Pride and Prejudice Quotes by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular and beloved novels by Jane Austen.

It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, two people who initially dislike each other but eventually fall in love.

The novel is full of witty, romantic, and insightful quotes that reveal the characters’ personalities, opinions, and feelings.

In this blog post, we will share some of the best Pride and Prejudice quotes by Jane Austen and explain why they are so memorable and meaningful.

What is Pride and Prejudice about?

Pride and Prejudice is a novel that was published in 1813 by Jane Austen. It is set in England during the late 18th century and follows the lives of the Bennet family, who have five daughters.

The main plot revolves around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter, and Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud gentleman.

They meet at a ball and have a bad first impression of each other. Elizabeth thinks that Darcy is arrogant and rude, while Darcy thinks that Elizabeth is not beautiful or refined enough for him.

However, as the story progresses, they encounter each other again and again and gradually develop feelings for each other.

Along the way, they have to overcome various obstacles, such as their own pride and prejudice, the interference of their families and friends, and the schemes of other people who want to separate them.

Why are Pride and Prejudice quotes so famous?

Pride and Prejudice quotes are so famous because they are not only entertaining and amusing, but also profound and meaningful.

Jane Austen had a remarkable talent for writing dialogue that captures the essence of her characters and their situations. She used humor, irony, sarcasm, and wit to convey her observations and criticisms of the society and culture of her time.

She also used romance, passion, and emotion to express her views and values on love and marriage. Her quotes are often quoted and referenced by people who admire her style and wisdom, and who relate to her themes and messages.

What are some of the best Pride and Prejudice quotes?

There are many great pride and prejudice quotes that can be found throughout the novel, but here are some of the best ones that we have selected and categorized for you.

Pride and Prejudice quotes about love and Marriage

One of the main themes of Pride and Prejudice is love, and how it can be influenced by pride and prejudice. Here are some of the best quotes that show how the characters feel and think about love.

“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

This is one of the most famous and romantic quotes from the novel, spoken by Mr. Darcy when he proposes to Elizabeth for the first time. It shows how he confesses his love for her despite his pride and her prejudice, and how he tries to overcome his own struggles and doubts.

“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”

This is another quote from Mr. Darcy when he proposes to Elizabeth for the second time. It shows how he respects her feelings and wishes, and how he is willing to accept her rejection if she does not love him back.

“You must know… surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I had scarcely ever allowed myself before. If you will take me as your husband, then I will make you the happiest woman in the world.”

This is the final quote from Mr. Darcy when he and Elizabeth finally confess their mutual love and agree to marry. It shows how he reveals his actions and motives, and how he expresses his hope and happiness.

“You are too hasty, sir,” she cried. “You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than to decline them.”

This is a quote from Elizabeth when she rejects Mr. Darcy’s first proposal. It shows how she refuses his offer of marriage, and how she is offended by his insults and accusations.

“I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.”

This is a quote from Mr. Darcy when he reacts to Elizabeth’s rejection. It shows how he is surprised and hurt by her refusal, and how he is not used to being denied or opposed.

“I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

This is another quote from Elizabeth when she defends her decision to marry Mr. Darcy against her father’s objections. It shows how she asserts her independence and happiness, and how she does not care about the opinions or judgments of others.

“You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not afraid of speaking openly. Seriously, I would have you be on your guard. Do not involve yourself or endeavour to involve him in an affection which the want of fortune would make so very imprudent. I have nothing to say against him; he is a most interesting young man; and if he had the fortune he ought to have, I should think you could not do better. But as it is, you must not let your fancy run away with you. You have sense, and we all expect you to use it. Your father would depend on your resolution and good conduct, I am sure. You must not disappoint your father.”

This is a quote from Jane Bennet, Elizabeth’s elder sister when she warns her about falling in love with Mr. Darcy. It shows how she cares for her sister’s welfare and happiness, and how she advises her to be cautious and prudent.

“My dearest sister, now be serious. I want to talk very seriously. Let me know every thing that I am to know, without delay. Will you tell me how long you have loved him?”

This is another quote from Jane Bennet when she congratulates Elizabeth on her engagement to Mr. Darcy. It shows how she is curious and excited about her sister’s love story, and how she wants to know all the details.

Pride and Prejudice quotes about pride

Another main theme of Pride and Prejudice is pride, and how it can affect the characters’ actions and judgments. Here are some of the best quotes that show how the characters deal with pride.

“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.”

This is a quote from Mary Bennet, Elizabeth’s younger sister when she gives her opinion on pride and vanity. It shows how she distinguishes between the two concepts, and how she defines pride as a self-regard, and vanity as a desire for approval.

“Pride is a very common failing, I believe. By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common indeed; that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary. 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.”

This is another quote from Mary Bennet when she elaborates on her opinion on pride and vanity. It shows how she acknowledges the prevalence and universality of pride, and how she repeats her definition of pride and vanity.

“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”

This is the first quote from Mr. Darcy in the novel when he refuses to dance with Elizabeth at the Meryton ball.

