pride and prejudice essay questions

Pride and Prejudice

By jane austen, pride and prejudice essay questions.

In which ways is Elizabeth different from the rest of the Bennet family? What does the contrast reveal about her character?

Elizabeth is one of the only characters in Pride and Prejudice who changes significantly over the course of the story. Her distinctive quality is her extreme perceptiveness, which she uses to assess others at the beginning of the novel and understand her own flaws at the end. Most of the other Bennets are stuck in their ways - Jane is eternally optimistic, Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are frivolous, Mr. Bennet is sarcastic and cynical, and so on - but Elizabeth regularly reflects on the events in her life. She learns to question herself whereas most of the others act as though they have settled on a certain worldview. Elizabeth is therefore a true individual who adapts to the world around her, and seeks constantly to better understand her desires so that she can find happiness.

Overall, do you believe Austen has a conservative or radical approach to the issue of class? Why or why not?

Ultimately, Pride and Prejudice takes a moderate stance on class differences. Austen never posits an egalitarian ideology. However, she does criticize the society's over-emphasis on class instead of individual moral character. Darcy's journey from extreme class-consciousness to prioritizing manners over money is the best example of Austen's criticism. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is affected upon visiting Pemberley. The grand estate does have an impact on her already changing feelings towards Darcy, which is one example of Austen justifying the appeal of the upper class. Overall, Austen accepts (and even appreciates) the existence of class hierarchy, but also offers a warning about how class-based prejudice can poison society.

Explore Austen's portrayal of the women in the novel. In what ways does she sympathize with their plight, and in what ways is she unsympathetic?

Austen's attitude towards women is quite complicated. Generally, Austen is critical of the gender injustices present in 19th century English society, particularly in the context of marriage. She is able to voice this criticism through characters like Charlotte Lucas (who marries Collins because she needs security) and even Mrs. Bennet (who, though ridiculous, is the only one to speak out against the entailment of Longbourn). Furthermore, Austen's caricatured portrayal of the younger Bennet daughters is evidence of her disdain for frivolous women. Her opinion was perhaps more in line with Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth, or even the dour Mary. While Austen seems to accept the limitations of her gender, she criticizes a society that forces women to emphasize their least flattering characteristics.

Elizabeth has a markedly different attitude about marriage than other characters - notably Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet - have. To what extent is she unfair in her assessment of their attitudes, and to what extent might they benefit from employing her perspective?

Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet both believe that marriage is a business transaction in which a woman must be the active party in securing a good match for herself. This pragmatic assessment stands in stark contrast to Elizabeth's more romantic worldview. However, at this period in history, at least in certain higher classes, if a man chose not to marry, he only risked loneliness and regret. Meanwhile, a woman in the same situation could lose her financial security. Therefore, it is understandable why Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet believe that a woman must consider employing manipulation for the sake of her future. Charlotte deliberately draws Mr. Collins's attention in order to secure a proposal. However, Jane does not follow Charlotte's advice and nearly loses Bingley's love in the process. Lydia takes a drastic action that forces her marriage to occur. It is only Elizabeth who operates entirely outside the societal norm, but Austen makes it clear that her situation is quite unique.

Some critics applaud Austen's ability to craft psychologically complex and believable characters, while others believe she mostly creates well-drawn comic stock characters. Which argument do you support?

Though this question asks for an opinion, a strong thesis would be that Austen straddles the line between comic stock characters and psychologically complex ones. Elizabeth Bennet has a magnetic and singular personality, as does Darcy. They are arguably one of the most beloved literary couples of all time. On the other end of the spectrum, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine are almost trapped in their exaggerated personality traits, which Austen often uses for comic (and satirical) effect. However, Austen reveals a keen perception of human psychology, even through these supposedly two-dimensional characters. Mr. Collins, for instance, reflects the truth of a class-obsessed society. Mrs. Bennet embodies the desperation of women to find a good marriage. Therefore, Austen does create unique stock characters that emphasize certain aspects of human psychology while also providing comic relief.

Austen's original draft of this novel was titled First Impressions . Explain why this title makes sense, as explore the reasons why Pride and Prejudice is more apt.

