Pride and Prejudice

Objective Type Questions

 

Where did the Bennet family live? *

Meryton

London

Pemberley

@ Long bourn

 

 

Who were the neighbours of the Bennet family? *

The Gardiner Family

© The Lucas Family

The Philips Family

The Darcy Family

 

Who was to inherit Mr. Bennet's property? *

Wickham

@ Mr. Collins

Elizabeth

 

What was Mr. Darcy's first remark about Elizabeth? *

She was very intelligent and graceful

She was not very impressive

© She was tolerable but not very beautiful

 

How would you describe Mr. Bennet? *

A Foolish Man

@ Philosopher and a Man of Books

Corrupt and Selfish

Full of Pride

 

How would you describe Mrs. Bennet? *

Intelligent and Philosophical

Very Graceful and Impressive Lady

® Weak of Understanding and had Vulgar Tastes

Snebbish

 

What were Elizabeth’s most notable virtues? *

@ Her intelligence and quick wit

Her generosity and sympathetic heart

Her curiosity and sense of style

Her maturity and deferential disposition

 

Who was the spoilt child of the Bennet family? *

© Lydia

Jane

Elizabeth

Mary

Kitty

 

_____was embodied in Darcy. *

Selfishness

@ Pride

Humility

Shyness

 

Prejudice is the trait of *

© Elizabeth

Charlotte

Miss Bingley

 

A Novel by Jane Austen

 

Introduction

 

It is a romantic novel by Jane Austen, published anonymously in three volumes in 1813. It is considered a classic of English literature. Jane Austen has beautifully described the different characters. It revolves around the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner.

 

Summary

 

'Pride and Prejudice' is set in rural England in the early nineteenth century. It is about the Bennet family which includes five very different sisters - Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Mrs. Bennet is anxious to see all her daughters married. As the Bennets have no son, their modest family estate is to be inherited by William Collins when Mr. Bennet dies.

 

At the ball in Meryton, the wealthy and newly arrived Charles Bingley takes an immediate interest in the eldest Bennet daughter, the beautiful and shy Jane. The very first meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy is not very cordial. Although they do get attracted towards each other but Pride and Prejudice comes between them. Pride of rank and fortune holds Darcy aloof. He tries his best to check his love for a socially inferior Elizabeth as she does not belong to a wealthy family. Similarly, Elizabeth is equally fired by the prejudice against Darcy's snobbery. She is unable to judge him objectively.

 

 

The pompous Mr. Collins subsequently arrives, hoping to marry one of the Bennet sisters. He proposes Elizabeth. But she refuses his offer of marriage. Then he gets engaged to her friend Charlotte Lucas. During this time, Elizabeth encounters the charming George Wickham, a military officer. There is a mutual attraction between the two. Wickham misinforms Elizabeth that Darcy has denied him his inheritance.

 

Elizabeth starts disliking Darcy when Bingley abruptly departs for London. She feels that Darcy is coming in between Jane and Bingley. She thinks that Darcy is discouraging Bingley's relationship with Jane. But Darcy is now getting highly impressed with Elizabeth's intelligence and liveliness. When Elizabeth visits the newly married Charlotte, she sees Darcy. Darcy professes his love for her and proposes her. Elizabeth gets surprised and refuses his proposal. When Darcy demands explanation, she accuses him of breaking up Jane and Bingley. Darcy writes a letter to Elizabeth and explains that he tried to separate the couple because he felt that Jane was not returning Bingley's affection. He also discloses that Wickham, the son of his late father’s steward, squandered (wasted) his inheritance and tried to marry Darcy's then fifteen year old sister, Georgiana. He tried to do that because he wanted to gain possession of her fortune. When Elizabeth comes to know all of this, she begins to see Darcy in a new light.

 

Shortly after that the youngest Bennet sister, the spoilt child of the family, Lydia, elopes with Wickham, Elizabeth gets alarmed as this scandalous affair could ruin the reputation of the other Bennet sisters. When she informs Darcy about this, he persuades Wickham to marry Lydia. He also offers him money. Later when Elizabeth learns of his actions, she begins to love him sincerely.

 

At the encouragement of Darcy, Bingley subsequently returns and gets engaged to Jane. Finally Darcy proposes again to Elizabeth. This time she accepts his proposal.

 

The Bennet Family, Their Relations and Their Neighbours

 

The Bennet family plays a central role in the novel Pride And Prejudice. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, their five daughters-Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine and Lydia. They lived at Long bourn near Nether field Park. The family belonged to a society where marriage was the only possible future for a young girl of a good family. None of the daughters were married at the beginning of the novel. So the sole business of Mrs. Bennet’s life was to get her daughters married.

