Pride and Prejudice Quote Analysis

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

8 March 2011

Pride and Prejudice Quote Analysis

            “Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her. But it was a hope shortly checked by other considerations, and she soon felt that even her vanity was insufficient when required to depend on his affection for her” (Austen 273).

            Mr. Darcy has the courtesy to pay for Mr. Wickham and Lydia’s wedding and Mrs. Gardiner strongly believes that Mr. Darcy has done so for Elizabeth. It is obvious that Mr. Darcy’s actions were clearly for Elizabeth, but she refuses to believe it. Elizabeth is implacable because she always has her own opinions and will never agree with the truth. “Her heart whispers that he had done it for her” represents how Elizabeth secretly wants to believe that Mr. Darcy has paid for the wedding just for her, but she is afraid of getting her hopes up. She then tells herself that Mr. Darcy would never connect himself with her family, so that she can hide any positive thoughts she might have. Elizabeth lacks self confidence and fears that her desire for Mr. Darcy will be rejected.

Pride And Prejudice Quote Analysis

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

8 March 2011

Pride and Prejudice Quote Analysis Chapter 56

            “In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentlemen’s daughter; so far we are equal” (Austen 299).

            Throughout the novel Elizabeth has never spoken up for herself when Miss Bingley, Mr. Collins or Lady Catherine spoke badly about her own family. Her diffidence is shown in the beginning of the novel when Miss Bingley comments on her family’s wealth, but she never talks back and politely remains quiet. Lady Catherine tells Elizabeth that her family has such low connections that Darcy’s marrying Elizabeth would ruin his reputation. The reader is able to see a change in Elizabeth when she defends her family stating, “ I am a gentleman’s daughter.” She is capable of standing up to the people that constantly act more superior to her and she is able to assert her independence.

            

Pride And Prejudice Quote Analysis

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

8 March 2011

Pride and Prejudice Quote Analysis

            “She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet” (Austen 261).

            Elizabeth is finally able to overcome her first impressions of Mr. Darcy. In the beginning of the novel Mr. Darcy’s cordial proposal to her was rejected with harsh words. Elizabeth now realizes that after all Mr. Darcy has done for her she could have seen herself having felicity, while being married to him. He is the man that would most likely suit Elizabeth and after overcoming her first impressions of Mr. Darcy she is finally able to realize that. Her feelings toward him are what his were toward her earlier in the novel. She now believes that Mr. Darcy has changed his mind of her and that she is too late to express her love towards him. She also thinks that Lydia’s elopement has ruined her chances of Mr. Darcy ever proposing again. The significance of this quote is Elizabeth’s new and true feelings for Mr. Darcy.

Quote Analysis Chapters 3-6 Book 3

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G- Period

3 March 2011

Quote Analysis Chapter 3-6 Book 3

            “I have just had a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from anyone. My youngest sister has left all her friends- has eloped-has thrown herself into power of-of Mr. Wickham” (Austen 231).

            Elizabeth has received a letter from Jane stating that her younger sister, Lydia has just run of to marry Mr. Wickham. Lydia is unaware that Mr. Wickham is a lying and scheming man. Elizabeth it immediately aware of what this could do to her family’s reputation if her sister marries Mr. Wickham. She is upset with the fact that her sister could already be married to him and there is no way for her to stop it. As she is crying she sees Mr. Darcy and explains to him the situation. Mr. Darcy was grieved as Elizabeth told him how her father has gone to London to try and find Lydia. This part of the novel is significant because Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth share the same sense of guilt. If they had revealed Mr. Wickham’s true nature it could have prevented Lydia from running of with him. This brings Mr. Darcy in Elizabeth closer together because it gives them a common purpose.

Quote Analysis Book 2 Chapters 6-10

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

15 February 2011

Chapters 6-10 book 2 Pride and Prejudice

     

“What he told me was merely this: that he congratulated himself on having lately saved a friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage, but without mentioning names or any other particulars” (Austen 158).

            Elizabeth constantly searches for information that will confirm her beliefs, which is also known as confirmation bias. When Mr. Darcy says that he saved a friend from an imprudent marriage, Elizabeth automatically assumes that Mr. Darcy is talking about Mr. Bingley and Jane. What Elizabeth is unaware of is that Mr. Darcy could actually be talking about a different woman that was part of Mr. Bingely’s past. This makes Elizabeth “willfully misunderstanding” because after hearing Mr. Darcy says this she views him as the agent to Jane’s unhappiness. Elizabeth believes that Mr. Darcy purposely changed Mr. Bingley’s mind about Jane so that he would no longer desire to marry her.

Pride and Prejudice Quote Analysis chapters 17-20

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

8 February 2011

Quote Analysis Chapters 17 to 20

            “ I pity you, Miss Eliza, for this discovery of your favourite’s guilt; but really considering his descent, one could not expect much better” (Austen 83).

            Miss Bingley is once again trying to interfere with the relationship of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. From the quote the reader is aware that Miss Bingley is a manipulating character. She purposely mentions Mr. Wickham in front of Mr. Darcy and suggests that he would be a good match for her. Miss Bingley is aware that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth share a connection for each other, but her jealousy causes her to interfere with their relationship. She constantly finds way to make Elizabeth look like she has an unruly disposition. In reality Miss Bingley is only making herself look desperate when she talks as if she is more superior to Elizabeth. When Miss Bingely recommends that Mr. Wickham would be a perfect choice for her she is really implying that Mr. Darcy is too good for her.

Quote Analysis Pride And Prejudice chapters 7-9

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

2 February 2011

Quote Analysis Chapters 7-10

            “ I have an excessive regard for Jane Bennet, she is really a very sweet girl, I wish with all my heart she were well settled. But with such a father and mother, and such low connections, I am afraid there is no chance of it” (Austen 32).

            Austen represents the social hierarchy through the quote said by Mr. Hurst. Although Jane is a beautiful, well-mannered and cordial young lady she does not live up to the same standards as Mr. Bingley. Mr. Hurst even says that he is afraid that there is no chance for her. This signifies the social hierarchy because although the Bennet’s are considered part of the upper class the money that they make each year does not meet the principles of others living in the upper class. The lines of class are strictly drawn and the Bennet’s are seen as inferiors to the Bingley’s and Darcy’s and treated as such. Jane might meet all the requirements of a lady, but her class keeps her from having a chance with a man from the upper class.