First Impressions describes the main romantic conflict - will Elizabeth and Darcy end up together despite their first impressions of one another? However, Pride and Prejudice suggests a much deeper psychological struggle, more fitting to the complexity of Austen's novel. Whereas First Impressions only implies a story of corrected perceptions, Pride and Prejudice describes a story where the characters must investigate themselves, addressing the unconscious impulses that work to prohibit self-awareness. Finally, the final title is all-encompassing, reaching beyond just Elizabeth and Darcy. It offers a comment on the novel's larger themes like class and the role of women.

Darcy is initially attracted to Elizabeth's "fine eyes." Analyze this symbol, and explain what it shows about both Darcy and Elizabeth.

Despite Elizabeth's obvious coldness toward him, Darcy finds himself increasingly attracted to her, particularly her beautiful dark eyes. The darkness of her eyes also represents Elizabeth's main weakness‹: the pride and prejudice that cloud her perception. Elizabeth prides herself on her ability to judge others and uncover their motives. However, her prejudgment of Darcy makes her blind to his admiration. In the conversation about Darcy at Netherfield, Elizabeth offers that Darcy's defect is "a propensity to hate everybody," while Darcy perceptively replies that hers is "Œwillfully to misunderstand them." Indeed, while Elizabeth judges Darcy for over-valuing his first impression of her, she exhibits the exact same shortcoming. Ultimately, the darkness of her eyes reflects the complexity of Elizabeth's prejudice, but that complexity is very much what draws Darcy towards her in the first place.

In what ways does Austen portray the family and community as responsible for its members?

Though Pride and Prejudice is largely a story about individuality, Austen portrays the family unit as primarily responsible for the intellectual and moral education of children. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's failure to provide a proper education for their daughters leads to Lydia's utter foolishness. Elizabeth and Jane manage to develop virtue and discernment in spite of their parents' negligence, though it is notable that they have other role models like the Gardiners. Darcy shares both his father's aristocratic nature and the man's tendency towards generosity, while Lady Catherine's daughter is too frightened to speak. This attitude extends to the larger community, as well. Lydia's time in Meryton and Brighton bring out her worst impulses. Similarly, the community around Pemberley respects Darcy's generosity and follows his lead in being kind and trustworthy.

Though undoubtedly a comic character, Mr. Collins reflects some rather unattractive qualities of his society. Explain this statement.

Mr. Collins is defined by his rambling speeches of excessive formality and his boorishness disguised as faux-politeness. And yet, Mr. Collins is also a reflection of a society obsessed with class, a monster engendered by this singular pressure. Mr. Collins comes from modest means and likely always dreamed of a respectable position. When he attracted an aristocratic patroness like Lady Catherine, he saw only her rank, which made him blind to her harsh and condescending attitude. He compensates for his insecurity by pretending to act like Lady Catherine and those of her class. In this way, Collins and Lady Catherine are examples of the societal acceptance of class without manners but not the opposite.

Explain why Austen ends her novel with a line about the Gardiners, even though they are minor characters in Pride and Prejudice .

The Gardiners are important because they are a middle-class couple that behaves reasonably and virtuously. Mrs. Gardiner is a great role model for Elizabeth, though she reveals little unique personality of her own. Mr. Gardiner proves to be instrumental in saving Lydia from her scandalous elopement. They both acknowledge the importance of class and education, but place a greater emphasis on personal conduct. The Gardiners also externalize Darcy's inner struggle. When Darcy treats the Gardiners well at Pemberley and then later works with Mr. Gardiner to rescue Lydia, it indicates that he has internalized Elizabeth's view of personality and class. The novel thus ends on the Gardiners because is offers a final illustration that Elizabeth and Darcy have reached a happy medium between class and behavior beyond the barriers of pride and prejudice.

Pride and Prejudice Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Pride and Prejudice is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

chapter 1-12

Charlotte means that meeting the right person and connecting with them in a long term relationship happens by chance rather than planning. I think this is true to a point. There are thousands of people one could be more or less compatible with....

1. What motivates Collins to seek a wife from among the Bennet girls?

7. How might Collins’ reasons for marriage be judged today? Why does he have trouble taking Elizabeth’s rejection seriously? What does he purport to offer her? Collins’ reasons for marriage, which are primarily utilitarian and focused on social...

