1. Home
  2. Pride and Prejudice Summary: A Timeless Tale of Love and Transformation

Pride and Prejudice Summary: A Timeless Tale of Love and Transformation

Pride and Prejudice Summary: A Timeless Tale of Love and Transformation
Profile

Written by

Melanie Jane

Updated:

27 mins read

Are you interested in exploring a romantic novel of all time? Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice, an engaging story with unforgettable characters. She applies her sharp wit and keen observations to explore the themes of social class, reputation, and societal expectations of marriage and wealth.

This book was published anonymously in three volumes in 1813. It has several screen productions, and one most notable production was a TV series in 1995. Jane Austen has published three other novels: Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park. She lived through the French, American, and Industrial Revolutions and the Napoleonic Wars.

This guide provides the plot, summary, background information, theme, significant characters, and book style. Additionally, it explains why Pride and Prejudice still resonates with readers today.

Pride and Prejudice Overview

  • The book starts when Mr. Bingley arrives in the countryside searching for a bride. Mrs. Bennet is excited that one of her lovely daughters will marry a wealthy man and secure their future. At a ball organized by Mr. Bingley at his homestead, Jane and Mr. Bingley start liking each other.
  • During this event, Elizabeth and Darcy had a cold encounter. Darcy snubbed Elizabeth's pride and self-respect, which surprised her.
  • Collins also arrives in the village, hoping to marry one of the Bennet daughters, though this situation gets complicated. Mrs. Bennet accepts his idea and hands Elizabeth for marriage but rejects the offer. Fortunately, Mr. Collins gets a spouse, Charlotte, who is Elizabeth's friend.
  • In the meantime, Elizabeth meets Wickham, who charms her. Unfortunately, Mr. Bingley leaves the village abruptly, and Elizabeth becomes convinced that Mr. Darcy has a role in this decision. Her conviction about Darcy fuels her disrespect toward him.
  • Elizabeth visits Charlotte and Collin's home and runs into Darcy. This man confesses that he loves Elizabeth, which she rejects. In a letter, this guy admits to Elizabeth that Wickham has evil intentions and wants to marry her sister for her inheritance.
  • Later, Lydia, Bennet's lastborn, elopes and marries Wickham. Elizabeth is startled by this news as she knows the implications it could have, leading to scandal and tarnishing her sister's reputation. As the story ends, Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield.
  • This is our short summary of Pride and Prejudice. Do you need to know whether Mr. Bingley married Elizabeth? Do you also want to learn book summary art? Then, seek our book summary experts and learn how to write a summary of a book.

Pride and Prejudice Chapter Summaries

Chapters 1-10

  • We learn of Mr Bennet's family members' his wife and Bennet daughters. The five unmarried girls are Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine (kitty), and Lydia. Mrs. Bennet shows her strong interest in marrying off her daughters after a wealthy young gentleman moves into their neighborhood. His name is Bingley, and he is a bachelor who influences this saying, “…that a wealthy single man must be in need of a wife."
  • Bennet's daughters can't inherit the father's wealth when he dies, so there is pressure to find young, wealthy men to provide for them.
  • Mrs Bennet is obsessed with this issue and even starts thinking about who would fit Bingley. She plans how to introduce her daughters to the wealthy neighbor.
  • Bingley and Bennets meet at the Meryton ball event, where he dances with Jane. Bingley is accompanied by his sister, Caroline Bingley, his friend Darcy, and his sister, Mrs. Hurst, who is also with her hubby.
  • Jane and Elizabeth discuss the ball. Jane is friendly and open-minded, but Elizabeth is less so. Mr Bingley's team also discusses the event and agrees that Jane is pretty.
  • Bennett's family and Lucas discuss the ball as a social call, especially Darcy's behavior. They term it pride for disappointing Elizabeth to dance with him. Though Darcy had asked Charlotte Lucas to dance with him, they argue he is too proud for someone to like him.
  • Bingley's sisters, Caroline and Mrs Hurts, seem to like Jane and approve of her relationship with his brother. Jane receives an invite from Caroline to visit Nerthefield for dinner. Mrs. Bennet plans to send Jane on horseback rather than a carrier, even if it seems raining.
  • Jane falls ill after the heavy rain while riding to Netherfield Park. Mr Bingley is concerned and asks her to stay over until she recovers. Bingley takes a chance on Jane due to her beauty and personality.
  • Bennets receive the news of Jane's sickness, and Elizabeth gets concerned and visits her.
  • Jane is overjoyed by her sister's arrival to help her. Elizabeth's visit allows more interaction with Darcy. The two have frequent conversations, though not always friendly. Elizabeth finds Darcy more arrogant, while Darcy is intrigued by her wit and intelligence.
  • Elizabeth enjoys evenings in the drawing room with the Bingleys, Louisa Hurst, and Mr. Darcy. Miss Bingley seeks Darcy's attention, but his mind and affection are towards Elizabeth.