 

Mr Bennet was the head of the family. He was captivated by the beauty and youth of Mrs. Bennet and married her. But her weak understanding and illiberal mind put an end to any real affection for her. Mr. Bennet’s property consisted almost entirely in an estate of two thousand a year. Mrs. Bennet‘s father was an attorney in Meryton. He had left her four thousand pounds. They did not save any money. The family had five daughters and no money.

 

The eldest daughter Jane was very modest and sweet-natured. Elizabeth, the heroine of the novel, was intelligent and high-spirited. She shared her father's distaste for the conventional views of society. She did not give much importance to wealth and rank. She was the favourite of her father. The third daughter, Mary was plain, bookish and pompous. Lydia and Kitty, the two youngest ones, were flighty and immature girls. Lydia was the spoilt child of the family. She was the favourite child of her silly and thoughtless mother.

 

The other members of the family were Mrs. Bennet’s brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Gardener and her younger sister Mrs. Philips. Mrs. Philip married Mr. Philip who had been her father’s clerk and later succeeded in his business at Meryton. The village of Long bourn was only a mile away from Meryton. So the young ladies, particularly Catherine and Lydia, used to go there frequently. Mr. William Collins was Mr. Bennet’s second cousin. He was very pompous and foolish. As Mr. Bennet had no male heir, his property was entailed to him.

 

Some families lived in the neighbourhood of Long bourn. The Bennets had very close relations with the Lucases. They had many children. Their eldest daughter Charlotte was a sensible young lady of twenty seven. Elizabeth was very close to her.

 

The Ball at Nether field Park

 

The ball was hosted by Mr. Bingley at the Nether field Park. All the Bennet sisters were eager to be part of it, Elizabeth perhaps the most of all. After her mutual flirtation with Wickham, she was confident that she could win him over completely at the dance. She was dressed to kill, but felt disappointed to discover that Wickham was absent. She blamed Darcy for making him uncomfortable enough to avoid coming.

 

But Elizabeth did not brood for long. She had a lively spirit. And when Mr. Collins insisted on dancing with her, she agreed and danced twice with him even though she did not like him much. Her third dance was with an officer. Later, when Elizabeth was chatting with Charlotte, Darcy came there and asked her for a dance. She got so surprised that she agreed to it without thinking.

 

As they were dancing, Sir William interrupted them and hinted at the anticipated engagement between Jane and Bingley. Darcy seemed troubled by this, but was distracted when Elizabeth raised the subject of Wickham. They discussed Wickham tensely and ended their dance feeling angry and dissatisfied.

 

At dinner, Elizabeth was embarrassed by her mother's never ending chatter with Lady Lucas about Jane and Bingley’s engagement. She noticed that Darcy could hear her mother's loud whispers and failed to convince her mother to change the subject. After dinner, Elizabeth's sense of humiliation grew as her parents and all of her sisters except Jane acted foolishly and without restraint. Mr. Collins added to her misery by continuing to hover near her, causing Elizabeth to be grateful when Charlotte engaged him in conversation.

 

And when the time came for the guests to leave, Mrs. Bennet tried her best to prolong the talk with the Bingleys. It further embarrassed Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet left the ball satisfied when Mr. Bingley promised and assured her that he would visit her family after returning from London.

 

Character-Sketch of Elizabeth

 

Elizabeth Bennet, the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, is the second-eldest Bennet daughter. She has been described as a beautiful woman with expressive eyes. She is intelligent, spirited, and opinionated. Elizabeth is her father's favourite child and her mother's least favourite. She shares her father’s distaste for the conventional views of society. She does not give much importance to wealth and rank. She is especially closest to her older sister, Jane.

 

Elizabeth's sparkling and witty mind brings on Lady Catherine's disapproval and Darcy's admiration. Others love listening to her. Because of her exceptional powers of observation, Elizabeth's sense of the difference between the wise and foolish is very good. When her father permits Lydia to go to Brighton, he fails to perceive any danger. But Elizabeth alone is clear- sighted enough to warn him seriously against this unwise step. Later events show how far she was justified in her fears.

 

When Elizabeth meets Darcy for the first time at the ball, he remarks “tolerable. But not handsome enough to tempt me,” This hurts her pride and makes her prejudiced against him. Elizabeth is often judgmental, and although she does not truly know Mr. Darcy, she almost immediately judges his character as haughty and proud. Although Elizabeth is prone to prejudice,

she is also open and kind to those who are kind to her. Due to her bad first impression of Darcy, Elizabeth is quick to believe Wickham’s lies about Mr. Darcy’s awful treatment of him. Meanwhile, each chance meeting between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy increases Mr. Darcy’s affections for Elizabeth and deepens Elizabeth’s dislike of Mr. Darcy. So when Darcy proposes her, she is quick to reject his proposal.

