be interpreted as a theme running through the novel. Pride, observed

Mary, . . . 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 another, 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. Pride

and/or vanity is exhibited in different forms by each character.

Ms. Austen was trying to send the message that an excess of pride or

vanity is indeed a failing. Those characters who can recognize their

flaw emerge as the true heroes of the story.

In many minor characters of the novel, pride is a common

characteristic. Mrs. Bennet, for instance, is extremely proud when it

comes to her daughters marriages of mercenary advantage. She is so

concerned that her neighbors have a high opi

touch of vanity enables him to change himself for her. Elizabeth,

She prides herself on being unprejudiced and rational in the judgement

family and connections. Although Darcy s accusations of the

proposed marriage to the esteemed Mr. Collins, a man she did not love.

Mr. Collins possesses a definite sense of vanity. He is in no

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mary Bennet, Jane Austen, Darcy Elizabeth, Ms Austen, Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy Wickham, novel pride, characters novel, Pride Prejudice, prejudice jane austen, pride prejudice jane, darcy realizes, darcy elizabeth, connections darcy, elizabeth bennet, prejudice jane, vanity pride, Prejudice Jane, jane austen, pride prejudice,
Approximate Word count = 835
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)