It shows how he insults her appearance and her worth, and how he is too proud to associate with someone who is not of his rank or beauty. This quote also sets the tone for Elizabeth’s dislike and prejudice towards him.

“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. Unfortunately an only son (for many years an only child), I was spoilt by my parents, who, though good themselves (my father, particularly, all that was benevolent and amiable), allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing; to care for none beyond my own family circle; to think meanly of all the rest of the world; to wish at least to think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”

This is the quote from Mr. Darcy when he explains to Elizabeth how he changed his character and behavior because of her. It shows how he admits his faults and flaws, and how he credits her for his improvement and growth. It also shows how he acknowledges his pride, and how he has learned to be more humble, generous, and respectful.

“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.”

This is the quote from Elizabeth when she reflects on Mr. Darcy’s insult at the Meryton ball. It shows how she is hurt and offended by his remark, and how she holds a grudge against him. It also shows how her pride is wounded, and how she is not willing to overlook his pride.

“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”

This is the quote from Elizabeth when she responds to Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s visit and threats. It shows how she stands up for herself and her rights, and how she does not let anyone bully or influence her. It also shows how her pride is strong, and how she is not afraid to challenge or confront others.

“I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

“My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”

This is a quote from Mr. Darcy when he responds to Elizabeth’s accusation of being proud and disagreeable. It shows how he defends his pride and dignity, and how he does not care about the opinions of others. It also shows how he is stubborn and inflexible, and how he does not easily forgive or forget.

These are some of the best pride and prejudice quotes that illustrate the theme of pride in the novel. They show how pride can be a positive or negative quality, depending on how it is expressed and balanced.

They also show how pride can affect the characters’ perceptions and actions, and how it can be overcome by love and understanding.

Pride and Prejudice Funny Quotes

It is also full of witty, sarcastic, and humorous dialogue that makes fun of the characters’ pride and prejudice, and the absurdities of their society. Here are some of the funny quotes from Pride and Prejudice that you might enjoy:

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

This is the famous opening line of the novel, which introduces the theme of pride and prejudice in a humorous and ironic way. It shows how the society of the time had a fixed and biased view of marriage, and how the wealthy and eligible men were expected to marry the daughters of the gentry.

It also foreshadows the plot of the novel, which revolves around the marriage prospects of the Bennet sisters, especially Elizabeth and Jane.

“The pride of Mr. Darcy has been the subject of much ridicule in the present company.”

This is a quote from Elizabeth when she teases Mr. Darcy about his pride at a dinner party. It shows how she mocks and challenges him for his haughty and reserved manner, and how she does not hide her dislike of him.

It also shows how Mr. Darcy is perceived by the others as a proud and unpleasant man, who looks down on people of lower rank and fortune.

“One cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.”

This is a quote from Elizabeth when she comments on Mr. Darcy’s improved manners and conversation. It shows how she acknowledges his change and growth, and how she finds him more interesting and attractive. It also shows how she has a playful and lively sense of humor, and how she enjoys banter and wit.

“A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

This is a quote from Mr. Darcy when he mocks the romantic fantasies of women. It shows how he has a cynical and sarcastic view of love and marriage, and how he does not believe in the power of attraction and affection. It also shows how he is unaware of his own feelings for Elizabeth, and how he is surprised by his own proposal.

“What a superbly featured room and what excellent boiled potatoes! Many years since I’ve had such an exemplary vegetable.”

This is a quote from Mr. Collins when he compliments the Bennet family on their dinner. It shows how he is a dull and pompous man, who does not have much to say or contribute to the conversation. It also shows how he is easily impressed and flattered by the simplest things, and how he tries to ingratiate himself with his hosts.

“I do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before.”

This is a quote from Mr. Darcy when he admits his social awkwardness and shyness to Elizabeth. It shows how he is honest and self-aware, and how he does not pretend to be something he is not. It also shows how he is different from the other men of his status and fortune, who are more confident and charming.

“Those who do not complain are never pitied.”

This is a quote from Mrs. Bennet, when she complains about her nerves and her troubles. It shows how she is a silly and selfish woman, who likes to draw attention and sympathy to herself. It also shows how she is a source of amusement and annoyance for her family and friends, who do not take her seriously.

“Is not general incivility the very essence of love?”

This is a quote from Elizabeth when she jokes about the rude and hostile behavior of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. It shows how she has a sarcastic and ironic view of love, and how she does not believe in the sincerity and goodness of the men who pursue her.

It also shows how she is unaware of the true motives and feelings of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham, and how she is mistaken about their characters.

“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”

This is a quote from Mr. Bennet when he comments on the gossip and scandal of his neighborhood. It shows how he has a humorous and detached view of life, and how he does not care much about the opinions or judgments of others.

It also shows how he is a witty and intelligent man, who likes to entertain himself and his family with his observations and remarks.

These are some of the funny quotes from Pride and Prejudice that you might enjoy. They show how Jane Austen used humor, irony, sarcasm, and wit to create a lively and engaging story and to criticize the society and culture of her time.

They also show how the characters of Pride and Prejudice have distinct and memorable personalities, opinions, and feelings, and how they interact and influence each other.