 

She is not faultless. Her main fault is her prejudice. As Darcy is Pride, so Elizabeth is the Prejudice of the book’s title. She may see and judge for herself, but often these judgements are based on appearance rather than reality. She is willing to learn, when she comes to know about the reality of Wickham’s wickedness, she feels ashamed of her conduct towards Darcy. She never crosses the limits of decency. She had self-respect and never lowers her ethical standards.

 

Character-Sketch of Darcy

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a shy, wealthy, and aristocratic landowner of Pemberley. He is initially perceived as cold, haughty, and prideful because of his socially awkward nature. Mr. Darcy is judgmental towards those belonging to lower class. When his good friend Mr. Bingley buys an estate in the countryside near Meryton, Mr. Darcy acts as though he can’t stand the local people. During the ball at Nether field Park, hosted by Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy claims “any savage can dance,” showing his contempt for the whole affair.

 

Mr. Darcy becomes attracted to Elizabeth Bennet in spite of her lower social position. He is repulsed by Elizabeth’s family and their loud nature. He tries to fight his feelings for her. As a result, he behaves coldly and unkindly towards Elizabeth which damages her opinion of him. Mr. Darcy convinces Mr. Bingley to leave the countryside and to stop courting Jane Bennet, as he feels that it is a bad match. He misunderstands Jane’s mild and reserve nature and thinks that she does not love Bingley. Mr. Darcy feels grateful to leave Nether field, for he worries that spending any more time near Elizabeth would only cause him to like her more.

 

When Mr. Darcy sees Elizabeth again near Rosings, the estate of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, he realizes that he loves Elizabeth. He proposes her in a very haughty manner which insults Elizabeth and her family’s social status. She instantly refuses him. Her rejection of his proposal builds humility in him. Darcy demonstrates his continued devotion to Elizabeth, in spite of his distaste for her low connections. Later he also rescues Lydia and the entire Bennet family from disgrace. He goes against the wishes of his haughty aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by continuing to pursue Elizabeth. Darcy proves himself worthy of Elizabeth, and she ends up repenting her earlier, overly harsh judgment of him.

 

In the end, we find Darcy as a totally changed person. He learns to be polite, sympathetic and unselfish under the influence of his love for Elizabeth. He sacrifices his own pride and is willing to marry into a family with three silly daughters, an embarrassing mother, and Wickham as a brother- in-law. He becomes more easygoing about other people's faults because he is now aware of his own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

JANE AUSTEN

 

• JANE AUSTEN (1775-1817) was born in Steventon, Hampshire, where her father was a rector. She was the second daughter and seventh child in a family of eight.

• Jane was mostly tutored at home. She never married, but her social life was active.

• Jane Austen started to write for family amusement as a child. Jane Austen's father supported h s daughter’s writing aspirations and tried to help her get a publisher.

• Austen’s plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favorable social standing and economic security.

 

Jane Austen’s Major Works

 

Sense and Sensibility (1811)

Pride and Prejudice (1813)

Mansfield Park (1814)

Emma (1816)

Northanger Abbey (1818)

Persuasion (1818)

 

About the Novel

 

 First published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has consistently been Jane Austen’s most popular novel.

 

 The original version of the novel was written in 1796-1797 under the title First Impressions, and was probably in the form of an exchange of letters.

 

 A satirical and social critique on social status and the expectations of women in the 18th century.

 

 About the pride of Darcy and the prejudice of Elizabeth caused by their mutual misunderstanding.

 

Short Note on the Title of the Novel

 

 The title of the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ very aptly indicates the theme of the novel. This novel is about the pride of Darcy and the prejudice of Elizabeth caused by their mutual misunderstanding.

 

 Mr. Darcy embodies pride. His haughty manner at the ball gives people a very bad impression of his personality. He is declared to be ‘the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world’. As he belongs to the upper middle class of the society, he behaves like an aristocrat. He thinks himself socially superior to others. It is his pride that makes him turn down the proposal of dancing with Elizabeth. This proposal was made by Mr. Bingley. In a humiliating tone, he says, “She is not handsome enough to tempt”.

 

 Prejudice is embodied in Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s initial prejudice against Darcy arises from her injured pride. Darcy’s uncharitable remark about her beauty hurts her sentiment. It makes her prejudiced against Darcy. From that evening, she is left with no cordial feeling towards Darcy. Elizabeth is prejudiced in favour of Wickham.

 

Short Note on the Theme of the Novel

 

 But in course of time, they both sacrifice their pride and prejudice. Initially, Darcy feels below his dignity to admit his love for Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s refusal to marry him opened his eyes that social superiority is not everything in life. Consequently, he emerges as a man who has gone through a considerable change.

 

 Elizabeth too gets a new understanding. The letter of Darcy helps her give up her prejudice. She comes to know about the true characters of both Darcy and Wickham.

 

 To sum up, the title is quite appropriate. The two protagonists have been tangling with pride and prejudice throughout the novel.

