mixture of good and bad, as Wright points out: Austen likes the explore the flaws and foibles of her characters. Elizabeth, in being taken in by Wickham and his lies and in misjudging (or at least partly misjudging) Darcy, is flawed because both her pride  and  prejudice need tempering with a more nuanced understanding of the man she will marry.

The opening line of Pride and Prejudice is arguably the most famous opening line of any novel: ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.’ But what is less widely known is that the tone of this opening line is clearly ironic.

Far from being Austen the detached, impartial narrator, this is actually Austen ventriloquising her characters’ thoughts – specifically, those of Mrs Bennet, whose views in the novel are often derided by Austen’s narrator – using a narrative technique which Austen did so much to pioneer.

This technique is known as free indirect speech , and it is what makes Austen’s prose so full of wit and surprise, so we always have to keep an ear out for her narrators’ arch commentary on the characters and situations being described. (The clue in this opening line is in the phrase ‘universally acknowledged’, since how many things in life really are truly universally acknowledged?)

Pride and Prejudice was originally titled First Impressions , but that eventual title, Pride and Prejudice , was a cliché even when Austen used it for her novel. The phrase is found in two important works of the 1770s, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and Edward Gibbon’s The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire .

But the most important precursor to Austen’s novel by a long way is Fanny Burney’s 1782 novel Cecilia , in which that phrase, ‘pride and prejudice’, appears three times in rapid succession, with the words ‘pride’ and ‘prejudice’ capitalised: ‘The whole of this unfortunate business, said Dr Lyster, has been the result of PRIDE and PREJUDICE. […] if to PRIDE and PREJUDICE you owe your miseries, so wonderfully is good and evil balanced, that to PRIDE and PREJUDICE you will also owe their termination.’

Austen learned a great deal from Burney, and refined the comedy of manners which Burney had helped to pioneer several decades earlier.

Pride and Prejudice is, in the last analysis, one of the great comedies in the English language, because in its construction it takes the hallmarks of romantic comedy and refines them, making subtle and abstract what was literal and physical in earlier stage comedies.

It is also a novel about how true love needs to be founded on empirical fact: we need to know the person we’re marrying, to see them with our own eyes, rather than rely on others’ opinion or let ourselves be blinded by romantic notions and delusions.

1 thought on “A Summary and Analysis of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice”

It’s a brilliant romantic novel, but, yes, it’s a comedy as well. Mr Collins, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and even Mrs Bennet verge on the pantomimish sometimes, and Miss Bingley is so bitchy that she’d have fitted very well into Dallas or Dynasty :-) .

Comments are closed.

Discover more from Interesting Literature

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Pride and Prejudice Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer..

• Famous first line: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Is this still true? What about single women in possession of a good fortune?
• How would the novel be different if it ended at Chapter 50, with Lydia and Wickham being married? In other words, what if Elizabeth/Darcy and Jane/Bingley never got together? How would the net effect of the novel change?
• What would the novel look like if written from Mr. Darcy's point of view? Would any of the fundamental messages change?
• How plausible is this love story? Are we supposed to believe that Darcy is now A-OK with being related to Wickham? Are we supposed to swallow that Darcy got over his aversion to the lower classes after a few months?
• Compare the novel's different houses—the Bennets', Netherfield, Pemberley, Rosings, the Gardiners' house in London, the Collinses'. What do we learn about each family based on the way their house is described? Are the houses natural extensions of the owners' personalities, or do the owners put their stamp on the places where they live? Why?
• There are basically no effective parents in the novel, or at least none that we see. How would the novel change if there were? Who would benefit from a parent's intervention? Who wouldn't?
• There are a lot of siblings in the novel. What do the minor-character siblings reveal about the more major character they are related to? What do the sibling relationships tell us about families in the novel?
• Many of the important plot turns happen through letters. A letter from Miss Bingley tells Jane that Bingley is gone for good and is supposed to marry Miss Darcy; a letter from Darcy fills Elizabeth and the reader in on the truth about wicked Wickham and lets her draw some new conclusions about him. Why does this information travel through letters? Could it have been revealed face-to-face? Why or why not?

Tired of ads?

Cite this source, logging out…, logging out....

You've been inactive for a while, logging you out in a few seconds...

W hy's T his F unny?

The Book Report Network

• Bookreporter
• ReadingGroupGuides
• AuthorsOnTheWeb

Sign up for our newsletters!

Find a Guide

For book groups, what's your book group reading this month, favorite monthly lists & picks, most requested guides of 2023, when no discussion guide available, starting a reading group, running a book group, choosing what to read, tips for book clubs, books about reading groups, coming soon, new in paperback, write to us, frequently asked questions.

• Request a Guide

Advertise with Us

Add your guide, you are here:, pride and prejudice, reading group guide.

• Discussion Questions

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

• Publication Date: December 31, 2002
• Genres: Classics , Fiction
• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• ISBN-10: 0141439513
• ISBN-13: 9780141439518
• About the Book
• Reading Guide (PDF)

• How to Add a Guide
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Newsletters

Copyright © 2024 The Book Report, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Pride and Prejudice

Introduction pride and prejudice.

The universally acclaimed tour de force of Jane Austen , Pride and Prejudice, a novel of manners, is also called a model of the Romantic Movement in literature. It was written and published around 1813 during the classical Regency Period. The storyline revolves around the Bennet family whose mother’s only desire is to see her daughters married to well-off and handsome young men to secure their inheritance. However, the main character , Elizabeth Bennet, shows her evolution from a rash, hasty girl to an appreciably understanding lady, who accepts her mistakes and agrees to Darcy’s proposal by the end.

Summary Pride and Prejudice

A wealthy young man, Charles Bingley, rents a manor in the proximity of Longbourn, a village, where the Bennet family resides. Having five daughters ready to be married, Mrs. Bennet sees Mr. Bingley a likely match for any one of her five daughters. She, therefore, persuades Mr. Bennet to pay him a courtesy visit following which all join a ball at Mr. Bingley’s manor, Netherfield Park. Jane, the second Miss Bennet, succeeds in attracting Mr. Bingley, toward her during the dance, and they both spend much time together. However, it happens that Mr. Darcy, too, joins them, though he is not much pleased with this party where Elizabeth is also present. Both of them show their displeasure, as Mr. Darcy does not join her in dance, a sign of arrogance considered in those social circles.

In the later weeks, when Mr. Bingley is already enjoying his friendship with Jane while Mr. Darcy hopes to see Elizabeth. One day when Jane is caught in the rainstorm and falls ill on her way to Netherfield Park, Elizabeth visits the mansion to take care of her and gets her dress muddied on the way to the mansion. Miss Bingley does not like her appearance and insults her. Mr. Darcy defends her and it angers Miss Bingley and this incident also adds jealousy toward Elizabeth.

