Prideandprejudicefinal

1
Karina Castillo
Mrs. Angus
CP English 4
25 January 2017
Pride and Prejudice Final
2. In retrospect, the first chapter of a novel introduces some of the major themes of the work.
Write an essay about the opening scene of Pride and Prejudice in which you explain how the first
chapter introduces two major themes. Do not merely summarize plot. Cite evidence from the first
chapter and subsequent chapters to support your opinion.
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune,
must be in want of a wife (Austen, 1). Although Pride and Prejudice is recognized as a novel
about love, there are also many themes underlying the surface of the love story. The opening
chapter of the novel Pride and Prejudice suggests two themes from the start: love and social
class. Throughout the novel Mr. Bennet represents and fights for love in a marriage, while Mrs.
Bennet pushes for the social aspect of a relationship, being money.
While at an assembly in Meryton, Mr. Bingley attempts to convince Mr. Darcy to ask
Elizabeth to dance, to which Darcy replies, She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt
me, (7). Although Elizabeth seems the shrug off the comment initially, she is certainly maimed
emotionally, shown when Elizabeth expresses, I could easily forgive his pride if he had not
mortified mine, (12). Later on, Darcys love for Elizabeth grows until he proposes to her for the
first time, Elizabeth rejects him and explains all the actions he has done to make Elizabeth hate
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Darcy. Darcy later redeems himself after writing a letter explaining himself to Elizabeth and
saving the Bennet family by paying Wickam. After realizing Darcy is an honest gentleman with
good intentions Elizabeth begins to fall in love with Darcy. After he proposes again, Elizabeth
goes to her father and informs him of her intentions with Darcy. Mr. Bennet becomes confused
and states, We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if
you really liked him, (254). To which Elizabeth confesses, I do, I do like him. I love him.
Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable, (254). Elizabeth overcame her initial
prejudice of Mr. Darcy, that he was a rich, snobby, and rude man. When in fact he was quite a
caring, and passionate gentleman.
During the 1800s, when Jane Austen wrote this novel, it would be exceptionally hard for
one to acquire a lot of money. Men could either inherit, or marry into money, sometimes they
might make a fortune off of business but that is rare. For women, their options are even more
limited than men; inherit or marry, however patrilineal succession was the most common way of
passing down inheritance throughout generations so women often were left with nothing. In
Pride and Prejudice the Bennet sisters are looking to marry so they will not be left homeless and
poor after their parents pass away. Mrs. Bennet, the sisters mother works ambitiously
throughout the entirety of the novel to find her daughters a well off husband, when she learns of
Mr. Bingleys arrival in their small town she rushes to her husband to pass on the delightful
news. Mr. Bennett questions back asking if Bingley is married or single, Mrs. Bennett replies,
Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year.
What a fine thing for our girls! (1). Mrs. Bennets focus on money can be interpreted in two
ways; she does not want her daughters to struggle financially, or she wants her family to look
wealthy.
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In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice truly is a fantastic love story. However, author Jane
Austen uses the many relationships in her novel to discuss many themes and issues that existed
in the 1800s and that still exist to this day. Amongst love and social class, themes such as; love,
marriage, wealth, pride and prejudice are also very prevalent. Elizabeth and Darcys marriage
suggests the idea that love has the ability to conquer all, including pride and prejudice. Love has
the power to overcome anything, including social class.
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Modern Library, 1995. Print.

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1

Pride and Prejudice Final

chapter and subsequent chapters to support your opinion.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune,

Bennet pushes for the social aspect of a relationship, being money.

caring, and passionate gentleman.

the power to overcome anything, including social class.

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