 

 Jane Austen’s novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is said to be a satirical and social critique on social status and the expectations of women during the 18th century. Throughout the novel, the strong themes of class, prejudice, reputation and husband-hunting are explored.

 

 Pride and prejudice are one of the main themes of the novel. The hero and the heroine have been tangling with pride and prejudice throughout the novel. Darcy is proud of his high social status. He tries to control his love for the woman who is socially inferior to him. Darcy’s uncharitable remark about her beauty makes her prejudiced against him. But in course of time, they sacrifice their pride and prejudice.

 

 During 18th century England, the chief method of self- improvement for women was wealth acquisition through marriage. Throughout the novel, we see the efforts of the ladies either to secure suitable husbands for the daughters or for themselves. Mrs. Bennet is anxious to get suitable matches for her five daughters.

 

 Love is the central theme of the novel. The novel focuses on the different ways in which love may grow or disappear. We see love at first sight (Jane and Bingley), love that grows (Elizabeth and Darcy), and infatuation that fades (Lydia and Wickham) or has faded (Mr. and Mrs. Bennet). It becomes clear that love based on genuine compatibility is ideal. It is not good to marry for the skin deep beauty and the attraction for money.

 

  During 18th century England, a woman’s reputation and femininity were considered very important. Lydia runs away with Wickham. In fact, Lydia’s decision to forego her own reputation threatens the rest of her sisters’ reputations.

 

 Thus, this novel is based on several themes including love, marriage, reputation, class and prejudices.

 

 

A Brief Account of the Elizabeth-Darcy Love Affair

 

 Austen uses her characters to illustrate the social world she depicts. Her characters represents Austen’s ideas on human nature and values.

 

 The novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ primarily focuses on Elizabeth and the progression of her relationship with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. When Mr. Darcy is first introduced in the novel, he is declared to be the ‘proudest, most disagreeable man in the world’. As he belongs to the upper middle class of the society, he behaves like an aristocrat. He thinks himself socially superior to others. It is his pride that makes him turn down Mr. Bingley’s proposal of dancing with Elizabeth. In a humiliating tone, Darcy says, “She is not handsome enough to tempt me.”

 

 Darcy’s uncharitable remark hurts Elizabeth’s sentiments. It makes her prejudiced against Darcy. From that evening, she is left with no cordial feeling towards Darcy. This dislike is deepened when she meets Wickham. He tells Elizabeth a baseless story that he has been ill-treated by Darcy. A Brief Account of the Elizabeth-Darcy Love Affair

 

 In course of time, they both sacrifice their pride and prejudice against each other. Initially, Darcy feels below his dignity to admit his love for Elizabeth. Elizabeth‘s refusal to marry him opens his eyes that social superiority is not everything in life. Elizabeth’s criticism makes Darcy realise his own actions and general behaviour towards others.  Elizabeth does not change her opinion when Charlotte tries to show her the agreeable side of Darcy. Darcy’s letter opens her eyes to the true characters of both Darcy and Wickham. Elizabeth discovers that Darcy is the one who paid all of Wickham’s debts and forced him to marry Lydia. All these things reshape Elizabeth’s knowledge of Darcy’s character and cause her to gradually falls in love with him.

 

A Brief Account Of Lydia’s Elopement With Mr. Wickham

 

 Lydia was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. She was her mother‘s favourite child. She was just like her mother in her manners. Mr. Bennet did not take the responsibility to raise her properly. She was bold, reckless and spoiled. Her sister Catherine was also under her influence. They both were silly and flirtatious. They often flirted with the soldiers who had camped at Meryton.

 

 Lydia became acquainted with Mr. Wickham while he stayed in Hertfordshire. When the regiment shifted from Meryton to Brighton in summer, Lydia feared that she would die of sheer boredom in the absence of the officers. Luckily, Mrs. Forster, wife of the regiment’s commandant, invited her to Brighton. Mr. Bennet allowed her to go to Brighton. Elizabeth knew her sister’s reckless nature. She warned her father against this unwise step.

 

 Later, the Bennet family received a letter from Colonel Forster that Lydia had eloped with Wickham. Mr. Bennet went to London in search of Lydia and Wickham. Mr. Gardiner also tried his best to trace them but failed. Mr. Bennet returned home. Two days after Mr. Bennet’s return from London, the Bennet family received a letter from Mr. Gardner that Wickham and Lydia had been found. Wickham would marry her if the Bennets would guarantee him a small income. Mr. Bennet gladly agreed, deciding that marriage to a scoundrel was better than a ruined reputation.

 

 Mr. Wickham had no intention of marrying Lydia. Lydia was just his temporary fling. He was actually fleeing from the regiment as he had racked up a huge debt that he could not pay. He only agreed to marry her after they were found and Darcy bribed him. It was Darcy who helped Lydia in settling her as the wife of Wickham. Darcy paid off the debts of Wickham and bought for him a commission in the army.