Elizabeth is one of the only characters in Pride and Prejudice who changes significantly over the course of the story. Her distinctive quality is her extreme perceptiveness, which she uses to assess others at the beginning of the novel and...

Study Guide for Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice study guide contains a biography of Jane Austen, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Pride and Prejudice
• Pride and Prejudice Summary
• Pride and Prejudice Video
• Character List

Essays for Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

• Theme of Pride
• Epistolary Study of Austen
• Money as Social Currency in the Society Described in Pride and Prejudice
• Discretion and Design in Pride and Prejudice
• Eloquence: The Window To the Soul and the Number One Requirement for a Successful Courtship

Lesson Plan for Pride and Prejudice

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Pride and Prejudice
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Pride and Prejudice Bibliography

E-Text of Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice e-text contains the full text of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

• Chapters 1-6
• Chapters 7-14
• Chapters 15-23
• Chapters 24-33
• Chapters 34-42

Wikipedia Entries for Pride and Prejudice

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117 Pride and Prejudice Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic novel that has captivated readers for centuries. The story follows the lives of the Bennet sisters as they navigate romance, social status, and family dynamics in Regency-era England. With its timeless themes of love, class, and societal expectations, Pride and Prejudice continues to be a popular choice for literary analysis and discussion.

If you're in need of inspiration for an essay on Pride and Prejudice, look no further. We've compiled a list of 117 essay topic ideas and examples to help you get started on your assignment. Whether you're focusing on character analysis, themes, or literary devices, there's something here for every type of essay.

Character Analysis:

• Analyze the character of Elizabeth Bennet and her development throughout the novel.
• Explore the role of Mr. Darcy as a romantic hero in Pride and Prejudice.
• Discuss the character of Mrs. Bennet and her obsession with marrying off her daughters.
• Examine the relationship between Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley.
• Compare and contrast the personalities of Lydia Bennet and Mary Bennet.
• Analyze the role of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in the novel.
• Discuss the character of Mr. Collins and his social climbing tendencies.
• Explore the character of Mr. Wickham and his impact on the plot.
• Examine the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and its effects on their daughters.
• Discuss the character of Charlotte Lucas and her decision to marry Mr. Collins.

Themes: 11. Explore the theme of social class in Pride and Prejudice. 12. Discuss the role of marriage and courtship in Regency-era England. 13. Analyze the theme of love and romance in the novel. 14. Examine the theme of reputation and its importance to the characters. 15. Discuss the theme of pride and prejudice and its impact on the plot. 16. Explore the theme of gender roles and expectations in the novel. 17. Analyze the theme of family dynamics and relationships. 18. Discuss the theme of self-awareness and personal growth. 19. Examine the theme of judgment and misunderstandings in the novel. 20. Explore the theme of wealth and its influence on the characters' decisions.

Literary Devices: 21. Analyze the use of irony in Pride and Prejudice. 22. Discuss the role of satire in the novel. 23. Examine the use of dialogue to reveal character traits. 24. Analyze the use of foreshadowing in the plot. 25. Discuss the use of symbolism in Pride and Prejudice. 26. Explore the theme of appearance vs. reality in the novel. 27. Analyze the use of humor in the narrative. 28. Discuss the role of setting in conveying themes and mood. 29. Examine the use of narrative voice in the novel. 30. Explore the role of letters and correspondence in the plot.

Essay Examples: 31. How does Elizabeth Bennet defy societal expectations of women in Pride and Prejudice? 32. Analyze the role of Mr. Darcy as a romantic hero in the novel. 33. Discuss the theme of social class and its impact on the characters' relationships. 34. Explore the character of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her influence on the plot. 35. How does Jane Austen use irony to critique the societal norms of her time in Pride and Prejudice? 36. Analyze the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and its effects on their daughters. 37. Discuss the theme of love and romance in the novel, focusing on the relationships between the characters. 38. How does the novel explore the theme of pride and prejudice through the characters' interactions? 39. Analyze the role of marriage and courtship in Regency-era England, using examples from the novel. 40. Discuss the theme of self-awareness and personal growth in Pride and Prejudice, focusing on Elizabeth Bennet's journey.

