Pride and Prejudice

Essay by africaboyHigh School, 10th gradeA+, November 2007

download word file, 3 pages 0.0

Downloaded 12 times

Usually, being proud and having prejudice singles one out of a group, making that person inferior to others. These aspects can be looked down upon, but in the novel Pride and Prejudice they are essential characteristics that mold and define the story. Throughout the novel, the two main characters who embody the flaws of pride and prejudice are Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

An instance where pride can be seen in Mr. Darcy is when he cannot seem to ask Elizabeth to marry him after her initial rejection to his straight forward proposal. Darcy is constantly avoiding the question of "will you marry me?" He will not sit down and ask Elizabeth once more after he had been humiliated the first time that he inquired. When he does propose to her once more the question is still not frank. He insinuates that he still has affection towards Elizabeth. He asks if this is also true for Elizabeth, and if it is, would it still be possible that she would like to marry him.

This is an issue of self esteem that Darcy is totally consumed with because he is not used to rejection. Darcy is so self assured concerning matters of acceptance that the rejection has come as a shock.

Darcy's pride is apparent, but another prominent characteristic in Darcy is his prejudice. When Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are at the ball we see the first instance of Darcy's prejudiced behavior. By choice, Darcy stands alone, not having danced with anyone. Mr. Bingley encourages him to choose a young lady to dance with. Wanting only to be seen dancing with the beautiful Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy refuses the encouragement. He won't be tempted to dance with the others for fear of his reputation being tarnished. Darcy thinks very highly...