Pride and prejudice lie in every human being be it consciously or unconsciously.

In other words, these two words usually roam in ones mind when they judge. It is either they keep it to themselves or they tell it to others that makes the different. This is where stereotyping, hasty decisions and judgments occur which eventually leads to misunderstanding and disagreement due to each others pride of not giving in. Jane Austen, born in 1775, author of the novel, Pride and Prejudice shrewdly exemplifies pride and prejudice that have been in the society for an elongated period of time. The novel is initially called First Impressions, but changed to Pride and Prejudice later because the novel is concerned with the effects of the characters first impressions, which is prejudice which Austen found more appropriate. The main intention of Austens lampoon in the novel was mercenary, the sole motivation by desire for material gain and the ignorance of the people, a common criticism of the 18th century, in which the author was brought up in. This essay will discuss pride and prejudice as the main themes of the novel and how the author exemplifies them in the novel.

The first theme of this novel is pride. Pride, being the title of the novel means that this particular word brings significant meaning throughout the novel. Austen knows that readers would see that pride infuses each character, but the way Austen scorns pride in this novel really makes readers think. For example, as said in the words of Mary at the beginning of the novel, "human nature is particularly prone to [pride]" (Volume I, Chapter 5) shows that nobody is exempted from this trait. In the novel, pride averts the characters from seeing the truth in a situation and from attaining happiness in life. Pride is one of the main barriers that separates Darcy and Elizabeth from being together. For instance, when Darcy spokes to Elizabeth after she knew from Colonel Fitzwilliam that Darcy is the one responsible for separating Jane and Bingley, Darcy said, "I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success. Towards him I have been kinder than towards myself", it angers Elizabeth even more because she thinks that it is solely because of her family status that Darcy wants to prohibit any sort of engagement between Bingley and Jane. Here, it shows that these two characters, Darcy and Elizabeth have pride in them, which eventually fail their marriage for the first time. From my point of view as a reader, to say that both of them ought to lower their pride, listens to each others explanation, knows each others real intention, and things may have been better. This is why I believe that Austen has made a good job scorning pride in the novel.

Another main theme of the novel is prejudice. Prejudice can be associated with stereotyping and pride. Due to pride, prejudice occurs because one thinks too highly of himself. In the novel, the author exemplifies this strongly in a character, which is Lady

Catherine De Bourgh. She is the aunt of Darcy and the patron of Mr. Collins. She is quite proud and does not let other characters forget their inferior rank. She is shocked by the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy, but her attempts to ensure that they are never married only serve to bring them together. She is never an amiable person because of her prejudice against the lower ranks of society. When she confronts Elizabeth after knowing that Darcy might marry Elizabeth, she says, "If he had been wavering before, as to what he should do, which had often seemed likely, the advice and entreaty of so near a relation might settle every doubt, and determine him at once to be as happy, as dignity unblemished could make him". Therefore, Elizabeth is worried that she might again bring the inferiority of Elizabeths family to Darcys mind and make him change his mind instead and turn him against her for sure. For Lady Catherine, Darcy is not easily swayed. In fact, Lady Catherines attempts to draw Darcy and Elizabeth apart only unite them together at last because Darcy confronts Elizabeth the second time to seek amends on what her aunt has done and asked Elizabeth for the second time for her hand in marriage. This also shows that prejudice can be easily discarded for the better. For example, upon reading Darcys letter explaining Wickhams swindle, Darcys initial thought that Jane is only interested in Bingley of his wealth which is proven wrong, Elizabeth says, "How despicably have I acted!' she cried. - 'I, who have prided myself on my discernment! - I, who have valued myself on my abilities!.". She has realised that she has no reason to despise him as she has blindly believed to what Wickham has accused Darcy of. In my opinion based on restricted resources, I believe that Austen tried to emphasise that prejudice usually leads to hasty judgment but she creates a twist of events based on prejudice that serves as a bridge to a better judgment of others making this novel appealing through the unique exemplification of prejudice.. Pride and prejudice lurk in every mans life. There is no escape for anybody. But, what is Austen trying to say? Are pride and prejudice bad habits that will always interfere personal affairs? Yes, but it is not recent, plenty of cautions are given due to these social attitudes found in the worlds religious teachings. How pride might cloud our judgment, it makes us decide hastily. How prejudice usually ends up in misunderstandings. Austen knows that these habits will forever reign in life. However, by reading this book, how she exemplifies each habit and their respective consequences reach out to people. People will think before they talk or judge. She demonstrates prejudice and pride not only through her characters, but also by the society itself, where women are to behave in certain manner. Accomplished women of the 18th century are the one who that can sew, play excellent piano and etcetera. She is trying to break the norm by her character, Elizabeth, where every woman is special in their own way besides achieving happiness only through marriage.

However, I wonder whether she does not believe in the marriage institution because she herself never gets married.

(1075 WORDS)