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Karina Castillo

Mrs. Angus

CP English 4

25 January 2017

Pride and Prejudice Final

2. In retrospect, the first chapter of a novel introduces some of the major themes of the work.

Write an essay about the opening scene of Pride and Prejudice in which you explain how the first

chapter introduces two major themes. Do not merely summarize plot. Cite evidence from the first

chapter and subsequent chapters to support your opinion.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune,

must be in want of a wife (Austen, 1). Although Pride and Prejudice is recognized as a novel

about love, there are also many themes underlying the surface of the love story. The opening

chapter of the novel Pride and Prejudice suggests two themes from the start: love and social

class. Throughout the novel Mr. Bennet represents and fights for love in a marriage, while Mrs.

Bennet pushes for the social aspect of a relationship, being money.

While at an assembly in Meryton, Mr. Bingley attempts to convince Mr. Darcy to ask

Elizabeth to dance, to which Darcy replies, She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt

me, (7). Although Elizabeth seems the shrug off the comment initially, she is certainly maimed

emotionally, shown when Elizabeth expresses, I could easily forgive his pride if he had not

mortified mine, (12). Later on, Darcys love for Elizabeth grows until he proposes to her for the

first time, Elizabeth rejects him and explains all the actions he has done to make Elizabeth hate
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Darcy. Darcy later redeems himself after writing a letter explaining himself to Elizabeth and

saving the Bennet family by paying Wickam. After realizing Darcy is an honest gentleman with

good intentions Elizabeth begins to fall in love with Darcy. After he proposes again, Elizabeth

goes to her father and informs him of her intentions with Darcy. Mr. Bennet becomes confused

and states, We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if

you really liked him, (254). To which Elizabeth confesses, I do, I do like him. I love him.

Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable, (254). Elizabeth overcame her initial

prejudice of Mr. Darcy, that he was a rich, snobby, and rude man. When in fact he was quite a

caring, and passionate gentleman.

During the 1800s, when Jane Austen wrote this novel, it would be exceptionally hard for

one to acquire a lot of money. Men could either inherit, or marry into money, sometimes they

might make a fortune off of business but that is rare. For women, their options are even more

limited than men; inherit or marry, however patrilineal succession was the most common way of

passing down inheritance throughout generations so women often were left with nothing. In

Pride and Prejudice the Bennet sisters are looking to marry so they will not be left homeless and

poor after their parents pass away. Mrs. Bennet, the sisters mother works ambitiously

throughout the entirety of the novel to find her daughters a well off husband, when she learns of

Mr. Bingleys arrival in their small town she rushes to her husband to pass on the delightful

news. Mr. Bennett questions back asking if Bingley is married or single, Mrs. Bennett replies,

Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year.

What a fine thing for our girls! (1). Mrs. Bennets focus on money can be interpreted in two

ways; she does not want her daughters to struggle financially, or she wants her family to look

wealthy.
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In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice truly is a fantastic love story. However, author Jane

Austen uses the many relationships in her novel to discuss many themes and issues that existed

in the 1800s and that still exist to this day. Amongst love and social class, themes such as; love,

marriage, wealth, pride and prejudice are also very prevalent. Elizabeth and Darcys marriage

suggests the idea that love has the ability to conquer all, including pride and prejudice. Love has

the power to overcome anything, including social class.

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Modern Library, 1995. Print.