Both of the sisters return after Jane recovers. Mr. Collins, their cousin, visits them. Mr. Collins is likely to become the heir of Bennet’s property, as he is the only male member of the family. He instantly falls in love with the Bennet girls and their manners. Soon, he starts courting Elizabeth only to face rejection.

Meanwhile, soldiers stationed near Longbourn keep the Bennet girls busy, where Wickham, a dashing soldier, turns to Elizabeth and tries to win her attention. He berates Darcy alleging that he has tried to cheat him of inherited property. When winter starts, the Bingleys, along with Darcy, return to London which disappoints Jane. Around this time, Collins also gets engaged with Charlotte Lucas, the daughter of a knight. When they get married, Elizabeth promises to visit them. Winter passes without any stir in the emotions of the Bennet sisters due to the long absence of Darcy and Bingley.

When spring arrives, Elizabeth goes to see Charlotte, Mr. Collins’ wife, residing near Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine. Darcy also visits his aunt and meets Elizabeth. He starts visiting her at the Collins’ and proposes to her which invites immediate rejection from her with some words for his arrogant behavior. However, instead of retreating, he leaves a letter for her about Jane and Bingley, and his reasons for distancing from Jane. He also informs her that Wickham, the soldier, is a habitual liar and has been trying to elope with Georgiana, Elizabeth’s younger sister. However, Mr. Darcy from whom Wickham has sought assistance has refused to assist him. This letter reveals the good nature of Darcy to Elizabeth after which she shows cold-shouldering to Wickham. Also, Lydia still seeks permission to stay at Brighton. Elizabeth gets acquainted with the Gardiners, where she, unknowingly, stumbles upon the Pemberley, the estate of Mr. Darcy. She visits and finds him generous in every way. When Mr. Darcy arrives, he serves her well without mentioning her rejection.

During Elizabeth’s stay at the estate, she comes to know that Lydia eloped with Wickham. She hurries home, while Gardiner goes to find the couple. They convince Wickham to marry Lydia at which the Bennets readily agree. They realize that they owe Gardiner as might have paid Wickham to marry Lydia. However, the source of that money remains unknown at this time.

After their marriage, though, Lydia and Wickham come to Longbourn to meet the family, they are not happily welcomed home. Disappointed, the couple leaves. Bingley, afterward, reappears and starts flirting with Jane, while Darcy is there with him to visit the Bennets. Though, he does not mention his wish for Elizabeth. So, Bingley proposes and wins Jane’s hand. Darcy seeks assistance from his aunt, Lady Catherine, who broaches the topic of his marriage with the announcement, asking Katherine to refuse. Elizabeth finally agrees to go out on a date with Mr. Darcy. Three daughters are happily married by the end of the novel.

Major Themes in Pride and Prejudice

• Pride: The novel shows the thematic strand of pride through the characters of Darcy and Elizabeth. They both demonstrate pride toward each other and both think that the other one is snobbish and haughty. However, Mr. Darcy soon learns that Elizabeth is just cautious and responsible. While Elizabeth learns that Mr. Darcy is just an isolated man, but full of kindness and love for others. However, Lady Catherine, by the end, plays a strange game by asking Elizabeth not to accept the marriage proposal of Mr. Darcy to which she refuses to promise. She finally accepts his proposal on her claim that she has the right to be happy.
• Prejudice: This is the second thematic strand is also in the title of the novel. The prejudice lies in the character of Elizabeth that she does not consider Mr. Darcy good enough to dance with him. Both are prejudiced toward each other, as Mr. Darcy, too, shows scorn for those who is not in his personal social circle. However, when Elizabeth enters his social circle, he immediately proposes to her again and marries her.
• Family: Having a complete family is the third major theme as the Bennets are waiting for young men to marry their five young daughters. That is why when Mr. Bingley arrives in Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet immediately asks her husband to visit him. Similarly, Jane and Elizabeth find their matches in Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy in their desires to complete their families through marriages.
• Women: Although there are several towering male characters like Mr. Darcy and Charles Bingley, yet Pride and Prejudice is the novel of women. Women play a central role throughout the story . It also comprises so many marriages. Hence, it has been rightly termed as the novel of manners. Mrs. Bennet is a towering character with her daughter Elizabeth along with Lady Katherine, Darcy’s aunt. Although all men seem to play their role, except Mr. Darcy, all others seem to be going on the way the women choose for them. Mr. Bennet does what Mrs. Bennet asks him to do. Wickham becomes what Lydia wants him; her husband after Mr. Darcy purchases her marriage from him.
• Class: Although the novel supports a no-class system, it emphasizes that the marriages should be based on convenience and status that points to class consciousness. Darcy is clearly conscious of his class. So, when Elizabeth rejects his proposal after he does not dance with her, it becomes a point of the class system. However, when the same Elizabeth visits his estate and comes to know him, she immediately changes her opinion and softens her feelings towards Mr. Darcy. At the end of the story, it does raise her status. Also, Bennet’s sisters flirt with Collins, as he does not belong to their class.
• Marriage: The theme of marriage comes to the readers through the Bennet family, especially plotted by their mother, Mrs. Bennet. She is fully obsessed with the idea of marrying her daughters to any young man who comes their way to secure their inheritance. When Mr. Bingley arrives, she immediately springs up from her stupor to torture her husband, Mr. Bennet to visit her. She even tries to keep Collins for any one of them, but they do not pay heed to her suggestions. Therefore, the first line of the novel presents this major theme.
• Individual and Society: The novel also presents the theme of an individual and his place in society such as Mr. Darcy, who encourages Wickham to marry Lydia, instead of keeping her unmarried with him. Had it not happened, Wickham would have caused embarrassment to the Bennet family. Also, it shows that no individual could find respect and honor in society, for Wickham would have caused damage to himself, too.
• Virtue : The theme of virtue in, Pride and Prejudice, is clear from the character of Elizabeth, who keeps her vanity in front of her, instead of giving priority to her happiness. This becomes her virtue that wins the heart of Mr. Darcy, while Lydia’s act causes damage to her reputation, which becomes Lydia’s vice.

