Pride and Prejudice Quotes

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BIBLIOLIFESTYLE

Bibliolifestyle, the 31 best pride and prejudice quotes of all time.

Discover the enduring charm and wit of Jane Austen’s beloved novel with this collection of quotes.

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Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by BiblioLifestyle

Pride and Prejudice (Puffin in Bloom)

Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, has enchanted readers since its publication in 1813 with its timeless themes of love, marriage, integrity, happiness and pride and vanity.  As one of the most cherished novels in English literature, it remains a source of inspiration, life philosophy, and countless memorable quotes.  This compilation presents thirty-one of the best Pride and Prejudice quotes, categorized by theme, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the wit, wisdom, and undeniable charm of Austen’s world.

Pride And Prejudice Summary

Pride and Prejudice is a classic literary masterpiece by Jane Austen, set in rural England in the early 19th century.  The story revolves around the Bennet family, particularly the second oldest daughter, Elizabeth, and her turbulent relationship with the affluent and aloof Mr. Darcy.  The novel delves into the societal pressures of marriage, the class divide, and the importance of first impressions.  The underlying theme captures the conflicts and misunderstandings induced by the characters’ pride and prejudice, which they must overcome to find understanding and, ultimately, love.

Get a copy of Pride and Prejudice on Amazon or Bookshop .

Themes And Motifs In Pride And Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is rich with different themes and motifs that are intricately woven into the narrative.  One prominent theme is Love and Marriage , where the novel critically examines the institution of marriage in the 19th-century society, portraying it as a means for economic security for women, and sometimes, devoid of love.  This theme is notably explored through the contrasting relationships of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Lydia and Wickham.

Another significant theme is Class and Social Status .  Austen sheds light on the rigid class structure of her time and the prejudice that accompanies social division.  This is most vividly portrayed in Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s character and her vehement opposition to Elizabeth’s potential marriage to Darcy due to their differing social statuses.

Pride and Prejudice, as the title suggests, are key recurring motifs.   Pride is primarily exhibited by Darcy, causing him to initially dismiss Elizabeth, and it also prevents Elizabeth from recognizing Darcy’s worth beyond his arrogance.  Prejudice is displayed in Elizabeth’s premature judgement of Darcy.  Both characters learn to overcome these flaws, which allows their love to flourish.

Lastly, First Impressions is a persistent motif, emphasizing how quick judgements can be misleading.  This is encapsulated in the original title of the novel, First Impressions, and is embodied in the misconceptions between Elizabeth and Darcy that fuel the narrative tension.

Love And Marriage Quotes

Pride and Prejudice Quotes on Love And Marriage

  • “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
  • “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will no longer be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Darcy
  • “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”
  • “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” – Darcy
  • “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” – Charlotte Lucas
  • “Do anything rather than marry without affection.” – Jane Bennet
  • “I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “There are very few who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.” – Charlotte Lucas
  • “You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”  – Darcy
  • “Could there be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the very essence of love?” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “I am determined that only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony. So, I shall end an old maid, and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill.” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “If a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out.” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels.” – Charlotte Lucas
  • “Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of, and it gives her a sort of distinction among her companions.” – Mr. Bennet
  • “There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well.” – Elizabeth Bennet

Quotes on Integrity

Pride and Prejudice Quotes on Integrity

  • “I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.” – Jane Bennet
  • “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “You shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the meaning of principle and integrity, nor endeavour to persuade yourself or me, that selfishness is prudence, and insensibility of danger security for happiness.” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “She had always felt that Charlotte’s opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that, when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage.”
  • “Do you think that any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?” – Elizabeth Bennet
  • “Elizabeth had never been more at a loss to make her feelings appear what they were not. It was necessary to laugh, when she would rather have cried.”
  • “It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.” – Elizabeth Bennet

Quotes on Pride and Vanity

Pride and Prejudice Quotes on Pride and Vanity

  • “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” – Mary Bennet
  • “Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly.” – Elizabeth Bennett
  • “Pride is a very common failing… I am convinced that it is very common indeed; that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary.” – Mary Bennet
  • “It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us.” – Jane Bennet
  • “Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride—where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.” – Darcy

Quotes on Happiness

Pride and Prejudice Quotes on Happiness

  • “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” – Miss Caroline Bingley
  • “She had a lively, playful disposition that delighted in anything ridiculous.”
  • “I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice.” – Elizabeth Bennet

Pride and Prejudice (Wordsworth Collector's Editions)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the famous line from pride and prejudice.

The most famous line from Pride and Prejudice is arguably the opening sentence of the novel: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” This line, spoken by the narrator, perfectly encapsulates the marriage-centric society of Regency England, setting the stage for the romantic events that follow.

What was Mr. Darcy’s famous quote?

One of Mr. Darcy’s most famous quotes, which also serves as a pivotal moment in “Pride and Prejudice”, is his confession of love to Elizabeth Bennet: “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” This quote encapsulates Mr. Darcy’s pride, humility, and the depth of his love for Elizabeth.

What did Darcy say to Elizabeth when he proposed?

When Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, his words were: “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” However, the proposal was not well-received as Darcy also spoke of the inferiority of her family and the supposed degradation his feelings had made him endure, which deeply offended Elizabeth.

What is the most famous line in Pride and Prejudice?

The most famous line in Pride and Prejudice is undoubtedly the remarkable opening sentence of the novel: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” This line sets the tone for the entire novel, providing insight into the societal norms of the time and the importance placed on marriage.

What is the famous passage from Pride and Prejudice?

One of the most famous passages from Pride and Prejudice is Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth, which reads: “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” This passage is significant as it marks a crucial turning point in the story and showcases Mr. Darcy’s true feelings for Elizabeth.

Pride and Prejudice (Penguin Drop Caps)

The Lasting Impact Of Pride And Prejudice

“Pride and Prejudice” has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by readers worldwide for over 200 years. This is, in part, thanks to its universal themes that are still relevant today. The quotes from the novel have become iconic and continue to inspire, entertain, and resonate with readers. They encapsulate the complexities of human relationships and the societal pressures that still exist in modern times.

Pride and Prejudice in Literature: Impact and Legacy

Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is often hailed as one of the greatest love stories in English literature. Its profound impact and legacy are evident in how it has influenced and shaped both the romance genre and modern literary criticism. Austen’s deft exploration of societal norms, gender roles, and class discrepancies through nuanced characters and witty dialogues has inspired countless authors and literary works. It has also paved the way for critical discussions about love, marriage, and the role of women in society. The novel’s enduring popularity attests to its timeless appeal and the universal truth encapsulated in its pages.

Impact and Legacy of Pride and Prejudice in Movies, TV, and Plays

“Pride and Prejudice” has left an indelible mark on popular culture, extending its influence well beyond the boundaries of literature. Its numerous screen adaptations have brought the beloved characters and compelling dynamics of the story to life, reaching a wider audience and further cementing its legacy. Here are some notable adaptations:

  • Pride and Prejudice  has been adapted into several films, the most famous being the 2005 version featuring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. However, many Austen fans still hold a soft spot for the 1940 adaptation starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier.
  • Sense and Sensibility  was beautifully adapted into a film in 1995, with Emma Thompson both writing the screenplay and starring as Elinor Dashwood. The movie garnered seven Academy Award nominations.
  • Emma  has also seen multiple film versions, including a 1996 adaptation with Gwyneth Paltrow and a more recent one in 2020 featuring Anya Taylor-Joy.
  • Pride and Prejudice  was transformed into a beloved BBC miniseries in 1995, featuring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. This adaptation is renowned for its faithful depiction of the novel and is cherished by Austen enthusiasts.
  • Emma  was the focus of a critically acclaimed 2009 BBC miniseries starring Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller.
  • Sanditon , an unfinished novel by Austen, has been turned into a TV series by ITV, giving viewers a glimpse of what might have been Austen’s final masterpiece.

Theater Plays:

  • Pride and Prejudice  has been brought to the stage many times, with a notable recent adaptation by the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London.
  • Sense and Sensibility  was adapted into a playful, inventive stage production by Kate Hamill in 2014.
  • Mansfield Park  has been translated into a musical format, with Jonathan Dove’s chamber opera version enjoying success on the stage.

Impact of Pride and Prejudice in Popular Culture

“Pride and Prejudice” has greatly influenced popular culture, permeating literature, film, television, and theater. The timeless love story, societal expectations, and personal growth have inspired countless romantic dramas. The transformation of Mr. Darcy from arrogant to humble suitor became a recurring trope. Elizabeth Bennet’s wit, intelligence, and independence have influenced many strong female characters.

The novel has also influenced fashion, with Regency-era costumes inspiring designers. “Pride and Prejudice” quotes, like “It is a truth universally acknowledged,” are frequently referenced in popular language.

The lasting legacy of “Pride and Prejudice” showcases its timeless relevance and enduring appeal. It continues to inspire and intrigue, solidifying its status as a beacon of English literature and cultural conversation.

Have you read Pride and Prejudice?

Do you have a favorite Pride and Prejudice quotes that resonates with you?  Or have you’ve come across a profound life lesson hidden within the pages of this timeless work?  Or maybe you’d like to share how Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, or any other character has impacted you.  Is Pride and Prejudice on your TBR?  Let’s talk about all things Pride and Prejudice in the comments below!

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  • Discover Jane Austen’s Timeless Literary Life & Legacy
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Best Pride And Prejudice Quotes

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32 of the Best Pride and Prejudice Quotes

Sound Observations

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.”

“There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.”

“Nothing is more deceitful…than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.”

“A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.”

“Is not general incivility the very essence of love?”

“Those who do not complain are never pitied.”

“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”

“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”

“Angry people are not always wise.”

“But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.”

“The distance is nothing when one has motive.”

Sage Advice

“Do not give way to useless alarm…though it is right to be prepared for the worst, there is no occasion to look on it as certain.”

“Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.”

“Do anything rather than marry without affection.”

Live Your Best Life Now

Painting of a library with the quote:

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

“I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you , or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

“Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.”

“What are young men to rocks and mountains?”

“I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.”

