Pride And Prejudice

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were switched within the context of Austen’s plot and narrative structure. Could a proud Elizabeth and a prejudice Darcy grow in self-awareness through the circumstances of the novel and gain a better understanding of human condition? Before Austen allows her characters to have a ‘fairy-tale’ ending, they must undergo self-growth. Given Austen’s overall view of English class structure and her empathy towards independent and spirited young women, it would be unlikely that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy would resolve their differences and grow as human beings.
It is Mary, Elizabeth Bennet’s younger sister who seems to pinpoint a working definition of “pride” as it is portrayed in the novel. She says: “Pride 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 ...

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to make himself propose. Elizabeth’s response is a bit harsh and she harshly rejects him, calling him, “ungentleman like.” This is the climax of Darcy’s character, because he has always taken pride in the fact that he is a gentleman, and it has just been completely insulted. Elizabeth’s honesty penetrates his pride and the remaining story reveals a ‘changed’ Darcy-- he is more self-aware. He now understands that he must overcome his pride in order to connect with Elizabeth in a meaningful way.
Jane Austen illustrates prejudice in Elizabeth’s character, as she is the central character in possession of this trait. Basically, Austen conveys ...

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