Major Characters in Pride and Prejudice

• Elizabeth: Elizabeth is the protagonist , the most loving character of the novel. She is her father’s pet as well as a center of admiration for Mr. Darcy. She is misunderstood at first. Elizabeth is also called Eliza or Lizzy in her familial circle. As the second daughter of the Bennet family, she wins Mr. Darcy by the end with her quick thinking, despite the initial hiccups in forming relations with the same person. She demonstrates a balanced personality and removes her prejudicial behavior.
• Darcy: Though, Fitzwilliam Darcy called, Mr. Darcy appears haughty and socially shunning he proves equal to Elizabeth in thoughts as well as likes. A person of demanding taste, he shows kindness, manners, and wins the respect of others on account of his rational approach to life despite his initial arrogance toward Elizabeth. However, later he proves that he is a man to be trusted when he helps The Bennets to settle Lydia’s elopement affair. He falls in love with Elizabeth and proposes at the end of the story.
• Jane Bennet: The eldest of Bennet girls, Jane, later, marries Mr. Bingley. However, despite her beauty and fairness, Mr. Darcy prefers Elizabeth to her in the beginning. While Bingley instantly falls for Jane. She is a conventional lady who has faith in her sister Elizabeth, whom she tells about Mr. Bingley. Jane has set an example of marrying in the traditional atmosphere .
• Bingley: The significance of Charles Bingley’s character in the course of the novel lies in that the very first sentence of the novel pays tribute to his wealth and requirement for a wife, which prompts Mrs. Bennet to send her husband for socialization with him. He, seeing beauty in Jane, instantly goes for her, instead of the other clever ones. He also loves Caroline and Louisa, his two sisters, and has a kind heart. Following his marriage, he moves near the Pemberley to stay close to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
• Wickham: George Wickham is a charming soldier and close to Mr. Darcy. He is the most undesirable character in the story due to actions such as beguiling Lydia and lying about Darcy. Elizabeth might have been his intended victim, but her wit saves her from his cheating nature. He then lures Lydia, mired in gambling and bad habits. Wickham has been Darcy’s close relative, the reason that his father has bequeathed some property for him. When he elopes with Lydia, Mr. Darcy intervenes to save his skin and gets them married.
• Bennet: She is a very tiring but inquisitive character. Mrs. Bennet proves a bee in the bonnet for Mr. Bennet whenever she sees any prospect of a coming young man marrying any of her young daughters. It happens in the case of Mr. Bingley when she comes to know that he has not married despite having a good fortune. However, she is deficient in both; the mundane sagacity as well as human relations. She becomes fully satisfied at the end of the novel when she sees all her girls marrying and settling happily.
• Bennet: Mr. Bennet is the head of the Bennet family, and also a legal hand working in the court with a mind full of worldly wisdom. At home, his favorite daughter is Elizabeth to whom he calls Lizzy. Sadly, his relations with his wife are always sour. He is often found cutting jokes at Mrs. Bennet’s bad temper. He suffers and feels insulted at Lydia’s affair from which Mr. Darcy saves him.
• Lydia Bennet: Despite her beauty and closeness to Elizabeth, Lydia proves her stupidity by falling into the trap of Mr. Wickham. She elopes with Wickham without realizing the consequences. However, Mr. Darcy, sensing danger, reaches to assist her in marrying Wickham.
• Catherine Bennett: Kitty or Katherine is the second last Bennet sisters, who despite being young, do not marry and continues with her life like before, which shows her shrewdness for brightening her prospects after getting her sisters married.
• Mary Bennet: She is the most educated or seemingly educated but serious character of the novel. She mostly stays away from others immersed in her books. She also has a very keen interest in human relations and understands more than others.

Writing Style Pride and Prejudice ‎

Jane Austen has shown her amazing linguistic skills through this novel by using simple and straightforward language. This style is meant to hook her readers from any language background and take them on a tour of a family, 18th-century lifestyle, and human relations. However, the specialty of this simple language lies in its iron andy wit. The narrator , the third person omniscient , often says something that means entirely something else. For instance, Mr. Bennet’s comments against his wife, creating an amusing situation. Otherwise, the story goes straightforward without much of twists and turns. The style also stays uncomplicated throughout the novel except in some cases where educated characters talk seriously about issues such as Lydia’s behavior and Wickham’s actions.