Chapters 11- 20

  • Jane recovers, and they both return home. Their dad announces the arrival of a visitor that afternoon.
  • William Collins arrives at Longbourn, Bennet's home, to settle on inheriting their wealth after Mr.Bennet dies. Collins is Mr. Bennet's cousin. The estate is meant to be inherited by a male heir, so Mr. Bennet seeks a close male relative.
  • To pay back to the family, Collins proposes to Elizabeth Bennet, and she is very shocked. Elizabeth rejects Collins's proposal despite the pressures from her mother.
  • Mr Collins returns to his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr Darcy's aunt. She attempts to manipulate Elizabeth to accept Collins's proposal so that she can marry her daughter to Fitzwilliam Darcy.
  • A regiment arrives in town, bringing guys like Wickham. Elizabeth is charmed by Wickham's manner and handsome looks.
  • Wickham creates a tale of Darcy's mistreatment, claiming he stole his inheritance. Elizabeth falls for this trap and believes the lies, not knowing he is tarnishing Darcy's name.
  • Elizabeth becomes distrustful of Darcy, and this deepens her hatred toward him. Elizabeth shares Wickham's story with Jane, though she is less quick to judge Darcy.
  • Collins persists in proposing to Elizabeth, but she turns him down. Her decision is a distress to her mother but a relief to his dad.

Chapters 21-30

  • Jane receives a letter from Caroline informing her that Bingley has left for London and will never return. She insists that Bingley will marry Georgiana, Darcy's sister.
  • Elizabeth is shocked by the news and believes Caroline is there to break her sister's relationship. Jane is heartbroken, though she remains optimistic.
  • Collins continues with his pursuit of a wife without majoring in love. He proposes to Luca's daughter, Charlotte Lucas, and she accepts. Collins's engagement with Charlotte shocks the Bennets, especially Elizabeth, Charlotte's friend. She is sure that her friend marries him because of stability and fears about their future happiness.
  • Bennet's brother and sister-in-law visit Longbourn for Christmas. Unlike the Bennets, this couple is intelligent and easily relates to Jane and Elizabeth.
  • Mrs Bennets cautions Elizabeth against entertaining Wickham, the military officer. She also notes that Jane is quite sad and extends an offer to her to visit London, which she gladly accepts.
  • Collins marries Charlotte, and they leave for Hunsford. Elizabeth later visits Charlotte's home with his dad, Lucas. On their way, they stop at Mrs Gardiner's place, where she learns much about Wickham's past life.
  • Elizabeth and the team arrive at Charlotte's home and are welcomed warmly. Elizabeth notices the cordial and practical nature of their marriage.
  • Lady Catherine de Bourgh invited the Collins to dinner at Rosings, and she kept interrogating Elizabeth about their family.

Chapter 31-40 Summary

  • Elizabeth interacts with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and she keeps interrogating her. She also notices Darcy's increasing interest in her and is puzzled.
  • Mr Darcy visits Elizabeth at Rosings Park and has an awkward conversation. Elizabeth gets confused about his behavior and attraction.
  • Later, through Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, she learns that Darcy played a role in separating Bingley and Jane. Elizabeth gets furious that Darcy disregarded his family.
  • Darcy visits Elizabeth at the parsonage, where they get into a heated argument. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, but she turns him down, quoting his role in spoiling her sister's relationship and mistreating Wickham. Darcy leaves the parsonage very confused and disappointed.
  • The following day, Darcy sends a letter to Elizabeth explaining his idea of separating Bingley, thinking Jane was indifferent. Again, he exposes the truth about Wickham's plans to elope with Georgina for her fortune.
  • Elizabeth is slightly confused, but she appreciates Darcy for telling the truth and begins viewing him differently. She realizes her prejudice and hasty judgments towards Darcy.
  • Sir Williams, Maria, and Elizabeth travel back to Longbourn. On the way, she kept meditating on the letter and her mistakes. She reunites with her family, including Lydia, who is excited about the upcoming trip to Brighton with the regiment.
  • Elizabeth confides in her sister about the letter, though she hides Bingley's details. They ponder Darcy's implications and agree to keep the matter between them.

