(BLOCK-2) (UNIT-2) MAIN THEMES IN PRIDE AND PREJUDICE-1

1. Discuss briefly and illustrate the two kinds of pride which, in your view, figure most prominently in Pride and Prejudice.

In Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, two types of pride figure prominently: excessive pride and justifiable pride.

Excessive pride is the type of pride that is characterized by vanity, conceit, and arrogance. It is the kind of pride that blinds a person to their own faults and makes them look down on others. This type of pride is exemplified by Mr. Darcy, who is initially too proud to socialize with the Bennet family and openly expresses his disdain for them. He is convinced of his own superiority and fails to recognize the worth of others.

Justifiable pride, on the other hand, is the type of pride that is rooted in self-respect and dignity. It is the kind of pride that arises from a sense of accomplishment and moral virtue. This type of pride is exemplified by Elizabeth Bennet, who takes pride in her independence, wit, and good judgment. She refuses to compromise her principles or settle for a marriage of convenience, even when pressured by societal norms and expectations.

These two types of pride are contrasted throughout the novel, with excessive pride being criticized and justifiable pride being celebrated. As the story unfolds, Mr. Darcy's excessive pride is gradually replaced by a justifiable pride, which emerges from his newfound humility and respect for Elizabeth's character. In contrast, Elizabeth's justifiable pride is reinforced and validated by her ability to recognize and overcome her own prejudices and biases. By the end of the novel, both characters have learned valuable lessons about the nature of pride and the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement.

2. What are the salient features of the system of thought in terms of which pride has been dealt with as a theme in Pride and Prejudice?

The system of thought in which pride is dealt with as a theme in Pride and Prejudice is primarily influenced by the moral and social norms of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time period known as the Regency era. The novel reflects the values of this era, which emphasized social status, decorum, and the importance of moral character.

One of the salient features of this system of thought is the idea of propriety, which is closely linked to pride. In Regency society, there were strict rules governing social behavior, and people were expected to adhere to these rules in order to maintain their reputation and social standing. The novel highlights the importance of propriety by depicting characters who violate social norms, such as Lydia Bennet, who elopes with Mr. Wickham, causing a scandal that threatens the reputation of her entire family.

Another salient feature of this system of thought is the idea of class hierarchy. In Pride and Prejudice, social status is a key determinant of a person's worth and value. Characters like Mr. Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh are admired for their wealth and status, while characters like the Bennet sisters are judged for their lack of financial resources and social connections. This class hierarchy is challenged, however, by the novel's emphasis on personal virtue and moral character. Elizabeth Bennet, for example, is initially judged harshly by Mr. Darcy due to her family's lack of social standing, but ultimately wins his respect and admiration through her intelligence, wit, and strong moral character.

Finally, the system of thought in which pride is dealt with in Pride and Prejudice emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement. The novel depicts characters who are blinded by their own pride and prejudices, such as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, and who must overcome these flaws in order to achieve personal growth and happiness. Through the characters' journeys of self-discovery and self-improvement, the novel emphasizes the importance of humility, self-reflection, and the ability to recognize and overcome one's own flaws and biases.