why pride and prejudice?

Question

why is the book named 'pride and prejudice' with relevance to the characters and the whole story.

Answer 1

Actually, the original name for the work was "First Impressions" (which is reasonable as well, though it focuses more on Elizabeth). But when Jane Austen finally succeeded in getting *Sense and Sensibility* published (which she has originally called "Elinor and Marianne"), she decided to rename this work with another catchy, alliterative title. (Shortly after the success of this book, MANY began to publish titles in the same style!)

The general explanation of the connection of the title to the plot -- pride refers to Darcy's vice, prejudice to Elizabeth's -- is basically correct. (A quick read of a plot summary at SparkNotes, CliffNotes, etc will demonstrate this). But if you want to see EXACTLY (and quickly!) just how it plays out, here's a suggestion. Download the free gutenberg text to the book (link below) and do a simple search for each word.

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This will help especially with "prejudice". Perhaps two most important uses of this word appear in chapters 18 (its first use, I think) and 36.

The latter is where Elizabeth, upon reading a letter from Darcy, begins to realize how her own prejudices had blinded her about Darcy and Colonel Wickham. The account begins thus:

"With a strong prejudice against everything he might say, she began his account of what had happened at Netherfield.

"She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think without feeling she had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd."

This passage goes on to speak of Elizabeth recognizing HER mistaken pride --in her ability to discern character.

Similarly, her very first discussion (with a friend) about Darcy's pride contains this interesting exchange:

"His pride," said Miss Lucas, "does not offend ME so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, everything in his favour, should think highly of himself. If I may so express it, he has a RIGHT to be proud."

"That is very true," replied Elizabeth, "and I could easily forgive HIS pride, if he had not mortified MINE."

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Ironically, the FIRST reference to prejudice (chapter 18) is where Elizabeth insinuates that DARCY has been , having no clue that SHE is the one who does not know the real facts of the case is prejudiced against him (and for Wickham, whose lies she was quick to believe because they fit what she WANTED to think about Darcy).

Here is a delicious snip:

[Elizabeth] "I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that you resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its BEING CREATED."

[Darcy] "I am," said he, with a firm voice.

[Elizabeth] "And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"

[Darcy] "I hope not."

[Elizabeth] "It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."

Answer 2

This Jane Austin's Novel is a very popular one. & the characters stand out

There are two main, LEAD Characters in it. One is the hero of the novel, Darcy, a synonym for MALE-PRIDE. He looks down upon all around & particularly, the heroine Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, on her part, is highly prejudiced against Darcy for his superciliousness.

How Jane Austin brings them together in wedlock is the captivating story.

The Title is not only appropriate but also tells the whole story in two words, 'Pride & Prejudice'! We can't but admire the ingenuity of Jane Austin in giving an appropriate & attractive title based on her Characters & the story-line.

Hats off to Jane Austin!

Answer 3

First, I didn't get very far along in the book, it didn't trip my trigger so I put it down. However, I'll suggest to you that the word prejudice not only means to pre-judge people, it also refers to conditions that would affect outcomes. For example it can be used as, "Pride prejudiced his chances to make rational judgments." I don't know that that applies, but I thought I'd pass it along.

Answer 4

Because the Mr. Darcy is viewed to have too much Pride but Elizabeth is Predjudiced against him.

Answer 5

He was full of pride
and she was full of prejudice (and semi-prejudice) toward him.

And it really sounds great.

Answer 6

thats a mystery

Answer 7

Because it sounds good when you say it.