Analysis of Literary Devices in Pride and Prejudice

• Action: The main action of the novel comprises the marriage and choices of the Bennet girls. The rising action occurs when Mr. Darcy refuses to dance with Elizabeth, and she rejects his proposal. However, the falling action occurs when Mr. Darcy comes to help the Bennets in the case of Lydia’s elopement, and finally, Elizabeth agrees to Mr. Darcy’s proposal by the end.
• Adage : It means the use of a statement that becomes a universal truth. The novel, Pride and Prejudice, shows this use of the statement in the very first sentence; “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Chapter-1)
• Allegory : Pride and Prejudice shows the use of allegory in the initial line which discloses that the characters are going to represent abstract ideas such as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth both represent abstract feelings of pride and prejudice.
• Antagonist : Although it seems that Mr. Darcy is the main antagonist of Pride and Prejudice in the opening chapters, it is Mr. Wickham who becomes the antagonist later when he causes embarrassment to the Bennet family and Mr. Darcy redeems himself from this initial impression by helping the Bennet settle the elopement affair of Lydia and Wickham.
• Allusion : There are various examples of allusions given in the novel, Pride and Prejudice. The first allusion is a statement of Mr. Darcy that occurs in the 9 th chapter that “I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love”. Here the final part “food of love” alludes to Twelfth Night by Shakespeare. There are several other Biblical allusions such as of “St. James” (Chapter-5), referring to Sir William Lucas.  The second biblical allusion is of “an angel of light” (Chapter-6), which refers to Meryton.
• Conflict : The are two major conflicts in the novel, Pride and Prejudice. The first one is the external conflict that starts between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham and another between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy, however, possesses the capability to resolve both with the help of Elizabeth, who is also thankful to him. Another conflict is in the mind of both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, which is resolved at the end of the novel.
• Characters: Pride and Prejudice presents both static as well as dynamic characters . The young man, Mr. Darcy, and his would-be wife are two dynamic characters. However, the rest of the characters do not show any significant change in their roles, the reason that Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet, including the Bingleys and Lady Katherine, are all static characters .
• Climax : The climatic takes place when Mr. Darcy suggests Elizabeth to marry him, but she refuses. This climax slowly starts resolving and comes to an end when she finally accepts his proposal.
• Foreshadowing : The first example of foreshadowing in the novel occurs when Elizabeth knowingly reaches the Pemberley. It shows that she is going to pacify or impress Mr. Darcy, in the first chapter of the third volume of the novel. Even before this, the novel’s title of two abstract feelings shows that there will be something about their relationship and feelings, as shown by Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. However, the question of Mrs. Bennet about Mr. Bingley’s married or single life is also a type for foreshadowing.
• Hyperbole : Hyperbole or exaggeration occurs when Jane Austen opens the book; “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” (Chapter-1). Although it has become an adage , still it is an exaggeration, for several young men may not be in want of a wife. The second hyperbole occurs when Mr. Darcy states that “I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library” (Chapter-11). However, it is an exaggeration of the reading taste of Elizabeth.
• Imagery : Imagery means to use of the five senses such as in the below examples: i. At length the Parsonage was discernible. The garden sloping to the road, the house standing in it, the green pales, and the laurel hedge, everything declared they were arriving. (Chapter-28) ii. The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent. (Chapter-43) iii. It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. (Chapter-43) The first example shows images of color, the second one of nature, and the third one shows the images of the building as the description shows the use of the senses of sight, smell, and touch in these three examples.
• Metaphor : Pride and Prejudice shows good use of various metaphors such as the extended metaphors of proud love compared to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s match, dance as compared to the cognitive understanding of the body, and idiocy with acts such as of Lydia and Wickham. Some other metaphors are: i. You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. (Chapter-1) ii. “Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld.” (Chapter-3) iii. Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart. (Chapter-19)
• Mood : The novel, Pride and Prejudice, shows a satirical mood . However, it also allows characters to be sarcastic and ironic at times to seem biting to some. It, however, becomes tense during the Lydia-Wickham affair but becomes again light-hearted and happy in tone when Mr. Darcy helps the Bennet to settle that affair. It, then, ends on a happy note.
• Motif : The most important motifs of the novel, Pride and Prejudice, are courtships, journeys, dances, and marriages.
• Narrator : The novel, Pride and Prejudice, has been narrated by a third-person narrator. It is also called an omniscient narrator who happens to be the author himself as he can see things from all perspectives . Here Jane Austen is the narrator.
• Personification : Personification means to attribute human acts and emotions to non-living objects such as: i. ‘His pride,’ said Miss Lucas, ‘does not offend ME so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. (Chapter-5) ii. Her heart was divided between concern for her sister, and resentment against all others. (Chapter-24) Both of these examples show pride and heart personified.
• Protagonist : Elizabeth Bennet is the protagonist of the novel. She comes in the novel from the very start and captures the interest of the readers until the last page.
• Paradox : Pride and Prejudice shows the use of paradox in its title in that it is a regency paradox of feeling pride and then showing prejudice.
• Rhetorical Questions : The novel shows good use of rhetorical questions at several places such as: i. ‘I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence him? Elizabeth to Jane (Chapter-24) ii. When is your turn to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Mr. Bennet to Mrs. Bennet (Chapter-24) iii. ‘Good Heaven! what is to become of us? What are we to do?’ would they often exclaiming the bitterness of woe. ‘How can you be smiling so, Lizzy? (Mrs. Bennet to Elizabeth) (Chapter-41) This example shows the use of rhetorical questions posed by different characters such as first by Elizabeth to Jane, then Mr. Bennet to Mrs. Bennet, and third by Mrs. Bennet to Elizabeth.
• Theme : A theme is a central idea that the novelist or the writer wants to stress upon. The novel, Pride and Prejudice, not only shows the titular thematic strands of pride and prejudice, but also life in general and marriage in particular with communication, conventions, relationships, and status or class as other thematic strands.
• Setting : The setting of the novel, Pride and Prejudice, is the urban and rural areas of the United Kingdom of the 18 th century and places such as Longbourn, Rosings, Pemberley, and Netherfield Park.
• Simile : The novel shows good use of various similes such as: i. …’they are all silly and ignorant like other girls. (Chapter-1) ii. There is nothing like dancing after all, (Chapter-6) iii. Yes, ma’am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him—just as affable to the poor. (Chapter-43) The first simile compares the girls to other girls, the second, no-skill to dance, and the third the son to his father.
• Irony : The novel shows irony not only of the situation but also in the language such as: i. It is truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. (Chapter-1) ii. ‘My dear, you flatter me. I certainly HAVE had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now. When a woman has five grown-up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty.’ ‘In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of. (Chapter-1) iii. ‘And we mean to treat you all,’ added Lydia, ‘but you must lend us the money, for we have just spent ours at the shop out there.’ Ten, showing her purchases—’Look here. (Chapter-19) The first example shows the irony of language as well as the situation, while the second shows Mr. Bennet using irony against his wife and third Lydia against others.

Related posts:

• Pride and Prejudice Characters
• Pride and Prejudice Quotes
• Jane Austen
• Literary Writing Style of Jane Austen

Post navigation

Themes and Analysis

Pride and prejudice, by jane austen.

A literary work, such as 'Pride and Prejudice', can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the mood, prior knowledge, level of understanding, and perspective of the reader.

About the Book

Article written by Mizpah Albert

M.A. in English Literature and a Ph.D. in English Language Teaching.

The analysis here is an example, covering major elements of theme, setting, style, tone, and figurative language. 

Pride and Prejudice Themes

Themes are commonly the central ideas of any piece of literature. They are developed in various ways and characters. Written from the perspective of Elizabeth, the novel explores a number of themes , such as love, marriage, pride, prejudice, class, reputation, and many others.

As the title of the novel suggests, both pride and prejudice play a vital role in the novel. Pride is pronounced through the character of Darcy and prejudice is highlighted through Elizabeth. Darcy acts snobbishly during his first meeting with Elizabeth that eventually makes her hate him. His pride blinds him to the good qualities of Elizabeth, and her prejudice blinds her to see through his outward nature. It takes time for them to realize and evolve out of their pride and prejudice. Besides, Elizabeth, Darcy too out of his pride is exposed to prejudice over the people below his social class and economical status.

Other characters who exhibit pride in the novel are Catherine De Bough and Miss Catherine Bingley.

Love and Marriage

In Pride and Prejudice , Love and Marriage go hand in hand. Especially, it specifies the love and marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth , who strongly believes in marrying for love than anything. As the opening line of the novel suggests, It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife marriage was the major concern of Austen time. That is what would have inspired her to focus on love and marriage in Pride and Prejudice and in her other novels too.

True love, the leads to the happy union of the characters despite all adversity is portrayed through the couples, Darcy and Elizabeth, and Jane and Charles Bingley.  At the same time, the novel also exposes the marriages that happened solely for the purpose of independence, reputation, and financial security, as in the case of Charlotte Lucas and Lydia Bennet. 

Class plays unmistakably a significant role in the novel. The novel draws a clear line between the rich and poor. The theme is employed to foster Austen’s distaste over the society in general.

She makes it clear that people like Lady Catherine, due to their pride in social class act rudely, even in their regular conversation, and forever guilty of mistreating other people. The characters like Mr. Collins and Caroline are defined completely by the dictations of the class system. In contrast to them, Jane Austen produces more positive examples in Bingley and the Gardiners. Through Darcy’s character, she has enumerated class as a force that drives people to have virtue and decency, comparing the situation to the careless behavior of Mrs. Bennet and her daughters.

Darcy is presented as an epitome of an ideal high-class gentleman. Though, he seems to be arrogant and selfish in the beginning, over a period of time, his prejudiced opinion on the lower class changes, when he is exposed to the ideal qualities of Elizabeth. Austen strongly conveys her ideology that class does not determine one’s character, at the same time through love one can overcome all obstacles, including class.

