Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenThe title of the novel Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, can
be interpreted as a theme running through the novel. Pride, observed
Mary, . . . is a very common failing, I believe. By all that I have
ever read, I am convinced that it is very common indeed, that human
nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us
who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some
quality or another, real or imaginary. Vanity and pride are different
things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be
proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of
ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us. Pride
and/or vanity is exhibited in different forms by each character.
Ms. Austen was trying to send the message that an excess of pride or
vanity is indeed a failing. Those characters who can recognize their
flaw emerge as the true heroes of the story.
In many minor characters of the novel, pride is a common
characteristic. Mrs. Bennet, for instance, is extremely proud when it
comes to her daughters marriages of mercenary advantage. She is so
concerned that her neighbors have a high opinion of her that her own
vanity will not even allow her to think of her daughters love and
happiness. This is best shown with the case of Elizabeth Bennet s
proposed marriage to the esteemed Mr. Collins, a man she did not love.
Mrs. Bennet was so upset when her daughter refused Mr. Collins offer
that she would not speak to her for passing up such an opportunity.
We can see an example of pride for imaginary qualities in Mary
Bennet who was herself the speaker of this passage. To the
embarrassment of her family, Mary would take every chance she could to
put on a show whenever in a public situation. Although she was not
talented in any of the activities she decided to undertake, her high
opinion of herself and her desire to esteem herself in the eyes of
others enabled her to display her supposed talents.
Mr. Collins possesses a definite sense of vanity. He is in no
way concerned about his own opinion of his character, for as we
see his character leaves much to be desired. All...
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