Pride & Prejudice: Characters

Key Characters in Pride and Prejudice

1. Elizabeth Bennet
2. Mr Darcy
3. Jane Bennet
4. Mr Bingley
5. Mr Bennet
6. Mrs Bennet
7. Lydia Bennet
8. Mr Collins
9. Lady Catherine de Bourgh

Elizabeth Bennet

Quote: "There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well."

Analysis: Elizabeth's sharp wit and critical nature are clear here. Austen uses her to challenge societal norms, especially around marriage and class. Elizabeth values genuine connections over appearances, reflecting her independent spirit. The word "few" highlights her discerning nature, setting the tone for the novel's exploration of integrity and personal choice.

Quote: "Till this moment I never knew myself."

Analysis: This quote marks Elizabeth's realisation of her own biases, especially toward Darcy. Austen uses this to show Elizabeth's growth in self-awareness, which is key to the novel. This moment is crucial as it leads her to understand Darcy and highlights the importance of personal growth in forming meaningful relationships.

Mr Darcy

Quote: "My good opinion once lost, is lost forever."

Analysis: Darcy's pride and sense of superiority are evident here, reflecting his high standards. Austen uses Darcy to explore themes of pride and social class, showing how first impressions can be misleading. The word "forever" suggests rigidity, but Darcy's later change reveals his capacity for growth, underscoring the novel's message that true nobility is about character, not status.

Quote: "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

Analysis: This is a turning point in Darcy's relationship with Elizabeth, where he expresses his deep feelings. Austen uses this to reveal Darcy's passionate heart beneath his reserved exterior. The word "ardently" emphasises the intensity of his emotions, challenging Elizabeth's previous judgments and leading her to reflect on her own feelings.

Jane Bennet

Quote: "To take the good of everybody's character and make it still better."

Analysis: Jane's gentle nature is evident here, showing her tendency to see the best in others. Austen uses Jane to contrast with Elizabeth's more critical view, highlighting the different ways women navigate society. Jane's optimism is a strength, but also a vulnerability, as it leaves her open to being taken advantage of.

Quote: "I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!"

Analysis: Jane's joy at her engagement reflects her romantic and idealistic nature. Austen uses this to emphasise the novel's focus on love and the importance of mutual affection in marriage. The word "fortunate" underscores Jane's belief in true happiness through genuine love, contrasting with more pragmatic views on marriage.

Mr Bingley

Quote: "But with such a father and mother... I am afraid there is no chance of it."

Analysis: Bingley's hesitation reflects his susceptibility to others' opinions, especially Darcy's. Austen uses this to explore social class and the impact of societal expectations on relationships. Bingley's uncertainty highlights the pressures of conforming to social norms, showing his internal conflict between his feelings for Jane and the expectations placed upon him.

Quote: "Whatever I do is done in a hurry."

Analysis: Bingley's impulsive nature is captured here, reflecting his easy-going yet indecisive character. Austen contrasts Bingley's spontaneity with Darcy's more measured approach, highlighting different approaches to decision-making. This spontaneity is charming but also shows his susceptibility to external influences.

Mr Bennet

Quote: "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours?"

Analysis: Mr Bennet's sarcasm reflects his cynical view of society. Austen uses him to highlight flaws in the social structure, particularly how people are preoccupied with appearances. His wit is entertaining, but it also reveals his detachment from family concerns, particularly his daughters' futures.

Quote: "Your nerves... I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years."

Analysis: Mr Bennet's teasing of Mrs Bennet shows his playful yet dismissive attitude towards her worries. Austen uses this to reveal the dynamic in their marriage, where Mr Bennet often retreats into humour instead of addressing serious issues. His sarcasm highlights his tendency to distance himself from family matters.

Mrs Bennet

Quote: "You have no compassion for my poor nerves."

Analysis: Mrs Bennet's frequent complaints about her nerves reflect her anxious response to the pressures of securing good marriages for her daughters. Austen uses her to mock the social expectations placed on women, particularly the obsession with marriage. Her exaggerated concern for her nerves highlights the novel's critique of these societal pressures.

Quote: "The business of her life was to get her daughters married."

Analysis: This quote encapsulates Mrs Bennet's focus on finding husbands for her daughters, reflecting societal pressures. Austen uses Mrs Bennet to show how women's lives were centered around marriage and social status. While her concerns seem trivial, they highlight the limited opportunities available to women.

Lydia Bennet

Quote: "What a good joke it will be!"

Analysis: Lydia's flippant attitude towards serious matters reflects her immaturity. Austen uses Lydia to explore the consequences of reckless behaviour and a lack of guidance. The word "joke" highlights her failure to grasp the seriousness of her actions, contrasting with the more responsible attitudes of her sisters.

Quote: "I take your place now... because I am a married woman."

Analysis: Lydia's boastful remark reveals her shallow understanding of marriage and social status. Austen uses this to critique the idea that marriage elevates one's social standing, regardless of the circumstances. Lydia's belief in her newfound superiority highlights her immaturity and lack of understanding of what truly matters.

Mr Collins

Quote: "My reasons for marrying are... to set the example of matrimony in his parish."

Analysis: Mr Collins's proposal to Elizabeth is based on duty, not love, reflecting his view of marriage as a social obligation. Austen uses him to satirise the idea of marriage as a formality rather than a union based on mutual respect. His pompous attitude highlights the absurdity of such views, critiquing the social pressures that lead to such matches.

Quote: "I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer."

Analysis: Mr Collins's response to Elizabeth's rejection reveals his arrogance and lack of self-awareness. Austen uses this to further satirise his character, showing how out of touch he is with others' feelings. His presumption that Elizabeth will change her mind reflects his inflated sense of importance and highlights the theme of pride.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh

Quote: "I am most seriously displeased."

Analysis: Lady Catherine's disapproval of Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship reflects her sense of entitlement and class superiority. Austen uses Lady Catherine to critique rigid class structures, showing how they often prevent true happiness. Her arrogance and domineering nature highlight the negative effects of excessive pride and the importance of challenging unjust social norms.

Quote: "Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?"

Analysis: Lady Catherine's outrage at Elizabeth marrying Darcy reveals her deep-seated prejudice. Austen uses this to expose the irrationality of class discrimination, as Lady Catherine views Elizabeth as unworthy simply because of her lower status. This quote underscores the novel's critique of class distinctions that prevent genuine connections.