Some of the other themes, one finds in Pride and Prejudice include integrity, family, reputation, etc.

Analysis of Key Moments in Pride and Prejudice

• Bingley arrives at Netherfield along with his sisters and Darcy.
• Darcy insults Elizabeth at the Meryton Ball while Bingley is attracted to Jane
• For the first time in the party arranged by Sir William Lucas, Darcy makes a positive observation on Elizabeth’s fine eyes, after Elizabeth turns down his request for a dance.
• When Jane is sick, Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield to take care of her sister. Positively, Darcy gets to see more of her, which he finds as a danger.
• Collins arrives at Longbourn to choose a wife for him amongst the Bennet sisters. But, he ends up marrying Charlotte Lucas.
• Meanwhile, Elizabeth gets acquainted with Wickham, who tells her the story of him being treated arrogantly.
• Bingley leaves Netherfield uninformed. Desolated Jane goes with the Gardiners to London with the hope of meeting Bingley only to be disappointed.  
• Elizabeth comes to know of Darcy’s involvement in the separation between Jane and Bingley. She vents out her anger and accuses him of spoiling the life of Wickham and her dear sister’s happiness.
• Despondent, Darcy explains the reasons for his actions in a letter to Elizabeth, which softens her feelings towards Darcy but he leaves Rosings to know her reversal of feelings.
• During her visit to the Gardiners, Elizabeth meets Darcy in his Pemberley estate, but her happiness short-lived when she receives a message about Lydia’s elopement with Wickham.
• Elizabeth comes to know of Darcy’s painstaking effort in saving Lydia’s reputation in marriage with Wickham.
• Soon, Bingley proposes to Jane and engaged.
• Infuriated by Elizabeth, Lady Catherine warns Darcy, who regaining hopes proposes to Elizabeth again, who accepts happily.

Style, Tone, and Figurative Language

Pride and Prejudice, on the whole, employed with irony and wit. Austen through the speeches of various characters employed irony that draws a clear line between what is being said and what the readers interpret about the reality of the situation. For example, when Mr. Collins confidently tells Elizabeth that “I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long,” the reader knows about Elizabeth’s feelings that are direct opposite what he expects.

The tone of Pride and Prejudice , despite it being romance is ironic towards various characters and events in the novel. The ironical is employed to demonstrate the foolishness of characters, the attitude of pretensions social class, and the criticism on gender roles.

Austen exaggerated situations and phrases, also used comparisons to satirize some of the ridiculous courting rituals of her time. Jane Austen’s use of irony, which is common in her novel is highlighted in the novel. She has employed all forms of irony namely: verbal, thematic, situational, and dramatic.

Use of Symbols

One of the prominent symbols in Pride and Prejudice is dancing. An Austen detail on a couple’s compatibility through dancing that symbolizes the level of their relationship. When Elizabeth and Darcy dance together the first time, their steps are stilted and formal, similar to the indifference and formality they had in their relationship at that point. Likewise, when Elizabeth and  Mr. Collins danced, he missteps, grovels, and embarrasses in front of her friends and family, similar to the awkward situation of him proposing to be rejected by Elizabeth. At the same time, Jane and Bingley 4times on a single night, reveals how happy and comfortable they were together.

‘Outdoors’ in the novel has come to symbolize openness and understanding. Many knots in the story are loosened in the outdoor settings in the story. Darcy proposes both the times when they were in the outdoor settings. In contrast, Indoor meetings have often caused to multiply their misunderstanding. Evidently, they were forced into awkward situations during their meeting at Netherfield, in Kent, and at Pemberley.

‘Pemberley’ stands to symbolize the nature of Darcy in the novel. In the beginning, when Pemberley’s pride is mentioned we see Darcy as a man of arrogance and Pride. Later, when Elizabeth visits Pemberley, she sees that as neither “formal, nor falsely adorned” . Following that description, we see the improved Darcy, who is more sociable and friendly. The lack of pretension, refined taste, and gracious welcome, Elizabeth and the Gardiners experienced at Pemberley, is a symbol of refinement in the man. One could see the positive change comes over Elizabeth that makes her fall in love with Darcy as she sees his true character revealed through his home.

About Mizpah Albert

Mizpah Albert is an experienced educator and literature analyst. Building on years of teaching experience in India, she has contributed to the literary world with published analysis articles and evocative poems.

Cite This Page

Albert, Mizpah " Pride and Prejudice Themes and Analysis 📖 " Book Analysis , https://bookanalysis.com/jane-austen/pride-and-prejudice/analysis/ . Accessed 5 April 2024.

There was a problem reporting this post.

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

• See blocked member's posts
• Mention this member in posts
• Invite this member to groups

Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Pride and Prejudice

164 pages • 5 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Get access to this full Teaching Guide and much more!

• 7,350+ In-Depth Study Guides
• 4,950+ Quick-Read Plot Summaries
• Downloadable PDFs

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

The SuperSummary difference

• 8x more resources than SparkNotes and CliffsNotes combined
• Study Guides you won ' t find anywhere else
• 100+ new titles every month

1. The characters in the novel seem to perceive the idea of “good breeding” in a way that differs from the author’s thoughts on the subject.

• Define or describe what is meant by “good breeding.” ( topic sentence )
• Give 3 examples from the novel of how different characters perceive “good breeding.”
• Conclude by explaining what actual “good breeding” is to Jane Austen as implied in the text in comparison to what the characters may believe; connect Austen’s idea of “good breeding” to the theme of Pride and Prejudice.

2. Mr. Darcy’s attraction to Elizabeth Bennet progresses throughout the novel.

• Explain what first attracts Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. ( topic sentence )
• Give 3 reasons why Mr. Darcy’s attraction for Elizabeth continues to grow.

Don't Miss Out!

Access Teaching Guide Now

Related Titles

By Jane Austen

Jane Austen

Mansfield Park

Northanger Abbey

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Seth Grahame-Smith, Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility

Featured Collections

Audio Study Guides

View Collection

BookTok Books

British Literature

Pride & Shame

Romanticism / Romantic Period

TV Shows Based on Books

Pride and Prejudice

Jane austen, everything you need for every book you read..

29 Important Pride and Prejudice Questions and Answers

Pride and prejudice questions and answers.

Q1. What is the effect when Mr. Bennet says that he has visited Mr. Bingley?

Ans. Although Mr. Bennet has rejected his wife’s suggestion that he should visit Mr. Bingley, in reality he loses no time in paying a social visit to that man who has taken residence at Netherfield Park. When he discloses the matter, there is a lot of excitement in the family. Mrs. Bennet appreciates her husband’s behaviour and for making an acquaintance with Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet wishes that Mr. Bingley would choose Lydia as his would be wife and he may dance with her at a ball. Lydia is also one step forward to accept these two ideas as told by her mother. Even, Lydia feels pride about this matter.