Chapters 41- 50 Summary

  • Lydia leaves for Brighton with Mrs Forster (Colonel Forster's wife) despite Elizabeth's warning to her father. Though her parents are less concerned, she worries about Lydia's flirtatious behavior.
  • Elizabeth continues to meditate about her interactions with Darcy and Wickham. Luckily, she receives an invitation letter from Gardiners for a Lake tour but changes to Derbyshire due to Mrs. Gardiner's health.
  • Gardiners and Elizabeth visit Pemberly, Darcy's estate. She appreciates its beauty and Darcy's praises from his housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds.
  • Darcy arrives at the estate unexpectedly during their visit. He is surprised to see Elizabeth and shows her and the relatives around. This changed behavior amuses Elizabeth.
  • Mr Bingley visits Pemberley and reunites with Elizabeth. He is happy to see Elizabeth and speaks highly of Jane.
  • Elizabeth and Gardiners are invited for dinner by Bingley. They meet Georgina and Caroline Bingley. Mr Darcy is very protective of Elizabeth.
  • Elizabeth receives news of Lydia's elopement with Wickham and that they are nowhere to be found. This news shocks Elizabeth and her relatives, who plan to go to Longbourgh immediately.
  • Her parents are equally devastated on hearing the sad news, and the worst for Lydia embarrassing Bennet's household.
  • Uncle Gardiner and Mr Bennet go to London in search of Lydia and Wickham. Their friends Colins and Mrs Philips express condolences and concern for Bennet's family reputation. Mrs Bennet becomes hysterical, fearing the worst for her daughter and their reputation.
  • Mr Gardiner writes to Bennet to inform him that Lydia has been found. Wickham also agrees to marry Lydia in exchange for an annual stipend.
  • Elizabeth learns later that Darcy was involved in this arrangement. He agreed to pay Wickham's debts and secure his marriage to Lydia.
  • Lydia and Wickham return to Longbourgh as a married couple. Lydia is oblivious to the disgrace she caused her family and only boasts about her marriage.
  • Elizabeth is humbled by Darcy's actions in saving her family from ruin and begins to appreciate him for his love. Elizabeth begins to see Darcy in a new perspective.

Chapters 51-61 Summary

  • Elizabeth discreetly learns from Lydia that Darcy was involved in their marriage. She is overwhelmed by Darcy's kindness and reassesses her feelings towards him.
  • Lydia and George Wickham leave for North. The Bennet girls are excited when Mr. Darcy and Charles return to Netherfield.
  • Bingley's attention to Jane brings hope for their relationship, though she is very cautious after the heartbreak.
  • Charles Bingley proposes to Jane, and the entire family is excited about the match. Darcy remains a bit distant, and Elizabeth fears he lost his feelings for her.
  • Lady Catherine de Bourgh makes an announced visit to Longbourgh and confronts Elizabeth. She demands that Elizabeth promise to reject Darcy's proposal because Darcy is expected to marry her daughter Anne.
  • Elizabeth refuses to comply with Catherine's demands and asserts independence, hinting she changed feelings towards Darcy.
  • Collins writes a letter to Bennet congratulating Jane on her engagement. He also warns Elizabeth against defying Catherine's demands.
  • Darcy visits Elizabeth and expresses his continued love for her. Darcy surprises Elizabeth with a proposal. Elizabeth is now fully aware of Darcy's character and accepts his proposal. He explains how the initial rejection humbled him and made him change his behavior.
  • Elizabeth shares the good news with Jane, who is shocked but happy for her. Mrs. Bennet is also delighted, especially when she realizes his wealth status. Mr Bennet is also pleased with Elizabeth's choice and appreciates Darcy's worth.
  • Darcy and Elizabeth start discussing plans for their wedding. Darcy asks Elizabeth for a hand in marriage, and she accepts. Elizabeth writes to Mrs Gardiner, expressing her gratitude and happiness. Lady Catherine, despite her objections, doesn't interfere with the wedding.
  • Lastly, the Bennet household enjoys a double wedding; both Jane and Elizabeth get married. The couples move to their respective estates, Netherfield and Pemberly.
  • The narrative ends in a hopeful mood when Darcy and Elizabeth marry out of mutual respect, love, and understanding.
  • Love is the central theme in Pride and Prejudice, making it a romantic novel. If you need a more detailed summary of this novel, chapter by chapter, seek our professional services. We also provide summaries of other romantic books, such as The Great Gatsby Summary, Othello Summary, and Beowulf Summary.

