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Pride And Prejudice Flaws

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In Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, the social mores of the upper and middle class in England during this time are explored through Elizabeth Bennett and her relationships with the other characters, especially Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth and Darcy are both guilty of deciding each other’s character based on the first impression, and their subsequent treatment of each other makes their potential relationship appear improbable. Both Elizabeth's and Darcy’s judgements reveal their own flaws. As the title suggests, the major flaws of the characters are pride and prejudice, which are very prominent during this time. Though the novel leads the reader to believe that Mr. Darcy is proud and Elizabeth is prejudiced, further examination of the …show more content…

Elizabeth is from a middle class family, and during the time that this novel is set one cannot work to change classes; one must marry rich to ever be well off, but Elizabeth wishes to marry for love rather than money. Thus, this desire leaves her inclined to detest Darcy for his wealth and makes Elizabeth inclined to believe the lies that Wickham tells her about Darcy. Accordingly, these lies allow her to make more excuses to despise Darcy. Furthermore, Elizabeth attempts to make Darcy aware of her loathing for him, but, according to the narrator, " . . . there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anyone; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by a woman as he was by her” (38). Her attempt to prove her aversion fails, and Darcy decides eventually to propose to her. As mentioned, Darcy’s flaws come to light during this encounter, but Elizabeth’s pride is also revealed; she is proud of her family even though they are poorer than Darcy, so when Darcy insults them, she confronts him on the issue. During the aftermath of the failed proposal, Elizabeth reveals that Darcy’s “character was unfolded” when she met Wickham (144). Darcy is aware of Wickham’s ill feelings towards him and leaves, but writes a letter to address Wickham’s lies. Elizabeth must acknowledge that she judged Darcy harshly and supported Wickham due to her prejudice against Darcy’s wealth. At Darcy’s second proposal, Elizabeth is able to let go of her pride and accept that her feelings toward Darcy have

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