Q 2. What does Darcy say about Elizabeth at the ball and how does the latter accept it?

Ans. Mr. Darcy is not very interested in dancing as he thinks that none of Mr. Bennet’s daughters suits him as a partner. He speaks disparagingly about Elizabeth, and says that she is not so charming as to attract him. Mr. Bingley, on the contrary says that Elizabeth is a very pretty girl. Darcy replies that Elizabeth is undoubtedly handsome but not so handsome as to tempt him. But, overhearing this remark, Elizabeth feels very annoyed with Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley two times dances with Jane Bennet. But, a big void is created between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth who however, goes on regarding Mr. Darcy in a positively negative attitude.

• Character Analysis of Darcy in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Q 3. How does Jane admire Mr. Bingley?

Ans. While talking to Elizabeth privately, Jane expresses a great admiration for Mr. Bingley. She says that Mr. Bingley is sensible, good-humoured and lively. She says that he had danced with her twice and it was a great compilation to her from him. Elizabeth says that Jane praises everybody and finds faults with none. However, Jane also informs her that the man had inherited from his father a huge property hundred thousand pounds and he would probably buy a manor as 800an as possible or permanently reside Netherfield Park.

Q 4. How do Mr. Bingley and Darcy react to the assembly?

Ans. Having attended the assembly at Meryton, Mr. Bingley and Darcy react in different way about the people they met there. Bingley says that the people at the assembly are very nice and the Bennet girls were the prettiest he had ever seen in his life. He says that everybody was very kind and attentive to him and there was no formality and no stiffness. Indeed, he was full of admiration for Jane. But, Darcy on the other hand, had found the people of the assembly to be lacking in beauty and fashion. He almost failed to feel any interest about anyone. Even, he got no attention from anybody and had found me pleasure in anyone’s company. He was not even attracted by Miss Jane Bennet also. Even, the presence of Elizabeth was nothing to him. Though they are two intimate friends, they are different in their outlook about assembly.

Q 5. How is Darcy’s attitude towards Elizabeth changed?

Ans. Mr. Darcy who had spoken obliquely about Elizabeth at the first assembly, begins to feel some emotional interest in her. Primarily, he told Mr. Bingley that there is nothing attractive or charming in Elizabeth. But very soon, he begins to feel that. Elizabeth has a beautiful expression in her dark eyes and this expression in her eyes makes her look exceptionally intelligent. He tells Miss Bingley that he had discovered that a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can prove to be a source of great pleasure to him. But, hearing that Elizabeth is this lady, Miss Bingley is fully surprised But, Elizabeth is totally ignorant of this fact and continues to disregard Mr. Darcy.

Q6. Describe the financial condition of the Bennet family.

Ans. Mr. Bennet’s property consists of entirely an estate providing an income of two thousand pounds a year. But, there is a snag about this state. This property had been entailed on a distant relation because Mr. Bennet has no male heir upon whom the property could have been bestowed. Mr. Bennet has five daughters and no son. This means that, on the death of Mr. Bennet the entire property would automatically pass into the hand of Mr. Collins, a male relative on whom it had been entailed. This is beyond doubt a bleak prospect of the family.

Q 7. Why do Elizabeth and Jane stay at Netherfield Park?

Ans. One morning an invitation came from Miss Bingley inviting Jane to a dinner. Jane was informed that many 1st class people also were invited in this dinner. Everybody in the Bennet family is happy with this information. Due to poor economy, Jane has to ride on horseback to reach Netherfield Park. It begins to rain just after Jane has left. She gets thoroughly wet and has caught a cold and is unable to come back home in the next morning. She writes a note for Elizabeth informing her present condition. Mrs. Bennet thinks that during this stay, Jane should be much more familiar with Mr. Bingley. However, Elizabeth thinks that she should go and keep company with Jane who is now ill. But, Jane’s condition gradually gets worse and the doctor advises for complete rest. So, Jane and Elizabeth had no alternative but to stay at Netherfield Park.

Q8. What type of lady is Mrs. Bennet?

Ans. Mrs. Bennet is a comic character. She behaves and talks humorously. She says that Jane should not be removed from Netherfield Park as she is too ill, although Miss Bingley dislikes Elizabeth who is now staying with Jane. She interprets Miss Bingley’s cold activity as warm activity and offers profuse thanks to her. She speaks candidly no matter who is present. At the same time, she has some sensible ideas. She is not awed by Darcy’s reserved manner She admire Sir William Lucas but speaks in a hateful style about Lucas’ daughters compared to her own daughters She says that Lucas girls are very good indeed but they are not handsome. Even she goes on praising Jane’s beauty as it is done by others.

  Q 9. How does Mr. Collins want to get reconciled with Me Bennet?

Ans. In a letter written from Hunsford, Mr. Collins deplores the fact that differences had existed between his dead father and Mr. Bennet and says that he would like to heal the breach which now exists between himself and the Bennet family. He further writes that, as a clergyman, he regards it as his duty to promote and establish peace and harmony in all the families within the reach of his influence. Finally, he writes that he would call on Mr. Bennet on the next Monday and stay with his family for a full week. Even, he is ready to marry one daughter of Mr. Bennet as a compensation of the loss of entire Bennet property which is to pass on to him.

 Q 10. How does Mr. Collins praise Lady Catherine?

Ans. After the dinner is over, Mr. Collins informs the Bennet family that he is extremely lucky to have won the favour of Lady Catherine. Mr. Collins grows eloquent in praise of that lady. She had appointed him as the rector of his parish and she felt much pleased with the sermons which he had delivered in the church and to which she had listened graciously. Collins says that he was invited to dinner twice by her at Rosings Park. Lady Catherine also asked him to join the game of cards at her residence. To him, Lady Catherine is not proud though other people think her to be proud. He goes on to say that Lady Catherine has a daughter who is very charming. To him, this girl is but a duchess. In this way, Mr. Collins praises the glamour of Lady Catherine but this description gives rise to a thought in Mr. Bennet’s mind that Mr. Collins prefers flattery.

 Q 11. What charges does Wickham bring against Mr. Darcy?

Ans. While talking to Wickham, Elizabeth brings charges again Mr. Darcy and calls him to be a proud man. Hereafter Wickham gets a chance to aggravate Elizabeth against Darcy, Wickham says that Darcy’s father was an excellent man but Darcy himself is an odious man. He says that he himself has suffered a lot at Darcy’s hands. He also says that he has every reason to feel grateful to Darcy’s late father but Darcy’s treatment of him has been thoroughly scandalous. Mr. Wickham then goes on to say that he had never aimed at a military career but that he had been compelled to join the militia because he had been deprived of a church career by Mr. Darcy.

Q 12. Why does Mr. Collins propose to marry Elizabeth?

