Pride and Prejudice was written in 1813 by Jane Austen. It follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet, who is one of five daughters to Mr Bennet, the owner of Longbourn estate. His property can only be passed to a male heir, so his family faces the prospect of poverty upon his death, so he looks for his daughters to marry well to support the others. It is one of the most famous novels in English literature, has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and continues to have dramatic adaptions, films and TV versions. widely studied for its sharp social commentary and memorable characters.
The novel is set in Regency-era England. Many themes explored through the experiences of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy remain relevant today, including love, marriage, social class and reputation. This article explores the key themes, with analysis, examples from the plot and key quotes. It is aimed at students preparing for their GCSE English Literature exam.
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Love and Marriage
Much of the novel resolves around courtship and romance as the daughters of Mr Bennet look for suitable suitors. These marriages are contrasted: some have genuine affection, while others are based on social obligation and financial necessity.
Austen emphasises that marriage should be based on love and mutual respect through the growing relationship of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Initially, Elizabeth rejects his first proposal as she views him as arrogant and dismissive of her family. This is shown in the quote below, where Darcy shows his affection but also his arrogance. However, they overcome their faults and become closer, building their relationship on love, respect and equality:
"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
The marriage of Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins is arranged out of security. Charlotte is pragmatic in her choice of partner - she knows that her financial situation is vulnerable if she remains unmarried:
"I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home."
Conversely, the reckless elopement of Lydia Bennet and Wickham leads to an unhappy marriage, showing the danger of focussing solely on attraction to all else.
The relationships Austen explores advocate for true love rather than solely for financial security and social standing. Austen criticises the 19th-century attitude towards marriage. This union should instead be based on personal growth and mutual understanding, as is shown through Elizabeth and Darcy.
Pride and prejudice
The title of Austen's book perfectly sums up two key themes. Austen particularly uses the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth to show how these flaws can affect the relationship of characters and personal growth.
Mr. Darcy's pride in his social status and wealth is clear immediately. His proposal to Elizabeth assumes her acceptance because of his standing. Elizabeth is offended and she rejects him. It highlights that Darcy is blinded to Elizabeth's qualities by his pride:
"Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?"
Elizabeth also possesses flaws - she is guilty of prejudice when she considers Darcy as arrogant based on their first meeting at the Meryton ball. Elizabeth's pride is reinforced by Mr. Wickham, who convinces her that Darcy is cruel and unjust. It leads Elizabeth to misinterpret Darcy's actions until later on, when she sees his softer side as their relationship grows and separately when she reads a letter from Darcy:
"How despicably have I acted! I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities!"
Elizabeth assumes that all wealthy men are like Darcy and that he is incapable of loving somebody below his station. This class assumption prevents her from seeing Darcy's true nature until he demonstrates his kindness by helping her family.
Austen suggests that self-awareness is crucial for people to overcome personal flaws. Darcy proves his love by treating Elizabeth with more respect and secretly resolving Lydia's scandal after she elopes. Both characters have grown emotionally by the end of the book and can form a lasting, loving relationship. Austen's message is that first impressions can be misleading. Instead, we should judge people over time through their actions.
Social class and status
Social class was strictly defined and adhered to in Regency England. This was a period between 1795 and 1837. It is remembered as a time of culture and refinement, but only for the wealthiest in society, particularly the social circle of the Prince Regent, who succeeded King George III and became King George IV.
Status in society was based on wealth, family background and land ownership. The Bennet family were seen as lower in standing compared to Mr. Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. They were less wealthy and had fewer connections with high-status individuals. Caroline Bingley and Lady Cathorine look down on Elizabeth because of her family's standing, viewing her as unworthy of Dary:
"You are a gentleman’s daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition."
Several of the marriages in Pride and Prejudice reflect social ambition:
- Mr. Collins wants to marry someone of similar status. He believes he must find a wife to complement his position as a clergyman under Lady Catherine’s patronage.
- George Wickham wants to improve his social standing because he is not wealthy. He deceives wealthy individuals and convinces Lydia Bennet to elope.
- Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage challenges the class boundaries of the time. It proves that personal integrity trumps social rank.
Austen shows that the character and intelligence of an individual matter more than their wealth. Elizabeth refuses to be intimidated by Lady Catherine, showing her prioritisation of personal merit over birthright:
"I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me."
Darcy also transforms through his love for Elizabeth. He initially hesitates to pursue her due to Elizabeth's lower status. However, he comes to recognise her true worth and marries her despite social expectations. The message of Austen is clear: genuine relationships should be based on respect and understanding, even though society values wealth and rank.
Gender roles and women’s independence
Women had limited opportunities in England during the 19th century. They had few legal rights and were expected to marry well to secure a financial future dependent on their husband. They could not inherit property in the Regency era if there was a male heir. This last limitation is crucial to the Bennet family because Mr. Bennet has five daughters. This means his estate will be passed his closest relative Mr. Collins, leaving the Bennet family financially vulnerable.
Marriage was seen as the only secure future for women. Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins for security and stability rather than love. Her decision reinforces the social and familial pressures on unmarried women:
"Considering Mr. Collins’s character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state."
Elizabeth is presented as an unconventional heroine because she values her independence and self-respect:
- She rejects Mr. Collins despite the security the union will ensure.
- She challenges Lady Catherine when she is discouraged from marrying Darcy due to her social standing, refusing to be intimidated.
- She also insists on a loving and equal marriage, not one focussed on wealth and status.
