Pride and Prejudice Notes

Volume I

Indirect/direct characterization

Mr. Bennet= “odd a mixture of quick parts” has the ability to look past pretenses; quiet; sarcastic

Mrs. Bennet= “mean understanding/ uncertain temper” superficial; places status/wealth above happiness

Jane= shies away from conflict; chooses blissful ignorance over cruel reality

Lizzy= opinionated and observant; different and refreshing *favorite of fathers*

-Pride introduced early as a conflicting topic (first seen in the ball)

-Debate whether it is good or bad (earned)

- Does pride always characterize one as being vain and pretentious?

-Will humility perhaps seem even more offensive than pride when dealing with people of status?

-Individuals revolve around importance of ones connections, status, and wealth

-Sole purpose of the woman is to be well married and financially secure; happiness is not seen as important

-Jane’s cautious approach towards her feelings of Mr. Bingley portray her sensitive nature and innocent heart

-Elizabeth sees past pretenses of the Bingley sisters and senses guarded dislike

-Mrs. Bennet acts irrationally when worries of her daughter’s future take hold of her (sending Jane when it was about to rain)

-In the race for partners, estates, and wealth many seem to forget about the true essence of love and happiness

-Mr. Darcy willfully chooses not to participate fully in social events despite knowing that his reputation is being damaged as a consequence

-Guarded; prideful; “rude”; quiet (complete opposite of Mr. Bingley)

- Attracted to the strong clashing character of Lizzy

-Bingley sisters seen as elegant and respectable however in reality are quite manipulative and cunning

-Base everything on status, accomplishments, and connections

-Deprive their brother of his happiness b/c they feel they know what is more beneficial for him

-They will object to anything that does not personally benefit them

-Lizzy seems eager to accept any news concerning Mr. Darcy, especially if it taints his name even further

-Accepting information without proof and credibility can be disastrous

- Only Jane’s reasoning keeps Lizzy from fully believing Whickham

-Proposal incident with Lizzy and Mr. Collins is a pivotal moment= sets Lizzy apart from everyone else

-Lizzy understands the superficiality of the proposal and knows she cannot possibly be happy with him (mother viewed this decision as preposterous)

-Mr. Collins states his reasons were to secure the estate for the family however his main purpose was to please De Bourgh with a wife

-Gives an example of how marriages were carried about in those times

-Bingley’s leave to London all of a sudden, Lizzy suspects it is the sisters’ doing

Volume II

-Miss Bingley’s letter concerning Mr. Bingley symbolizes the powerful influence words can have; the seed of doubt is now planted in Jane

-Lizzy attempts to reassure Jane of his love and of his sisters’ evildoing but Jane chooses willful ignorance; would rather suffer from a lie than have a negative opinion of somebody

-Mrs. Gardiners caution to Elizabeth of Wickham= foreshadowing

-Letter makes a reference to Lizzy’s resolution and sense

-Jane finally sees Ms. Bingley for who she really is and realizes that the truth will always triumph no matter how much time passes

-Another case is presented in which the influence of money and status wins again (Wickham dumps Lizzy for another girl)

-Lizzy however sees it as a natural and normal occurrence and takes no offense (Kitty/Lydia do)

-Charlotte marries Mr. Collins not b/c of love but b/c of “necessity”

-Lady Catherine introduced as imposing, strong woman; Ms. DeBourgh as pale and sickly

-Truth is exposed about Mr. Darcy, Whickham, and Mr. Bingley a little too late for Jane has already rejected Darcy

-Goes to show that her prejudice has led to a great injustice towards Darcy, Lizzy horrified of the truth

-Darcy seemed almost certain of her answer and this in itself also added to Lizzy’s previous anger

-Lydia’s behavior negatively affects the Bennet family and serves to give her a bad reputation

Volume III

-Fate decides to bring Lizzy and Darcy back together; Darcy seems a whole different person: kind, caring, giving

-His treatment of the Gardiners especially serves to show Lizzy his transformation and to prove her past beliefs false

-Against her own will Lizzy starts to fall in love with Darcy

-Lydia's immature and selfish nature causes her to elope and move away with Wickham, brings much grief to the Bennet’s

-This disgrace serves to stain the Bennet reputation and produces many condolences from other families

-Lydia’s ignorance allows her to return unashamed and excessively joyful; Lizzy feels confused especially after hearing that Darcy had brought the solution to the scandal

-In the end nothing could impede Mr. Bingley coming back for Jane and Mr. Darcy coming for Lizzy (not even the imposing aunt)

Themes

-The bonds of society are no nearly strong enough to restrain the sentiments of the heart

-Pride is not always a negative trait however prejudice often leads to trouble

-Women have not always had the freedom to choose their own happiness

-Money has the great power of governing people and their desires

Vocabulary

Éclat- social distinction or conspicuous success

Nettle- irritate or annoy

Alacrity- cheerful readiness

Connivance- tacit encouragement or assent to another’s wrongdoing