 

Character-sketch of Mr. George Wickham

 

 Mr. George Wickham is the embodiment of pure evil. A seemingly perfect gentleman from a poor family, Wickham turns out to be the Bennet family’s worst nightmare. He is super-charming, really good looking and generally delightful to all the senses. Everyone in Meryton is fooled by his false appearance.

 

 He is first introduced in the novel as an army officer stationed close to Long bourn, where the Bennet family lives. Elizabeth is initially impressed by his civility and kindness towards her sisters.

 

 He is quite villainous. He tells Elizabeth a baseless story that he has been ill-treated by Darcy. In fact, Wickham was given patronage by Darcy’s father-George Darcy. He paid for his education. Wickham’s lack of discipline led him to debts and gambling. He tried to seduce Darcy’s sister, Georgina when she was only fifteen. He did this for two main reasons. First, he was tempted by her wealth. Second, this was to spite Darcy as the latter refused to help him further. Thus, just to malign Darcy’s name, he spreads lies about Darcy in Hertfordshire.

 

 He is a scoundrel to the core. He had no intentions of marrying Lydia. She was just his temporary fling. He was actually fleeing from the regiment as he had racked up a huge debt he could not pay. He only agreed to marry her after they were found and Darcy bribed him. It was Darcy who helped Lydia in settling her as the wife of Wickham. He paid off the debts of Wickham and bought for him a commission in the army.

 

 Thus he proves to be a very selfish and corrupt character.

 

 George plays an important role in the novel. His elopement with Lydia provides Mr. Darcy an opportunity to show his nobility. He is able to win the heart of Elizabeth who had a strong prejudice against him.

 

Character-sketch of Mr. Bennet

 

 Mr. Bennet is the head of the Bennet family. He lives at Long bourn, located in Hertfordshire near the imaginary town of Meryton. He is intelligent but sarcastic and eccentric person. He is married to Mrs. Bennet and they have five daughters- Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Katherine and Lydia. He is fond of his two oldest daughters. Elizabeth definitely is her father‘s favourite child as their personalities are very similar. He scorns the rest of the family. He married Mrs. Bennet for her beauty but soon got disappointed because she was of weak understanding and had vulgar tastes.

 

 He does not care for the society conventions and mocks at his wife’s obsession with finding suitable husbands for their daughters. He is fond of books. He appears to be the happiest when left alone. He is one of the least mobile characters in the novel. All characters are active, visiting neighbours or going on trips but Mr. Bennet is rarely seen outside of his library

 

 He does not behave like a responsible man. As he has no male heir, his estate is entailed to William Collins who is his distant cousin. He has saved no money. He has not bothered to make any plans or provisions for the family after his death.

 

 Detached from his family, he has been proved a weak father. At critical moments, he fails his family. He takes an unwise step of giving permission to Lydia to visit Brighton. When Lydia elopes with Wickham, he proves largely ineffective. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Darcy have to trace her and rectify the situation.

 

 Thus, Mr. Bennet is an indifferent husband and irresponsible father who chooses to mock at the weaknesses of others rather than addressing his own problems.

 

 Mrs. Bennet is a middle aged woman. She is the wife of Mr. Bennet. She has five daughters-Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Katherine and Lydia. She has two siblings-Mrs. Philips and Mr. Gardner. His father had been an attorney in Meryton. He left her a settlement and dowry of four thousand pounds. This amount proved insufficient as they never practised economy. They have no male heir and their estate is entailed to Mr. Bennet’s distant cousin-Mr. William Collins.

 

 In her youth, Mrs. Bennet had been a beautiful woman. Her beauty charmed Mr. Bennet. After marriage, Mrs. Bennet never got her husband’s true affection. Mrs. Bennet is described as a woman of mean understanding, little information and uncertain temper. She fancies herself nervous when she is discontented. Her sole purpose in life is to marry off her daughters to wealthy men. Mrs. Bennet is concerned with security rather than happiness. Her own marriage reflects it as she is married to a man she cannot understand and who treats her with no respect.

 

 When she is unsuccessful in finding good matches for her daughters, she finds solace in visiting her neighbours and gossiping. She openly favours Jane and Lydia over her other daughters because of their beauty and Lydia’s buoyant nature. She is such a stupid woman that she feels happy at Lydia’s return after having eloped with Mr. Wickham.

 

 Mrs. Bennet is not much improved by the marriages of her daughters. She continues to entertain her husband with her silly behaviour.

 

 Thus, Mrs. Bennet is a woman of little sense and much self- pity. In the end, Mrs. Bennet proves to be an unattractive character.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pride and Prejudice-3

 

CHARACTER-SKETCH OF MR. CHARLES BINGLEY

 

• Mr. Charles Bingley is one of the main characters in the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’. He is good looking and handsome with a pleasant countenance. He is an eligible wealthy young man who falls in love with Jane Bennet and marries her. He is a true gentleman with easy, unaffected manners. His pleasant manners attract everybody. He never tries to impress others with an appearance of greater importance than is actually possessed. So he is liked by all.