With these 117 essay topic ideas and examples, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any assignment on Pride and Prejudice. Whether you're analyzing character development, exploring themes, or examining literary devices, there's plenty to unpack in Jane Austen's beloved novel. Happy writing!

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Pride and Prejudice

Jane austen.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Pride and Prejudice: Introduction

Pride and prejudice: plot summary, pride and prejudice: detailed summary & analysis, pride and prejudice: themes, pride and prejudice: quotes, pride and prejudice: characters, pride and prejudice: symbols, pride and prejudice: literary devices, pride and prejudice: quizzes, pride and prejudice: theme wheel, brief biography of jane austen.

Historical Context of Pride and Prejudice

Other books related to pride and prejudice.

• Full Title: Pride and Prejudice
• When Written: 1797-1812
• Where Written: Bath, Somerset, England
• When Published: 1813
• Literary Period: Classicism/Romanticism
• Genre: Novel of manners
• Setting: Hertfordshire, London, and Pemberley, all in England at some time during the Napoleonic Wars (1797–1815)
• Climax: The search for Lydia and Wickham
• Antagonist: There is no single antagonist. The sins of pride and prejudice function as the main antagonizing force
• Point of View: Third person omniscient

Extra Credit for Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Silver Screen? Pride and Prejudice was first adapted for movies in a 1940 production starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. It was again filmed in 1995, as a mini-series for A&E Television, featuring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. The most recent production stars Keira Knightley as Elizabeth and was filmed in 2005.

First Impressions: Austen's initial title for her manuscript was "First Impressions." Though the book was eventually published as Pride and Prejudice , the initial title hints at the story's concern for social appearances and the necessity of finding people's true qualities beneath the surface.

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Pride and Prejudice

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Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

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Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

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1. The characters in the novel seem to perceive the idea of “good breeding” in a way that differs from the author’s thoughts on the subject.

• Define or describe what is meant by “good breeding.” ( topic sentence )
• Give 3 examples from the novel of how different characters perceive “good breeding.”
• Conclude by explaining what actual “good breeding” is to Jane Austen as implied in the text in comparison to what the characters may believe; connect Austen’s idea of “good breeding” to the theme of Pride and Prejudice.

2. Mr. Darcy’s attraction to Elizabeth Bennet progresses throughout the novel.

• Explain what first attracts Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. ( topic sentence )
• Give 3 reasons why Mr. Darcy’s attraction for Elizabeth continues to grow.
• In your concluding sentences, explain how Mr. Darcy’s first impression contrasts with his feelings at the end of the novel.

3. Pride and Prejudice portrays a society in which reputation is extremely important.

• Explain the importance of reputation in Pride and Prejudice. ( topic sentence )
• Give 3 examples from the novel to show how reputation may have helped or hindered the characters. 
• In your concluding sentences, summarize how gossip and reputation are connected to 1 of the novel’s main themes (Social Hierarchy, Pride and Prejudice, or The Role of Women and the Importance of Marriage).

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In the novel, Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins. How do Charlotte’s emotions regarding marriage compare to the thoughts and feelings of protagonist Elizabeth on the topic? Do Charlotte’s and Elizabeth’s attitudes and thoughts on marriage change over the course of the story? How do their emotions help to characterize the two women? Organize your thoughts on these questions into a supportable thesis; in your discussion, include points and examples from the story.

2. The nuances of social class structure play an important role in Pride and Prejudice . How does social class impact the way characters interact with one another? To what extent does the plot advance and/or turn because of social class hierarchy? Discuss the overall impact of social class on plot and characterization in the novel, offering specific examples such as character traits or relationships and plot points or twists to support your response.

3. Marriages and relationships in Pride and Prejudice show an array of comparative points regarding the goals of happiness and fulfillment. For example, whose marriage strikes you as the most fulfilling for both husband and wife? Which relationships are unhappy, and why? Making inferences from the novel and with consideration to literary devices like foreshadowing, determine what Jane Austen most likely believed was necessary for a happy marriage. Support your speculations with evidence from the text. Be sure to represent at least several different marriages or relationships in your response and use examples from a variety of chapters throughout the novel.

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