Ans. Mr. Collins makes a proposal to marry Elizabeth for three reasons. Firstly, he thinks it is the right thing for every clergyman in his circumstances to set an example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, he is sure that marriage will very greatly add to his happiness. Thirdly, it is the particular advice and recommendation of Lady Catherine, his patroness that he should get married. He also tells Elizabeth that before coming to Longbourn, he had decided to choose a wife from amongst the daughters of Mr. Bennet. As he has to inherit Mr. Bennet’s estate, he will otherwise deprive the Bennet family from their own property. So, marrying one of the Bennet sisters, he would like to compensate this loss. Collins also expresses his view not to take any dowry from Mr. Bennet due to his poor financial condition but proposes to marry Elizabeth.

Q 13. Why is Mrs. Bennet annoyed with Elizabeth ?

Ans. Mrs. Bennet feels greatly annoyed with Elizabeth, when she learns that the latter has rejected Collins’ proposal of marriage. But to save the situation, she tells Mr. Collins that somehow she and her husband would prevail upon Elizabeth to accept Mr. Collins’ proposal. She is surprised to think that even Mr. Bennet supports his daughter. But taking the entire matter in her own hands, she talks to Elizabeth, coaxes her and alternately threatens her. She wants Jane’s support in this matter. Even she asks the help of Charlotte Lucas and warns Elizabeth that if the latter goes on refusing every offer of marriage in this way, she would never get a husband at all. However, Mr. Collins himself requests Mrs. Bennet not to put any pressure on Elizabeth.

Q 14. How is Jane’s matrimonial hope dwindled?

Ans. Jane is expecting that very soon Mr. Bingley would propose marriage to her. But, a letter is sent by Miss Bingley who has made it clear in that letter that Bingley is desirous of marrying Darcy’s sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth can’t believe this and says that it a plan of Bingley sisters against them. She hopes that Mr. Bingley would surely propose marriage to Jane. But, if Mr. Bingley does not return to Netherfield Park throughout the winter, there would be no personal contact between her and him and therefore the chance of Mr. Bingley’s getting married to Jane is sure to dwindle and die. Yet, Jane is happy as Elizabeth emphetically says that Miss Bingley would fail in her plans and Bingley is expected to return to Netherfield Park.

Q 15. How does Charlotte accept Collins’ marriage proposal?

Ans. Mr. Collins visits Charlottle Lucas without the knowledge of Bennet family. Collins had found her to be quite encouraging on the previous day and so now he makes a proposal of marriage to her with a certain degree of confidence. Charlotte readily accepts it and her parents give their consent. Everybody in the Lucas family is in a jubilant mood hearing this information. Charlotte herself is extremely happy as she is already 27 years old and she does not have much beauty to boast of. In that case, by marrying Mr. Collins she will get a strong future as her would be husband is undoubtedly a rich person and he would get the entire Bennet property in near future. So, she accepts Collins proposal of marriage.

Q 16. What did Mrs. Gardiner advise Elizabeth regarding Wickham?

Ans. Mrs. Gardiner, on learning that Elizabeth has been feeling a great admiration for Wickham, warns Elizabeth against any haste in agreeing to marry Wickham if the latter proposes marriage to her. She clearly advices Elizabeth that neither she nor Wickham has any fortune and therefore, their married life may be unhappy. Elizabeth agrees with her aunt and says that she will show no haste in her manners and certainly she will try to conquer her affection and admiration for Wickham.

Q 17. What information were provided by Colonel Fitzwilliam to Elizabeth?

Ans. One day, Elizabeth met Fitzwilliam by chance and the latter gave some important information to her. She learned from him that probably Darcy would leave Hunsford and go back to London . He told her that his own movements from one place to another is determined by Darcy’s decisions. He also tells that being the younger son of a Lord, he will not inherit much ancestral property and therefore he will try to get married to such a woman who can bring rich dowry. He is a joint guardian of Georgiana Darcy. But the man gave a vital information that shocked Elizabeth. He tells her that Mr. Darcy dissuaded Mr. Bingley from getting married to a woman whom he wanted to marry. Elizabeth is now sure that Darcy is fully responsible for destroying Jane’s matrimonial hopes.

Q 18. Why does Elizabeth negate Darcy’s proposal of marriage?

Ans. One evening, suddenly Darcy tells Elizabeth that he has failed to overcome his feelings. He is deeply in love with Elizabeth and wants to marry her in spite of her social inferiority and social status. But his love for her is so intense that all the considerations are pushed back. But, Elizabeth feels insulted by these words of Darcy and rejects the proposal referring to some other aspects. She says that he dissuaded Bingley from marrying Jane. As a result of this she is now in a tragic situation. Moreover, she refers that Darcy treated Wickham in a rough way for which he has been deprived of great prosperity in life. Then, Elizabeth declares that it is impossible for her to marry Darcy who is not really good in his conduct with others. But, Elizabeth is somehow misguided by Wickham, of which she is ignorant.

  Q 19. How does Darcy describe Wickham’s past life?

Ans. Mr. Darcy gives a detailed account of how he had initially treated Wickham with utmost kindness and generosity as he was the son of a man who served Darcy’s father faithfully as a steward. But, Darcy hates Wickham for the dissolute life the latter lives. Darcy thought that Wickham is not fit to be a clergyman. So, he helped Wickham with 3000 pounds to enable him to study law but Wickham merely squandered the money got from Darcy. Then, Wickham requested Darcy to make him a rector, which Darcy rejected cleanly as Wickham was not worthy of being a clergyman. Even Wickham prevailed upon his sister Georgiana for an elopement. But, somehow getting the information in time, he saved his sister from a sure future disaster. Therefore, Darcy thinks that he has done nothing wrong with Wickham.

20. How does Darcy confess his role in Bingley-Jane love affair?

Ans. Darcy hands over a letter to Elizabeth, where Darcy has confessed his role in Bingley-Jane love-affair. It is rather a reply to the charges that Elizabeth had brought against him the previous day. First, he explains why he had prevailed upon Bingley to give up his intention to marry Jane. Darcy says that Bingley loved Jane too much but Jane did not show this. Realising this attitude of Jane that she doesn’t deeply love Bingley, Darcy thought it proper to dissuade Bingley from marrying Jane. Darcy also admits in the letter that he had been responsible even for preventing Bingley from meeting Jane when Jane was staying with her uncle and aunt in London.

21. What is the effect of Darcy’s letter on Elizabeth?

Ans. Though Darcy’s letter has deeply affected Elizabeth, she feels disappointed as Darcy has not expressed any regret for his role in Bingley-Jane love affair. She sees that the letter written in a haughty mood. However, she feels shocked by the misdeeds of Wickham, his extravagance, profligacy etc. She makes out Wickham loves Miss King out of greed only. She thinks that Wickham is a money-minded man. She can’t understand why once Wickham had been trying to give her the impression that he was in love with her. Having no fortune of her own, why she had become an object of his regard and attention, is not clear to her.