Characters in Pride and Prejudice Novel

Most of the Pride and Prejudice characters are actively involved in the events as follows:

  1. Elizabeth is the second child in Mr Bennet's family and the story’s protagonist. She is attractive and witty, inclined to assess people based on their first impressions. Elizabeth falls in love with Darcy, but as the story progresses, they go through self-discovery; Darcy overcomes his pride, and Elizabeth overcomes her prejudice. They both surrender their relationship and the love they have for each other.
  2. Fitzwilliam Darcy – a wealthy man and a friend to Mr. Bingley. He is handsome, tall, intelligent, lacks socialization skills, and is reserved. When he appears in the village, he falls in love with Elizabeth. Other people dislike him for this, but his servants like him for his kindness and decency.
  3. Jane Bennet – she is the Bennet family's eldest and most beautiful girl. She is restrained and softer in demeanor than Elizabeth.
  4. Mr. Bennet – a logical and reasonable middle-aged man. He has a modest income and five unmarried daughters. His marriage has many issues; he disagrees with his wife, thus they are just tolerating each other.
  5. Charles Bingley – he is a handsome, amiable, and wealthy young man and Darcy's friend. Bingley purchases Netherfield, an estate near the Bennets. He is an easygoing and well-intentioned gentleman whose character contrasts with Darcy. Charles is less concerned about social status and likes everyone for who they are.
  6. Bennet – she is a middle-aged wife to Mr. Bennet. She has five daughters (Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, and Lydia). She suffers from tremors and palpitations, especially when things are tense. She longs to marry off her daughters to wealthy men and doesn't care whether they will be happy in life or not.
  7. Lydia Bennet – she is the youngest Bennet's sister. She is immature, a gossiper, and self-involved. She is daring and flings herself headlong into romance but runs off with Wickham.
  8. Charlotte – she is Elizabeth's dear friend, six years older than her. Charlotte is pragmatic and doesn't view love as the most essential thing in marriage. She longs for a comfortable home rather than love. She marries Collins.
  9. George Wickham – a handsome, fortune-hunting militia officer. He looks good and charms Elizabeth. However, Darcy's revelation about his disreputable past puts off Elizabeth, but she draws close to Darcy.
  10. William Collins – a foolish, ridiculous clergyman who longs to inherit Bennet's property. Mr Collins is a cousin to Mr Bennet and the closest male relative who should inherit Bennet's estate after his death, according to the legal structure. He has nothing to brag about in his social life. He proposes to Elizabeth, who rejects him and goes ahead to marry Charlotte even without true love.
  11. Miss Bingley – a snobbish sister to Mr Bingley. She disregards Elizabeth due to her middle-class status. She attempts to get Darcy's attention, but Darcy prefers Elizabeth's self-possessed character.
  12. Lady Catherine – a wealthy, bossy noblewoman. She is Mr. Collin's patron and aunt to Darcy. She is reserved and proud and even attempts to order Elizabeth from the middle class to move away from Darcy’s life.
  13. and Mrs. Gardiner - they are relatives to Bennet's family, brother and sister-in-law of Mrs. Bennet. They are caring and nurturing and prove to be better parents to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's daughters. Edward Gardiner is Elizabeth Bennet's uncle and husband to Mrs. Gardiner.
  14. Mary Bennet is the middle-born in the Bennet family. She loves reading books.
  15. Catherine Bennet – she is the fourth born in Benent's family. She is girlish.
  16. and Mrs. Hurst - Mrs. Hurts is Charles Bingley's Sister
  17. Georgiana Darcy – sister to Darcy
  18. Miss de Bourgh Anne – daughter to Lady Catherine. Her mum intends to marry her off to Darcy by interfering with Elizabeth's relationship with Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice Plot

