Pride and Prejudice

Published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice is the second novel by the English author Jane Austen and is widely considered one of the most enduring and influential works of nineteenth-century literature. A classic novel of manners, it explores themes of social class, marriage, morality and personal growth through the character development of Elizabeth Bennet, who gradually learns to move beyond first impressions and distinguish between superficial charm and genuine integrity. The narrative centres upon the social pressures facing the Bennet family, whose estate is entailed to a male heir, creating a pressing need for at least one daughter to secure a favourable marriage. The novel’s subtle irony, memorable characters and incisive social commentary have ensured its lasting popularity, inspiring numerous adaptations and derivative works for more than two centuries.

Background and Literary Context

Austen composed the novel during the Regency period, an era characterised by rigid social hierarchies, inheritance laws and expectations regarding female propriety. Within this context, the Bennet family’s predicament reflects broader issues concerning women’s limited economic agency and the importance placed upon marriage as a means of financial security.
Since its publication, Pride and Prejudice has been praised by scholars and general readers alike. Over twenty million copies have been sold, and the novel has remained a staple of literary study and popular culture. Its adaptations, including stage productions, television serials and films, have continually reintroduced Austen’s characters and themes to new generations.

Plot Overview

The story unfolds in early nineteenth-century Hertfordshire, where Mr and Mrs Bennet live at Longbourn with their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine (Kitty) and Lydia. Because Longbourn is entailed to the male line, the daughters cannot inherit, and Mrs Bennet is determined to secure prosperous matches for them.
The arrival of Mr Bingley, a wealthy bachelor leasing the nearby Netherfield estate, excites the local community. At their first public ball, Bingley immediately shows admiration for Jane, while his friend Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy – even wealthier than Bingley – offends Elizabeth by refusing to dance with her. Darcy’s aloofness and pride draw the disapproval of the assembly, while Elizabeth’s lively wit and intelligence gradually begin to unsettle him.
Mr Collins, the pompous clergyman who stands to inherit Longbourn, visits the Bennets under the encouragement of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Intending to marry one of the sisters, he chooses Elizabeth, who rejects him firmly. Meanwhile, Elizabeth forms a favourable opinion of the charming militia officer George Wickham, who claims Darcy wronged him in the past; this further deepens her prejudice against Darcy.
A pivotal moment occurs when Darcy, influenced by his belief that Jane is indifferent and by the impropriety he perceives in the Bennet household, persuades Bingley to leave for London. Elizabeth’s resentment grows, and her suspicions seem confirmed when Colonel Fitzwilliam reveals that Darcy recently “saved” a close friend from an imprudent attachment.
During a visit to Mr Collins and his new wife Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth encounters Darcy again at Rosings Park. To her astonishment, Darcy proposes, confessing his love despite her inferior social connections. Elizabeth rejects him angrily, condemning his actions towards Jane and Wickham. The next day Darcy gives her a letter explaining his conduct: Wickham spurned the living Darcy’s father intended for him, squandered funds and later attempted to elope with Darcy’s fifteen-year-old sister Georgiana. Darcy also clarifies that his interference with Bingley arose from genuine concern over Jane’s apparent reserve and her family’s behaviour.
Elizabeth’s understanding of Darcy begins to shift. Months later, while travelling with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, she visits Darcy’s Derbyshire estate, Pemberley. Darcy appears unexpectedly but behaves with marked generosity, impressing both Elizabeth and her relatives. Their growing mutual regard is interrupted when news arrives that Lydia has eloped with Wickham. Elizabeth confides in Darcy, believing the scandal will ruin her family.
Wickham eventually agrees to marry Lydia, and it later emerges that Darcy secured the match through considerable personal expense and influence. This act profoundly alters Elizabeth’s feelings. Bingley soon returns to Netherfield and becomes engaged to Jane. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, enraged by rumours that Darcy intends to marry Elizabeth, confronts her and demands she renounce any future proposal. Elizabeth refuses, demonstrating her independence. Learning of her response, Darcy gains renewed hope, proposes again, and is accepted. Their union symbolises the overcoming of both pride and prejudice.

Principal Characters

Elizabeth BennetThe intelligent, witty and headstrong second daughter of the Bennet family. Her tendency to form strong first impressions leads to initial misjudgements, particularly concerning Darcy and Wickham. The novel traces her moral and emotional development as she learns to question assumptions and acknowledge her own biases.
Mr Fitzwilliam DarcyA wealthy landowner of Pemberley, Darcy is reserved, principled and socially awkward. His aloof manner is mistaken for excessive pride, yet his deeper qualities of loyalty, generosity and honour emerge gradually. His transformation from proud detachment to humility is central to the narrative.
Mr BennetA sardonic and bookish gentleman with an income of approximately £2,000 a year. His estate’s entailment places his family in insecurity. Although fond of Elizabeth, he is often indolent and detached, allowing family improprieties that contribute to social difficulties.
Mrs BennetAn excitable, tactless and often foolish woman whose primary concern is arranging advantageous marriages for her daughters. Her nerves and impulsive behaviour frequently embarrass the family and undermine her aims.
Jane BennetThe eldest and most beautiful sister, known for her kindness and optimism. Her gentle nature leads her to think well of others, though she can revise her opinions when confronted with evidence. Her romance with Bingley reflects idealised mutual affection.
Mary BennetThe studious and solemn middle sister. Proud of her accomplishments, she often moralises and lacks the social charm of her siblings. Later accounts suggest she marries a clerk and remains near Meryton.
Catherine (Kitty) BennetThe fourth sister, impressionable and largely influenced by Lydia. Though easily led into frivolous behaviour, she improves significantly once removed from Lydia’s companionship.
Lydia BennetThe youngest and most reckless sister, whose flirtatious behaviour culminates in her elopement with Wickham. Her actions endanger the family’s reputation, and her eventual marriage is secured only through external intervention.
Charles BingleyA wealthy, amiable young gentleman who leases Netherfield. His openness and good nature contrast with Darcy’s reserve. He quickly forms an attachment to Jane and ultimately marries her.
George WickhamA superficially charming militia officer whose deceit and irresponsibility are gradually revealed. His attempted exploitation of Georgiana Darcy and subsequent scandal with Lydia demonstrate his unscrupulous character.
Lady Catherine de BourghDarcy’s domineering and status-conscious aunt. She embodies aristocratic arrogance and strongly disapproves of Darcy’s attachment to Elizabeth.

Themes and Significance

The novel deftly critiques the marriage market of Regency England, showing how economic pressures shape romantic choices. The contrast between appearance and reality is explored through the misjudgements of both Elizabeth and Darcy, illustrating the dangers of relying upon social reputation or first impressions.
Class distinctions, gender expectations and the tension between individual desire and social convention are woven throughout the narrative. Austen’s sharp observation of family dynamics, conversation and character lends the novel both humour and psychological depth.
More broadly, Pride and Prejudice endures because of its universal themes and vivid characterisations. Elizabeth and Darcy remain among the most recognisable figures in English literature, and the novel’s enduring appeal is reflected in its extensive cultural legacy, from scholarly discussion to modern reinterpretations in film, television and literature.