Men in the novel reflect gender norms, particularly in their greater freedom. Mr. Darcy is free to choose his marriage partner, being wealthy and powerful. Mr. Wickham manipulates women due to their limited choices when he convinces Lydia to run away with him. Meanwhile, Mr. Collins expects women to accept marriage proposals and assumes Elizabeth will accept due to his status.
Jane Austen highlights the imbalance of power between men and women, in which women are often at the mercy of men's decisions. Elizabeth is the heroine because she is intelligent and independent, refusing to settle for an unequal marriage. Austen argues through the protagonist that women have the right to make their own choices rather than being forced to marry for financial security.
Reputation and social expectations
A woman's reputation is crucial to her social standing and prospects in Regency society. Women were harshly judged when their behaviour defied these expectations, which could affect their marriage prospects and their social position. This is emphasised when Elizabeth panics after learning Lydia has eloped with Wickham. She worries the scandal could disgrace the Bennet family - her sisters would likely have been ostracised if Darcy didn't intervene to arrange their marriage:
"She is lost forever; and at such a moment! The humiliation, the misery, she will be exposed to…"
Elizabeth also challenges social expectations. Unlike Lydia, she is not reckless but refuses to bow to societal pressure. For example, Elizabeth walks to Netherfield alone to visit her sister, which was considered improper at the time. Mrs. Bingley mocks her appearance in muddy skirts, but Elizabeth prioritises family and practicality over appearance:
"I shall be very fit to see Jane—which is all I want."
There is a double standard in the actions of men in the novel. Mr. Wickham is a liar and a gambler but is not shunned by society. Meanwhile, the initial pride Mr. Darcy displays doesn't harm his social standing, unlike the consequences women like Elizabeth and Lydia face for their actions.
Family and duty
Many of the expectations placed on characters in the novel - particularly female - are driven by a sense of family duty. Austen explores the extent to how familial influence both supports and limits personal happiness. For example, Mrs. Bennet sees it as her duty to find wealthy husbands for her daughters. She is obsessed with marriage because she knows her daughter's financial stability depends on marrying well, with the Bennet estate entailed to the Bennet's closest male relative, Mr. Collins:
"If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield, and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for."
Unfortunately, Mrs. Bennet displays a lack of tact and desperation. Ironically, this embarrasses her daughters and makes it harder for them to find suitors. Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet is disengaged from his responsibilities as a father. Despite his intelligence, he fails to guide his daughters, in particular, to prevent Lydia's reckless behaviour. His lack of responsibility puts his family's future at risk, as shown here in this moment of self-reflection:
"Let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough."
Austen also explores the contrasting relationships between the siblings. Elizabeth and Jane support each other, with Jane encouraging Elizabeth to see the good in people, while Elizabeth protects Jane from disappointment. Meanwhile, Lydia and Kitty are equally reckless, with Lydia leading Kitty into foolishness. Mr. Darcy protects his sister Georgiana, whom he shields from Wickham's attempted seduction.
Austen suggests that family influence is important, but you should be mindful of following duty without considering personal happiness. Individuals also have to make their own choices rather than just social duty:
- Elizabeth refuses to marry for convenience. She still cares for her family and manages to balance duty and independence.
- Lydia represents the dangers of disregarding your responsibilities. Her elopement damages her entire family and would have affected her sister's prospects if Darcy had not intervened.
- Darcy earns Elizabeth's affection with his sense of duty. He redeems his character by saving Lydia's reputation and arranging her marriage.
Integrity and personal growth
Austen explores the importance of integrity and personal growth, with characters overcoming their flaws to achieve happiness.
Elizabeth prides herself on her judgment of character. However, she is quick to form opinions, as seen in her initial dislike of Mr. Darcy due to his outward arrogance and willingness to accept Wickham's lies. She realises her mistake when she reads Darcy's letter and can reflect on her flaws and change:
"Till this moment, I never knew myself."
Darcy is presented as full of pride about his wealth and status. He assumes Elizabeth will accept his proposal despite his rudeness. Her rejection forces him to reflect on his behaviour. He strives to improve himself and helps the Bennet family when Lydia elopes. He also treats Elizabeth with genuine respect. When he next proposes, he shows his personal growth when he makes it clear his love for Elizabeth is based on admiration and equality:
"My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever."
Not all characters show growth in the novel. Mr. Collins remains oblivious and pompous in his desire to seek social validation. Lady Catherine clings to her class prejudices, while Wickham manipulates people for financial gain.
Austen uses the contrast of characters who grow with those who don't to reinforce that self-awareness and integrity lead to personal happiness. For example, the happy ending of Elizabeth and Darcy is only possible because they recognise their flaws and change. Meanwhile, characters who lack integrity, like Wickham and Lydia, face an uncertain and unstable future.
Conclusion - Pride and Prejudice themes
The themes in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice are timeless and remain relevant today, from love and social class to personal integrity. Darcy and Elizabeth's journey stresses the importance of self-awareness, strong values and overcoming societal expectations.
For further reading, we recommend learning more about the historical context of Pride and Prejudice from Chicago Public Library. This article by Wentworth Woodhouse explores the Regency era in England. You may also want to attempt an AQA Past Paper on Pride and Prejudice.
If you want further guidance, TeachTutti has GCSE English Literature tutors who are qualified and DBS-checked. Lessons can be online or in-person.
This post was updated on 30 Nov, -0001.