Rising Action

  • A wealthy man, Mr Bingley, arrives in town, sparking marriage prospects for Bennet's daughters.
  • Elizabeth Bennet clashes with Mr Darcy due to his pride and her prejudice.
  • Darcy interferes with Mr. Bingley's relationship with Jane, causing heartache.
  • Wickham manipulates Elizabeth and lies about Mr Darcy's past actions.
  • Lydia, Jane's younger sister, elopes with Wickham, jeopardizing the family's reputation.

Climax

  • Darcy secretly helps Lydia rectify elopement, saving their family embarrassment.
  • Elizabeth gets a letter from his lover detailing the truth about Wickham and his involvement interfering with Jane's relationship.

Falling Action

  • Elizabeth grapples with her misjudgment of Mr Darcy and realizes her prejudice.
  • Mr Darcy returns to Permberly and encounters Elizabeth and her aunt while touring there. Darcy engages in civil conversations with Elizabeth that lead to a shift.
  • Darcy asks for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, but she rejects his offer.

Resolution

  • Elizabeth overcomes prejudice and accepts Darcy's second proposal.
  • Jane and Bingley patch things up and become betrothed.
  • Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy marry, finding love and transcending all social barriers and initial perceptions.

Themes in Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice themes include controversial societal ideas like social class and gender. The major themes in the story are love, family, and reputation.

Love

The love story in Pride and Prejudice is highly treasured in English literary history. Readers enjoy the love story of Elizabeth and Darcy. We learn the stumbling blocks this couple encounters and how they built their relationship.

Enhance your

academic performance and reach your goals

See how quick and easy it is to get an exceptional essay with minimal effort on our platform.

Pride and Prejudice Summary: A Timeless Tale of Love and Transformation

In the beginning, the two characters create tension in the story due to their differences in personal qualities. Elizabeth has prejudice, which makes her misjudge Darcy on first impression. Darcy has pride, which blinds him from seeing her good qualities due to her poor social status. So, these two characters push the theme of love and build on the book's title, pride and prejudice.

We also witness other love stories, like the relationship between Mr. Bennet and his wife. The Bennets have shared a lengthy marriage and have five daughters. However, their love has faded, and their perspectives on life don't match at all. We see a couple with contradicting ideas who are uncooperative, especially in caring for their daughters. They long so much for their status and wealth instead of true love, so they don't care whether their daughters love the potential candidates.

Reputation

In this story, a woman's reputation is highly regarded, and she is expected to behave in certain norms. For instance, when Elizabeth walks into Netherfield in a muddy skirt, she shocks the classy Miss Bingley and her friends. Mrs. Bennet also gets a bad reputation for her ridiculous behaviors, especially from the Darcys and Bingleys.

Lydia is also harshly judged when she elopes with Wickham and lives with him out of wedlock. Her action is a disgrace and threatens the Bennet family.

Social Class

This theme is also related to reputation, whereby the high-class individuals in the story only want to relate with people of their caliber to preserve their reputation. The boundaries of classes are strictly drawn. Though we find the Bennets, middle-class, relating with the upper-class Bingleys and Darcy, they are out into their lane and treated as social inferiors.

Mr. Collins also respects the view of social class highly regarding Lady Catherine, an upper-class patron. Miss Bingley also disregards anyone who is not socially accepted. Through the Darcy-Elizabeth and Jane-Bingley marriages, the author shows that love and happiness can win over class boundaries and prejudices.

Family

Family is one of the primary themes in this novel. All the characters are within various types of families that shape their decisions and perspectives. The female characters, for instance, influence the behavior of their family.

For example, Mrs. Bennet wants their daughters to get married. Again, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, who are independent and have much social influence, rely on the opinions of females and family members like Caroline and Lady Catherine. The family theme shows that individuals don't lead autonomous lives; their actions and thoughts rely on family views.

