The Right Lens

Pride, or the view one carries of oneself, and prejudice, that which others think of one, not only compose the title but reoccur throughout the novel. These themes appear in many conversations and explain behaviors in Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice. Said themes are found in every character but Mr. Darcy provides a clear example.

Mr. Darcy embodies pride and prejudice as the novel defines them. Starting with his entrance at the dance in the fifth minute of the film, he creates a strong impression. He thinks a lot about himself and so much self-complacency advocates in him great pride. Mr. Wickham later refers to his pride as "often his best friend. It has connected him nearer with virtue than any other feeling" (61). According to this pride may be rewarding or punishing. Thinking highly of oneself is good in overcoming difficulties. It is the lack of this condition that defines depression. Conversely, thinking of oneself as highest blurs reality. Mr. Darcy fails to understand the balance and comes across as haughty. Family pride is then mentioned in that same conversation. This is also very true of the context for not only pride leads Darcy to act such but the belief of his family being superior others. All characters have some pride, but the amount of pride becomes then a way to compare oneself to others. Pride is an untangible and subjective currency. To the modern reader this condition is despicable and diminishes a character. In the historical context, those defined as proud take it as a virtue and toil not to hide it.

Prejudice makes up another part of Darcy's character. He doesn't care much about what others think of him unless they present a higher rank. As this is rare, he is by definition empty of prejudice. But caring not of alien opinions does not exclude him from prejudice. It is necessary for there to be a second individual in prejudice, the one that thinks of the person in effect. This second individual is often Mr. Darcy. He is quick to judge and gives much importance to what first impressions say. Elizabeth questions Darcy wether "you allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice" (71). He replies that he "hopes not." After demonstrating that he often speaks his mind, I conclude that he honestly hopes for this. There are two options. He might be lying to hide what he believes disgraceful or he might be giving prejudice a different meaning. His excessive pride might lead him to think it isn't prejudice, but his qualification to judge people. Darcy is a peculiar character whose mental state enables him to consider himself an exception.

Pride and Prejudice come with specifics to the situation. Feelings are all different and so are their definitions associated to individuals. Pride as felt by Darcy is different than Mr. Bingley's pride, but no more important. They are elements introduced for a reason and must be taken into consideration as we read. It is not through our modern eyes that the plot must run by but under the lens of Jane Austen's intentions.