Pride and Prejudice: Key Quotations on Character, Theme and Irony

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Explore Pride and Prejudice quotations to analyse character, theme and irony; learn key quotes, their meanings and how Austen shapes narrative voice for exams.

Pride and Prejudice Quotes: Character, Theme, and Austen’s Narrative Art

Jane Austen’s *Pride and Prejudice*, first published in 1813, is widely regarded as one of the most influential social novels of the nineteenth century. Through her sparkling dialogue and pointed observations, Austen explores the complexities of marriage, class, and reputation in Regency England. The novel stands out not only for its richly-drawn characters but also for the incisive, memorable quotations which reveal much about both Austen’s techniques and the society she depicts. In this essay, I will analyse how quotations from *Pride and Prejudice* illustrate key aspects of character and theme, focusing on Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as well as secondary figures. I will also consider how Austen’s distinctive narrative voice—often laced with irony—infuses even the simplest lines with layered significance. Ultimately, Austen’s quotable moments are not mere ornament; they serve as instruments of social critique and as windows into deep personal transformation.

The Narrative Voice and the Satirical Opening

It is fitting to begin with the sentence that has become one of the most quoted in English literature: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” With its grandiosity and comic certainty, this opening pronouncement frames much of what follows. The use of “truth universally acknowledged” suggests an unassailable fact, but readers quickly recognise the narrator’s tongue-in-cheek tone. The hyperbolic phrasing, alongside the confident syntax, immediately hints at the absurdity—and inevitability—of marriage as a social institution in Austen’s world.

This opening line does not simply set the scene; it establishes Austen’s satirical approach to her era’s courtship conventions. By highlighting the supposed universality of marriage as women’s highest ambition (or men’s inevitable fate), the narrator invites us to question whether such “truths” are indeed so self-evident. This line, therefore, is the root from which many of the novel’s memorable character quotations grow, since each character’s speech reflects or reacts against the societal expectations embodied here.

Elizabeth Bennet: Wit, Prejudice, and Self-Discovery

Elizabeth Bennet is frequently praised for her wit and independence, qualities which find expression in some of the novel’s most memorable lines. Early on, Elizabeth demonstrates a playful scepticism that borders on mockery, as when she says to Jane about Darcy, “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” The clever balance of the phrase, with its play on “pride” and “mortified,” showcases Elizabeth’s lively intellect but also subtly exposes her own quickness to judge. Austen’s decision to place such lines in Elizabeth’s mouth allows the reader to both admire and question her, blending warmth with irony.

As the plot develops, Elizabeth’s voice evolves. After Darcy’s first, disastrous proposal and the revelation of Wickham’s true character, Elizabeth is forced to reconsider her prior beliefs. Her self-condemnation—“Till this moment, I never knew myself”—marks a turning point, stylistically subdued compared to her earlier banter. The brevity and directness of the line reflect her humility and new self-awareness. Through these shifting quotations, Austen guides the reader in mapping Elizabeth’s journey from spirited prejudice to deeper understanding, using word choice and tone to distinguish her growth. The contrast between Elizabeth’s early and later lines also sets her apart from those who remain static—such as Mr Collins or Mrs Bennet—and strengthens her role as the novel’s moral centre.

Mr Darcy: From Reserve to Vulnerability

While Elizabeth’s lines dance with irony, Mr Darcy is initially characterised by a more formal, restrained manner. His infamous snub at the Meryton assembly—“She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me”—is deliberately clipped and dismissive. The rhythm and diction highlight his pride and social aloofness. Readers (and Elizabeth herself) quickly form a negative impression, one that Austen cleverly exploits.

Later, however, as Darcy’s attitude changes, so does the style of his speech. His first declaration of love—“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once.”—is more direct and exposed than anything he has previously uttered. The use of “generous” and the plea for honesty suggest vulnerability and a relinquishing of pride. Austen’s control of sentence length and structure here mirrors Darcy’s own internal transformation: the rigid, aloof man of early chapters becomes someone capable of emotional depth and frankness. By contrasting Darcy’s early dismissive remarks with his later sincerity, Austen invites the reader to reconsider first impressions, reinforcing one of the novel’s central themes.

Secondary Characters: Satire and Social Commentary

Austen’s mastery of dialogue extends beyond her central couple, and the novel thrives on the sharp contrasts provided by secondary figures. Characters such as Jane Bennet, with her mild declarations—“I wish with all my heart it may prove so”—embody sincerity, optimism, and sometimes naivety. Jane’s lines, gentle and trusting, serve as a foil to Elizabeth’s sharper wit, and expose the dangers of viewing the world only in the kindest light.