 

• Mr. Bingley is a close friend of Darcy. In physical appearance, he is shorter than Darcy. His eager friendliness contrasts with Darcy’s stiff pride. He is open and genuine. He tries to avoid conflicts. He is a modest person but not as clever and wise as Darcy.

 

• In many ways, Mr. Bingley seems like the ideal man. However, he is easily influenced by his family and friends, especially by his close friend Mr. Darcy. He relies on others to make decisions for him. He does not have a strong will. For example, although he loves Jane, Mr. Darcy and his sister are able to convince him to leave Nether field Park.

 

• He is a static character who does not change during the course of the novel. For example, he likes Jane from the beginning and continues to like and love her throughout the novel. His love for Jane is sincere but lacks strength.

 

• In the end, we can say that Mr. Bingley is an easy- going person who goes through life liking everybody and everything.

 

Character-sketch of Jane Bennet

 

• Jane Bennet is one of the main characters in the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’. She is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. She is the prettiest one of all the Bennet girls. Her father admires her for her good sense and judgement. Her mother loves her for her beauty and docility. Elizabeth is also very fond of her. She is the favourite of the Gardiners. She attracts admirers wherever she goes. Mr. Bingley, her future husband, is instantly struck by her angelic serenity.

 

• Jane Bennet is cheerful and friendly. She is always ready to think the best of others. She sees the world through rose- coloured glasses. She is a striking contrast to her sister Elizabeth. She never has any prejudice against anyone.

 

• Jane is incapable of hatred or suspicion. She is aware that Miss Bingley is mean towards her. But she refuses to hate her. Even when Wickham elopes with her younger sister Lydia, she does not suspect his intentions. She thinks that it is done out of love and he will marry her sister.

 

• Jane is a very sincere girl. She is devoted to Mr. Bingley and never has any grudge against him. She falls in love with Mr. Bingley but is cautious about revealing the depth of her feelings for him. She keeps her love hidden from the world.

 

• Her shy and generally docile nature leads Darcy to think her as indifferent to Mr. Bingley. Therefore, he advises Bingley not to marry her. Darcy feels justified in advising his friend Bingley against marrying Jane.

 

• Thus we find Jane Bennet a very meek, patient and self- sacrificing girl with a generous heart.

 

Pride and Prejudice as a domestic novel.

 

• Domestic novel deals with the realities of family life, marriage, various relationships like relationship between husband and wife, mother and daughter, mother and son, father and son etc. In the domestic novels, the female is at the centre of everything. The girl child is taught to believe that she is bound to be married, reproduce, and raise a family. In order to appeal to the readers, the status of the family is middle-class so that a larger group of the society feels it a picture of their own life.

 

• Jane Austen is well-known for her domestic novels. She gives importance to the institution of the family. Her novel ‘Pride and prejudice’ is a domestic novel. It deals with the domestic life and aspirations of the Bennets, the Lucases, the Bingleys and the Darcys. These are all middle-class people. The Bennets and the Lucases belong to the lower middle class. The Bingleys and the Darcys are comparatively rich. They are all land-owners. They do nothing to earn their living. Almost all the characters are active, visiting neighbours, attending balls or going on trips.

 

• Throughout the novel, we see the efforts of the ladies either to secure suitable husbands for their daughters or for themselves. Mrs. Bennet is anxious to get suitable matches for her five daughters. During eighteenth century England, a woman’s reputation and femininity were considered very important. Lydia’s elopement with Wickham threatens her own as well as her sisters’ reputations.

 

• This novel also focuses on the adverse effect of ill- matched marriages on the emotional development of the children. The relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet has an adverse effect on the development of their children. Mr. Bennet is an indifferent and irresponsible father. Mrs. Bennet is stupid and of weak understanding. Lydia is much influenced by her mother. We are least surprised when she takes an unwise step and elopes with Wickham.

 

• Thus Pride and prejudice is a domestic novel that deals with the themes like marriage, relationships and the role of parents in shaping the lives of their children.

 

Brief account of the Charlotte-Collins affair

 

• Mr. William Collins was the distant cousin of Mr. Bennet. He was a conceited, pompous, narrow minded, silly person. As Mr. Bennet had no male heir, his estate was entailed to Mr. Collins. The early prosperity came by chance to him when Lady Catherine de Bourgh patronised him. He became the rector of Hunsford.

 

• Mr. Collins paid a visit to the Bennet family with a definite purpose. His purpose was to see what he would inherit and to propose to one of the Bennet daughters. Mr. Collins seemed to take a fancy to their eldest daughter Jane. But when he came to know that she might soon be engaged, he redirected his attentions to Elizabeth. He proposed her in a private interview. Elizabeth had a strong disliking for him as he lacked common sense. She politely refused his proposal. But he could not believe that she was serious. Collins only accepted her refusal when Mrs. Bennet told him that Elizabeth would not change her mind.