Gender

It's also a key theme in Pride and Prejudice. The story takes place during periods when gender roles were rigid between men and women. For instance, the Bennet family worries about their unmarried daughters and fears for their future. Mrs. Bennet works hard to influence their daughters into marriage to secure them a stable life.

Marriage is the only bridge that helps females to move beyond their birth families. Again, a woman's value in marriage depends on the impeccable reputation of purity, which is why Lydia Bennet's decision is treated as reckless.

Wealth

Wealth and social status are crucial in the novel, influencing characters, decisions, and relationships.

  • Marriage and Social Mobility – Mrs Bennet's quest to marry her daughters is driven by financial necessity. The lack of a male heir meant the estate could go to Mr. Collins, leaving the daughters broke.
  • Darcy's wealth initially separated him, making him appear proud and aloof. His wealth is a double-edged sword; it gives him a social status and causes others to prejudge him.
  • Bingley's wealth allows him to marry for love, but his sister's and Darcy's concern over Jane is because she has lesser fortune.

Self-Knowledge

The novel emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth.

  • Elizabeth initially prides herself on discernment but later realizes her prejudice. Darcy later serves as a turning point, forcing her to reflect on her assumptions.
  • After Elizabeth's rejection, Darcy undergoes self-reflection; he acknowledges his faults, especially his pride and interference in Bingley's relationship.
  • Jane remained kind and good-hearted, but her passive nature prevented her from asserting her feelings for Bingley.

First Impressions

  • The immediate admiration of Jane is based on beauty and sweetness, despite all the external influences from people.
  • Elizabeth's first impression of Darcy is negative based on his aloof behavior at the Meryton assembly. Darcy's initial impression of Elizabeth is also flawed as he dismisses her due to family status.

Literary Devices in Pride and Prejudice

Austen uses various Pride and Prejudice literary devices:

  1. Action – the book's primary action includes the Bennet girls' marriage choices. A rising action occurs in the novel when Darcy declines to dance with Elizabeth. However, a falling action occurs when Elizabeth rejects Darcy's proposal, and she grapples with her misjudgments.
  2. Mood – the novel is satirical but allows characters to be sarcastic and ironic even when it's too hard for some. The events become tense when Lydia elopes, but the mood changes when Darcy helps them out.
  3. Motif – the necessary motifs in the novel are courtships, journeys, marriages, and dances.
  4. Hyperbole – when Mrs. Bennet exaggerates that Jane is so ill when she has a cold, you can think she is on a death bed. "…she is very ill indeed…." Chapter 4, pg 36-37
  5. Imagery – the beauty of Pemberly is highlighted as a grand house with gardens. Also, Collin's awkwardness is described through his clothing and nervous mannerisms.
  6. Symbolism – carriages and horses symbolize the class of the wealthy. Memberships in clubs like sword fighting indicate prestige. Power is portrayed through wealth, accomplishments, and clothing. For instance, Elizabeth's power is symbolized through her muddy clothing.

The houses in the narrative represent the social standing of the inhabitants. Those living in Longbourgh were middle-class and financially vulnerable. Darcy was from a grand estate that represented power and wealth.

You will find these literary devices in Pride and Prejudice's novel. If you want to elaborate further on the structure of this novel, follow our guidelines above.

The Setting of Pride and Prejudice

There are three main Pride and Prejudice settings: Netherfield Park, Rosings Park, and Pemberley. The last setting, Pemberley, has dramatic symbolism that helps Elizabeth see Darcy's true character.

All three settings are in England, and events occur between 1700 and early 1800. The story builds in Longbourgh, where Mr. Bennet's family lives on their estate in rural England. The book depicts a division between those in rural areas and people in urban estates who are highly regarded, and some undermine the middle class.

Learn more about the history of England from the 1700s and Early 1800s in this article.

Style and Structure

This book employs a narrative technique in which the authors communicate the characters' thoughts rather than words. The author presents characters with developed personalities and unique voices.

The author also employs irony, parody, and free indirect speech. The ironic style makes remarks that seem to mean one thing but has another interpretation.

Pride and Prejudice Genre

Pride and Prejudice novel can fall into the following categories:

  • Romance novel – the novel features the love story of Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley. The author explains how their love, breakups, engagement, and marriage developed.
  • A coming-of-age novel – explains Elizabeth Bennet's growth and self-discovery. She learns from her mistakes and stops judging others based on first impressions.
  • Satire – Austen uses satire to mock societal norms, like emphasizing wealth and class in marriage. This adds humor and highlights the absurdity of certain social expectations.