Conversely, Lydia’s exclamations—“I am sure Jane will die of a broken heart, and then he will be sorry for what he has done”—readily reveal impulsiveness and a lack of foresight. Mr Collins, whose laborious compliments stretch to absurd lengths—“My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish”—embody pomposity and self-importance. Here, Austen uses repetition, verbosity, and formal register to mock social climbing and obsequiousness. Mrs Bennet, frequently shrill and anxious—“If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield...and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for”—personifies the intense social pressure placed upon women (and their mothers) to secure favourable matches.

By juxtaposing these varied voices, Austen employs quotations as a tool for both comedy and criticism, making her secondary characters vivid representatives of wider social attitudes.

Mr Wickham: The Language of Deception

Wickham, the artful charmer, is lent a distinctive style through his calculatedly agreeable language. In early encounters, he flatters Elizabeth and the reader: “There is a very fine old saying, which everybody here is of course familiar with—‘Keep your breath to cool your porridge.’” His turn of phrase is colloquial and disarming, masking mercenary motives. Later, however, the truth of his behaviour emerges, and his language becomes more plainly self-serving. Austen subtly shifts Wickham’s tone from ingratiating to transactional, warning both characters and readers against relying on surface charm or first appearances. Here, the contrast between quotations supports the novel’s critique of deception and superficiality.

Marriage and Social Commentary: Competing Quotations

Austen’s engagement with marriage as both ideal and economic necessity pervades the novel. Charlotte Lucas’ practical remark—“I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home”—is a world away from Elizabeth’s spirited refusal of Mr Collins. The tone here is prosaic and tinged with resignation, reflecting the social and economic pressures that govern women’s choices in Regency England. Through such lines, Austen does not simply endorse one perspective but encourages the reader to confront uncomfortable realities of her time. Quotations about marriage in *Pride and Prejudice* are therefore diverse: at times cynical, at others idealistic, but always revealing.

Irony and Free Indirect Discourse: The Blended Voice

Many of the novel’s best-known lines, while appearing as direct statements, are in fact filtered through Austen’s technique of free indirect discourse, in which the third-person narrator slips into the language or feelings of her characters. For instance, the narrator's reflection—“Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation”—blends narrative distance with Elizabeth’s private concerns. Irony is ever-present, tempering earnestness with scepticism, and blurring the boundary between Austen’s own judgement and her heroine’s. This technique gives apparently straightforward quotations a layered resonance, complicating any easy attribution of meaning or intent. As such, quotation in *Pride and Prejudice* becomes both character voice and narrative instrument.

Conclusion: Enduring Power of Austen’s Quotations

In *Pride and Prejudice*, Austen’s mastery of dialogue and narrative technique gives rise to countless memorable quotations—witty, poignant, and incisive. Whether through the sparkling exchanges of Elizabeth Bennet, the evolving candour of Mr Darcy, or the comic absurdities of secondary figures, these lines reveal the richness of character and the intricacies of social expectation in Regency England. Austen’s use of irony, structure, and contrasting voices ensures that each quote does more than characterise: it prompts readers to question, to sympathise, and to judge. The continued relevance and popularity of her lines, even two centuries on, attest to their universal appeal and the enduring need to examine pride, prejudice, and the delicate dance of human relationships. For modern readers, Austen’s quotable prose still offers fresh insights into identity, class, and the dangers of judging too hastily—a truth, one might say, nearly universally acknowledged.

Example questions

The answers have been prepared by our teacher

What are the key quotations on character in Pride and Prejudice?

Key quotations like Elizabeth's "I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine" reveal core traits and character development throughout the novel.

How do quotations illustrate main themes in Pride and Prejudice?

Quotations such as the famous opening sentence highlight themes of marriage, social class, and reputation, setting the tone for Austen's social critique.

What role does irony play in Pride and Prejudice quotations?

Irony is central, as seen in the opening line, which uses humour and exaggeration to question societal norms and expectations in Regency England.

How does Austen's narrative voice appear in Pride and Prejudice quotations?

Austen's narrative voice often employs wit and satire, deftly using language in quotations to reflect and critique her characters and their society.

How do Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy's quotations differ in Pride and Prejudice?

Elizabeth's quotations are lively and ironic, while Darcy's are initially formal and reserved, highlighting each character's personality and personal growth.

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