 

• After this rejection, Mr. Collins’ sentiments were quickly transferred to Elizabeth’s close friend, Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte encouraged his regard because she wanted to improve her social position. She was a sensible and intelligent girl of twenty seven. She was aware that she was not young, pretty and rich. She gave much importance to marriage and the security of a home that marriage could provide.

 

• Charlotte knew that Collins was empty-headed, but she was sensible enough to know that the chance might not come again. Since Collins had very good prospects, Charlotte was determined to gain his favour. Mr. Collins was also determined not to leave Long bourn without a wife. He proposed to Charlotte. Charlotte herself did not expect marriage to make her happy. She just wanted and needed the security it offered. So she readily accepted the proposal of Mr. Collins. Before leaving Long bourn, Mr. Collins got engaged to Charlotte.

 

THE PART PLAYED BY THE GARDINERS IN THE NOVEL AND ITS IMPORTANCE

 

• Mr. Edward Gardiner is Mrs. Bennet’s brother. He is a London-based businessman. He is a sensible gentleman, greatly superior to his sister. Mrs. Gardiner, who is several years younger than Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips, is an amiable, intelligent and elegant woman. She is the favourite of her Long bourn nieces.

 

• The Gardiners often come to Long bourn to spend Christmas time. There is a mutual regard and understanding between Mrs. Gardiner and the two eldest Bennet daughters. Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth are particularly close to one another and they often have important discussions regarding the institution of marriage.

 

• Mr. Bennet is an irresponsible father and Mrs. Bennet is a woman of weak understanding. Mrs. Gardiner plays the role of a wise advisor for the Bennet sisters. She is there to compensate for the silliness of their mother. The Gardiners give Elizabeth and Jane some much needed parental figures.

 

• The Gardiners are a model of the suitable and affectionate marriage. They inspire the same in those who attend them. Elizabeth judges her uncle’s marriage to be the proper model.

 

• Elizabeth visits Darcy’s estate Pemberley with her uncle and aunt. Darcy is very polite and courteous to all of them. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner testify that he is a fine person. Mr. Gardiner plays an active role when Lydia elopes with Mr. Wickham. It is he who follows Lydia and Wickham to London. With the help of Darcy, he persuades Wickham to marry Lydia. Thus he helps to prevent the Bennet family from being disgraced.

 

• It is from the letter of Mrs. Gardiner that Elizabeth comes to know about the role played by Darcy in compelling Wickham to marry Lydia. Mrs. Gardiner conveys to Elizabeth that Darcy did this only because he loves her. This letter is important because it confirms to Elizabeth that Darcy certainly loves her. She has a softened heart for Darcy now. She prepares herself to accept his second proposal. Thus the Gardiners play an important role in uniting Elizabeth and Darcy in the novel.

 

• Elizabeth and Darcy remain ‘on the most intimate terms’ with the Gardiners whom they credit as ‘the mean of uniting them’.

Pride and Prejudice-4

 

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE-MONEY IS THE BASIS OF SOCIAL RELATIONS

 

• Money plays an important role in ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It leads to marriages and disrupts hopeful marriages. It has a great influence on the general attitude of many characters in this novel.

 

• In the eighteenth century, money played a particularly important role for women. They could not by law inherit money. With limited career options, they had to look to marriage for financial security. They were very much dependent on men.

 

• In this novel, we see that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have no male heir. So the Bennet daughters will not inherit the Long bourn estate as it is entailed to Mr. Collins, the distant cousin of Mr. Bennet. The entail leaves the Bennet daughters with too little money to provide for themselves once their father dies. It is, therefore, very important for them to gain financial stability.

 

• Mrs. Bennet is determined to get her daughters married to wealthy men. The subject of marriage is so important to her that it takes up her whole time. She is a woman who associates happiness with money.

 

• Elizabeth has no feelings for Mr. Collins. But Mrs. Bennet refuses to accept that Elizabeth will not marry him. Elizabeth has an inclination towards Mr. Wickham. Her aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, reminds her duty towards her family i.e. to marry a wealthy man.

 

• Charlotte Lucas also focuses on financial security. She knows that Collins was empty- headed. Since Collins has very good prospects, she marries him.

 

• Suspicion and danger of marrying a partner, who is only after the money, are other problems that arise on account of money. Darcy tries to separate Mr. Bingley and Jane Bannet. He believes that Jane might be after Mr. Bingley’s money.

 

• The gap between upper class and middle class is obvious in the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Both Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine De Bourgh act arrogantly. They think themselves superior to others because of their social status and wealth. Miss Bingley also wants to marry Mr. Darcy because his money will heighten her social status.