Q 22. Describe the conjugal life of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.

Ans. Mr. Bennet married his wife, getting captivated by her youthful beauty but later he found her to be a lady of weak intelligence and narrow mind. So, Mr. Bennet’s hope of a happy married life is dashed to the ground early in their marriage. His domestic happiness comes to nothing due to Mrs. Bennet. So, now, his only pleasure is the books. Now, he derives some amusement from his wife’s sheer ignorance and folly, Elizabeth feels uneasy for the life their parents are leading. But, she feels pleasure when her father makes fun at her mother. Even she is disappointed for the problem of marriage, the Bennet sisters are feeling.

Q 23. Describe Lydia’s elopement with Mr. Wickham.

Ans. While Elizabeth is staying at Lambton with her uncle and aunt, she receives a few letters from Jane. Jane has written that Lydia had eloped with Wickham and in time of her departure she had written a brief letter to Mrs. Forster, informing her that she was running away with Wickham to Gretna Green in order to get married. Jane has also written that according to Mr. Denny, Wickham’s friend, Wickham had no intention to marry Lydia and he had forced Lydia probably to run away with him, his actual purpose being only to satisfy his lust for her Colonel Forster has also informed that Wickham will only seduce Lydia and nothing According to the letters of Jane, Mr. Bennet has gone to London to try to trace Lydia.

Q 24. What are Wickham’s terms for marrying Lydia?

Ans. In a letter, Mr. Gardiner informs Mr. Bennet that he has been able to meet Lydia and Wickham who are now standing in London. They have not yet got married, Gardiner writes Wickham might agree to marry Lydia in case Mr. Benne accepts Wickham’s terms on which he is ready to marry the girl. Wickham wants that Mr. Bennet should give Lydia her equal share of 5000 pounds which the Bennet girls are to receive at the death of their parents. Subsequently, Mr. Bennet should agree to give Lydia an allowance of 100 pounds per year as long as Mr. Bennet remains alive. Gardiner has also written that Wickham’s conditions are not too hard. However, all the members of Bennet family are happy with the news that Wickham will marry Lydia if his case is considered by them. They also praise the role of Mr. Gardiner to solve a serious problem with at least a satisfying solution.

Q 25. How does Mr. Bennet express his anger against Lydia?

Ans. When all the members of the Bennet family are happy with the news that Wickham will at last marry Lydia and they are in a jubilant mood, Mr. Bennet is not much affected by this development. In fact, Mr. Bennet continues to harbour a strong resentment against Lydia for the manner in which she had behaved and for the discredit which she has brought to the family. He bluntly tells his wife that he would never allow his daughter Lydia or her husband Mr. Wickham to enter his house. On the other hand, Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth are happy for at least the marriage tie between them.

 Q 26. How does Darcy help the wedding of Lydia and Wickham?

Ans. Mrs. Gardiner in a letter to Elizabeth has written a detailed account of the circumstances which had led to Mr. Darcy’s participation in the marriage of Lydia and Wickham. She writes that it was as a result of Mr. Darcy’s efforts and trials that Wickham had agreed to marry Lydia. It was Mr. Darcy who had traced the whereabouts of the two. He requested Lydia to go back to her parents but she negated this proposal. Then, he discussed with Wickham who demanded huge amount of money to pay his debts in exchange of getting married to Lydia. Then Mr. Darcy provided the money as it was demanded by Wickham. Thus he saved the Bennet family and helped the wedding of Lydia and Wickham.

Q 27. What is Elizabeth’s changed attitude towards Darcy?

Ans. Elizabeth can’t understand why Darcy has helped Lydia and Wickham to get married. But, she clearly realises that it is Darcy who has rescued the name of the Bennet family and saved the future prospects of the unmarried Bennet sisters. She knows that Darcy has saved all of them from public disgrace. She now regrets all the unkind remarks which she has made to Darcy previously at different occasions. Darcy now rises greatly in Elizabeth’s estimation. She now thinks of making Darcy her husband. She says that Darcy is exactly that man who will perfectly suit her. Even, she goes on to meditate that a marital tie between her and Mr. Darcy would be an advantage for both of them.

Q 28. How does Mr. Bingley propose to Jane finally?

Ans. When Darcy has left for London to go back to Pemberley, Mr. Bingley visits Longbourn lonely. He spends an hour with the Bennet family in comfort and then is invited to join the dinner for the next day. On the following day, he duly comes and Elizabeth thinks that Bingley will soon propose to Jane. When Bingley gets an opportunity to have a conservation with Jane alone, he proposes to marry her as nobody else is present. Jane’s happiness knows no bound. Immediately she informs Elizabeth of her getting engaged to Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth also feels overjoyed to know that her hope is proved to be true. Jane goes and tells all about this happy event.

  Q 29. How does Lady Catherine warn Elizabeth and how is she replied by the latter?

Ans. Speaking to Elizabeth in an angry tone, Lady Catherine asks her if Elizabeth or any other of her family has circulated the news that Darcy will marry Elizabeth. Lady Catherine asserts that such a marriage is impossible as Darcy is engaged to her daughter Miss de Bourgh for a long time. She refers to Elizabeth’s social inferiority and asks if she is not ashamed to hear that Darcy is engaged to her daughter. Elizabeth replies that now Darcy has changed his mind and he can’t be prevented by anyone now. Elizabeth also says if she is Darcy’s choice now, she would accept this proposal. At this Lady Catherine says if Elizabeth gives the reply as once she was well treated by her. When Lady Catherine refers to her social inferiority, she says that she is a gentleman’s daughter. Lady Catherine then accuses Elizabeth of being selfish and callous girl. But, feeling too angry with Lady Catherine, Elizabeth answers that she does not wish to continue her conversation with Lady Catherine anymore and saying this, she leaves the places in no time.

Hello, Viewers! Besides being the Founder and Owner of this website, I am a Government Officer. As a hardcore literary lover, I am pursuing my dream by writing notes and articles related to Literature. Drop me a line anytime, whether it’s about any queries or demands or just to share your well-being. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!

Related posts:

• Pride and Prejudice as a Domestic Novel
• Irony in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Character Analysis of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice
• Kenilworth as a Historical Novel

3 thoughts on “29 Important Pride and Prejudice Questions and Answers”

Excellent sir.if u were a lecturer in colleges or university it would have been a great help for the literature lover students. i respect ur enthusiasm to write for us. realy these materias are so helpful for students like us. THANK U SO MUCH SIR.WHEREFROM U R SIR?

Sir I’ve one question That is What circumstances that led to Elizabeth’s development of prejudice against Mr Darcy ?

Well I am elaborating on it.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.