Why Did Jane Austen Write Pride and Prejudice?

Jane Austen may have drawn her inspiration for the novel from the following instances:

  • Personal experiences: Applies her thoughts and experiences on love, relationships, and societal expectations.
  • Entertainment: Her stories are mostly meant for entertainment as she uses relatable characters and an engaging plot that captures the readers' imagination.
  • Early works: She began writing at an early age; thus, she has learned the art and creativity of insightful novels

Which Other Book Summaries Do We Offer?

Final Word

Pride and Prejudice is a testament to how pride and presumptions affect relationships. Jane Austen crafts a story that explores the effects of these flaws. This narrative offers insightful lessons on the value of self-examination, humility, and dealing with societal beliefs.

Through characters like Darcy and Elizabeth, readers learn to reflect on their biases and relate genuinely with people. Thus, these beautiful moral lessons make this classic novel relevant to the young and old. So, to engage with this iconic story today, place an order for a detailed pride and prejudice summary today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the moral of the story Pride and Prejudice?

The novel educates us to avoid pride and prejudice that make people judge others. For instance, Elizabeth saw Darcy as a proud person, though he later turned out to be good, and they fell in love. Again, Darcy criticizes Elizabeth based on their reputation and class.

2. Why did Elizabeth reject Mr. Darcy?

She rejected him because, according to the narrative, she believed Darcy mistreated Wickham. Additionally, Elizabeth thought that Darcy interfered with Jane's relationship with Bingley due to their social status.

3. Why is this book called Pride Prejudice?

The book is called Pride and Prejudice because the main characters, Darcy Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, must overcome these flaws to build their relationship. Darcy has to handle his social superiority, while Elizabeth has harsh judgment.

4. What is the literary style of Pride and Prejudice?

Jane Austen employs witty dialogue to add humor and drive the story's deeper meaning.

5. Why is the first sentence in Pride and Prejudice ironic?

This first line is ironic because the reality in the story is the opposite. While wealthy men are thought to need wives, single young women search for husbands and fortune.

Share the article

  • WhatsApp
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Telegram
  • Pintrest
  • Reddit

CATEGORIES

Find out how much your paper will cost

Prices start at $12.99 per page (275 words) for writing and $8.5 for editing and proofreading.

  • master card
  • VISA
  • discover
  • money back guaranteed
    MONEY BACKGUARANTEED
  • no hidden charges
    NO HIDDENCHARGES

Related Articles


Things Fall Apart is Chinua Achebe's debut novel, published in 1958 by William Heineman Ltd. It is the first of three books, follo...


Last updated

Read More - Things Fall Apa...»

Looking for tips on how to handle a poem analysis essay? Check out this guide for comprehensive information on how to perform...


Last updated

Read More - Struggling with...»

Ernest Hemingway’s Soldier’s Home portrays war's profound psychological impact on a young soldier. This short sto...


Last updated

Read More - Student Essays...»

Against Catfish Row's vibrant yet harsh backdrop, Porgy and Bess is a captivating opera that explores themes of resilience, love,...


Last updated

Read More - Don't Struggle...»

Have you ever wondered what awaits the veil of life? Dante Alighieri, a celebrated author from Italy, explored this idea in his re...


Last updated

Read More - Detailed Summar...»

Step into the heart of Alabama during the Great Depression. Scout Finch, a curious six-year-old, narrates her childhood adventures...


Last updated

Read More - To Kill a Mocki...»

A quintessential American tale, Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby novel has captivated readers for nearly a century. Our i...


Last updated

Read More - Illusions and R...»

Do you know that Catcher in the Rye is a long flashback created in Holden's mind? Well, now you know. J.D. Salinger wrote The Catc...


Last updated

Read More - Craft a Stellar...»

Did you know that Louis Sachar's book Holes has won not one but two major literary awards? In addition to the Newbery Medal, which...


Last updated

Read More - Holes Book Summ...»

Do you have a lengthy or urgent essay to write?

Don't hesitate to hire one of our best essay writers.

Hire a Writer
Hire a Writer