 

• Thus money is the basis of social relations in this novel.

 

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST MEETING BETWEEN JANE BENNET AND MR BINGLEY

 

• Elizabeth’s beautiful elder sister, Jane Bennet and Darcy’s rich best friend, Mr. Charles Bingley engage in a courtship. Their courtship occupies the central place in the novel.

 

• Mr. Bingley took up residence on rent in Nether field Park. Mrs. Bennet got over-excited to know that a rich young man had come to stay in their neighbourhood. She hoped that he might marry one of her daughters. She asked her husband to call upon Mr. Bingley. Though Mrs. Bennet went to meet him but he did not tell his wife and daughters about his visit immediately.

 

• The Bennet family and their entire neighbourhood met the whole Nether field party at an assembly in Meryton. The Nether field party consisted of Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, the husband of one of his sisters and Mr. Darcy, his closest friend. Mr. Bingley’s cheerful and friendly manner made him popular among the guests.

 

• Mr. Bingley was struck by the angelic beauty of Jane Bennet. At that very moment, all of the women present at the ball receded into the background for him. He even expressed his admiration for Jane to his friend, Mr. Darcy. He told him that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Mrs. Bennet noticed Mr. Bingley’s liking for her daughter, Jane. It gave her immense pleasure. Everybody present at the ball found Mr. Bingley a very agreeable person. He was a striking contrast to his friend, Mr. Darcy, who was declared a haughty person. Mr. Bingley had good manners and a very pleasing personality.

 

• Mr. Bingley danced with Jane. He spent more time talking with her than any of the other women. Mrs. Bennet felt pleased to see that Mr. Bingley gave Jane a special honour of a second dance in the course of the ball. Later Jane confided to her sister, Elizabeth Bennet, how she fell for Mr. Bingley and enjoyed his company when they were together.

 

• Thus, we see that Mr. Bingley and Jane Barnet enjoyed an immediate mutual attraction during their first meeting at the ball held in Meryton.

 

• During eighteenth century England, the chief method of self-improvement for women was wealth acquisition through marriage. Throughout the novel, we see the efforts of the ladies either to secure suitable husbands for their daughters or for themselves.

 

• The Bennets, living at Long bourn, had five daughters-Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine and Lydia. As the Bennets had no male heir, their property was entailed to Mr. Collins, a distant cousin of Mr. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet also lacked an inheritance. The entail left the Bennet daughters with too little money to provide for themselves once their father died.

 

• Mrs. Bennet was determined to get her daughters married to wealthy men. When Mr. Bingley took up residence on rent in Nether field Park, she got over-excited. She hoped that Mr. Bingley might marry one of her daughters. It actually happened. Mr. Bingley was struck by Jane’s angelic beauty. He even expressed his admiration for Jane to his friend, Darcy.

 

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE MATRIMONIAL ADVENTURES OF THE BENNET GIRLS

 

 

• Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley did not like this match. They did not like the Bennet family. Mr. Darcy also thought that Jane was indifferent to Mr. Bingley. So they planned to break the contact between Miss Jane and Mr. Bingley. It was Elizabeth who made Darcy realise his mistake. Darcy confessed his mistake and Bingley resumed his courtship of Jane and was soon engaged to her.

 

• Elizabeth Bennet, the second daughter of the Bennets, got a proposal from Mr. Collins, a pompous and silly person. But she rejected his proposal. The next proposal came from Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy had hurt her sentiments earlier with an uncharitable remark. Elizabeth also held him responsible for destroying the happiness of her sister Jane. So she rejected his proposal.

 

• Through Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth came to know about the role played by Darcy in compelling Wickham to marry Lydia. She came to know that he did so because he loved her. She softened towards Darcy and eventually accepted his second proposal.

 

• The youngest daughter, Lydia, was bold, reckless and spoilt. She acquainted with Mr. Wickham, an army officer of the regiment which camped for some months at Meryton. When the regiment shifted to Brighton in summer, Lydia luckily got a chance to go to Brighton at the invitation of Mrs. Forster, the wife of the commandant of the regiment. There, she eloped with Mr. Wickham.

 

• Wickham was a scoundrel to the core. He had no intention to marry her. Lydia was just his temporary fling. He only agreed to marry her after they were found and Darcy bribed him. It was Darcy who helped Lydia in settling her as the wife of Wickham.

 

• Mary, the unattractive daughter of the Bennets, was not social at all. She preferred reading over socializing. She was a predestined spinster.

 

• Catherine (Kitty) Bennet, the fourth daughter of the Bennets, was the shadow of her youngest sister, Lydia. She is basically like Lydia. Eventually under the good influence of Elizabeth and Darcy, she becomes less irritable, less ignorant and less insipid. Nothing is told about the matrimonial alliances of Mary and Catherine with anybody in this novel.