Pride and Prejudice Quotes

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Ch. 1)

(Chapter 1) (Quote not attributable to any character)

Analysis

This is the opening line of the novel, through which the readers are introduced to its main themes—class and marriage. This quote is rather satirical, and establishes that the novel is also an ironic depiction of the rural British society of Austen’s times. However, what is not spelt out is that this “truth” is not a universal truth; it is personal and particular. More accurately, it represents Mrs. Bennet’s outlook and approach to life.

“They have none of them much to recommend them. They are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.” (Ch. 1)

(Chapter 1) (Mr. Bennet)

Analysis

The lines are spoken by Mr. Bennet to describe his daughters. These lines also suggest that Elizabeth might be his favorite daughter. Although the lines are conveyed rather sarcastically in an attempt to enrage Mrs. Bennet, they reflect the truth nonetheless.

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” (Ch. 5)

(Chapter 5) (Mary Bennet)

Analysis

Mary Bennet utters these lines as she describes the subtle difference between pride and vanity. These lines are spoken during her conversing with the Lucases. The conversation is about Darcy’s personality. Mary Bennet has more such poignant lines in the novel about human nature.

“It is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark.” (Ch. 6)

(Chapter 6) (Charlotte Lucas)

“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” (Ch. 6)

(Chapter 6) (Charlotte Lucas)

“She was shown into the breakfast-parlor, where all but Jane were assembled, and where her appearance created a great deal of surprise. That she should have walked three miles so early in the day, in such dirty weather, and by herself, was almost incredible to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth was convinced that they held her in contempt for it.” (Ch. 7)

(Chapter 7) (Quote not attributable to any character)

“My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.” (Ch. 11)

(Chapter 11) (Mr. Darcy)

“I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was right, but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit.” (Ch. 26)

(Chapter 26) (Mr. Darcy)

“What are men to rocks and mountains?” (Ch. 27)

(Chapter 27) (Elizabeth Bennet)

“Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment, I never knew myself.” (Ch. 36)

(Chapter 36) (Elizabeth Bennet)