Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates issues of marriage, morality, misconception in Regency England. Her initial prejudice against Mr. Darcy and his pride create obstacles to their romance, but both must overcome their flaws to find happiness.

• 1The wealthy Mr. Bingley moves to Netherfield and befriends the Bennet family
• 2Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy at a ball and finds him proud and disagreeable
• 3Mr. Wickham tells Elizabeth that Darcy wronged him, increasing her prejudice
• 4Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, who rejects him for his pride and treatment of Wickham
• 5Darcy writes a letter explaining his actions, changing Elizabeth's opinion
• 6Elizabeth visits Darcy's estate Pemberley and sees him in a new light
• 7Lydia elopes with Wickham; Darcy secretly helps resolve the scandal
• 8Darcy proposes again, and Elizabeth accepts; Bingley and Jane also marry

• •Pride and prejudice as barriers to understanding
• •Love and marriage
• •Social class and status
• •Reputation and respectability
• •Women's limited options in Regency society
• •Personal growth and self-awareness

• Elizabeth Bennet: The intelligent and witty protagonist
• Mr. Darcy: The proud but ultimately honorable gentleman
• Jane Bennet: Elizabeth's sweet-natured elder sister
• Mr. Bingley: Darcy's amiable friend who loves Jane
• Mr. Wickham: The charming but dishonest officer
• Mrs. Bennet: The anxious mother desperate to marry off her daughters

• Published in 1813 during the Regency period
• Women had few options beyond marriage for financial security
• Social class and wealth were central to marriage prospects
• Austen satirizes the social conventions of her time
• The novel reflects changing attitudes about romantic love in marriage

• Analyze how Austen presents Elizabeth's development from prejudice to understanding
• Examine the various marriages in the novel and what they represent
• Discuss the role of social class and its impact on relationships
• Consider Austen's use of irony and wit in social commentary
• Explore the limited options available to women in Regency England