“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”

Pendant with the quote:

Matters of the Heart

“You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

“Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of both were overspread with the deepest blush.”

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

“Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to play you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart.”

“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.”

“We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.”

“Till this moment I never knew myself.”

“My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”

Solid Burns

“From the very beginning—from the first moment, I may almost say—of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish distain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of the disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world on whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.”

“It is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?”

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The Best Pride And Prejudice Book Quotes

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'Pride And Prejudice' is a novel set in a rural area in England wherein Mr. and Mrs. Bennet stay with their five daughters.

Mrs. Bennet is eager to get all her daughters married soon as the family estate would be inherited by William Collins if Mr. Bennet dies. The story continues as Mr. Bennet's family receives an invitation to a ball which was attended by many people in the neighborhood.

Austen's tale takes place in a society where both expectations and reputation are paramount. The book revolves around themes like love, class, integrity, and gender.

The story teaches us some of the important moral lessons of Life. It encourages us to put aside our pride and prejudice and accept people as who they are.

Also, gender equality is one of the main themes of this story. Hence, it educates young boys and girls to be more independent, open-minded and to not discriminate anyone based on their gender.

The book 'Pride And Prejudice' has many great quotes and we have compiled a few for you.

1. "A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment." -Jane Austen.

2. "I have not the pleasure of understanding you."-Jane Austen.

3. "Till this moment I never knew myself."-Jane Austen.

4. "Angry people are not always wise." -Jane Austen.

5. "I could easily forgive his pride if he had not mortified mine."-Jane Austen.

6. "To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love." -Jane Austen.

7. "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?"-Jane Austen.

8. "I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those I have never seen before."- Jane Austen.

9. "What are men to rocks and mountains?"- Jane Austen.

10. "Everything nourishes what is strong already." - Jane Austen.

11. "Have you any other objection than your belief of my indifference?"- Jane Austen.

12. "Every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is required." - Jane Austen.

13. "You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever." -Jane Austen.

14. "I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh."-Jane Austen.

15. "Have a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces." -Jane Austen.

16. "I think I have heard you say, that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton." -Jane Austen.

17. "I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding— certainly too little for the convenience of the world."-Jane Austen

18. "I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. " -Jane Austen

19. '''There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil, a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.' 'And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.' 'And yours,' he replied with a smile, 'is wilfully to misunderstand them.'"

-Jane Austen

20. "I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of the conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done." -Jane Austen

21. "But there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement." -Jane Austen

22. "Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly." - Jane Austen

If you love romance novels then do not miss the 'Pride And Prejudice' (2005) movie starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. There are many unforgettable quotes and one-liners from this movie and here we bring some more for you.

23. "I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you...but it appears I am overruled. So, I heartily give my consent."-Mr. Bennet.

24. "Mr. Darcy: So what do you recommend to encourage affection?

Elizabeth Bennet : Dancing. Even if one's partner is barely tolerable."

- Pride And Prejudice.

25. "You have bewitched me body and soul. And I love...I love...I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." -Mr. Darcy.

26. "Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins and I will never see you again if you do."-Mr. Bennet.

27. "Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony, which is why I shall end up an old maid ." -Elizabeth Bennet.

28. "We are all fools in love." -Charlotte Lucas

29. "My good opinion once lost is lost forever." -Mr. Darcy

30. "I love you. Most Ardently."-Mr. Darcy

'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife is the first sentence of 'Pride And Prejudice'. Jane Austen has wonderfully portrayed several messages through character development and conflicts within the various characters in the novel.

31. "I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve."

32. "Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her."

33. "You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure."

34. "We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him."

35. "What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased."

36. "I am excessively diverted."

37. "Follies and nonsense, whims, and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can."

38. "She was convinced that she could have been happy with him when it was no longer likely they should meet."

39. "'Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?' 'For the liveliness of your mind, I did.'"

40. "Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart."

41. "I have been used to considering poetry as 'the food of love."

42. "You expect me to account for opinions which you choose to call mine, but which I have never acknowledged."

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

44. "She attracted him more than he liked."

45. "It sometimes is a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him."

46. "The power of doing anything with quickness is always much prized by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance."

47. "There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it."

48. "The wisest and the best of men, nay, the wisest and best of their actions, maybe rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke."

49. "Pride is a very common failing....that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary."

50. "I often think,' she said, 'that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's friends. One seems to be forlorn without them."

51. "We can all begin freely—a slight preference is natural enough, but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement."

'Pride And Prejudice' is a novel where people are defined by marriage and class (financial holdings.) At the beginning of the novel, both Elizabeth and Darcy strongly believe that they are above pride and vanity but soon they realize that they have responsibilities to others. Find some interesting quotes from 'Pride And Prejudice'.

52. "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."- Jane Austen.

53. "How little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue." - Jane Austen.

54. "It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage. A man always imagines a woman to be ready for anybody who asks her." -Jane Austen .

55. "Oh, Lizzy! do anything rather than marry without affection."- Jane Austen.

56. "You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner." - Elizabeth Bennet.

57. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." -Jane Austen

58. "They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterward to have their share of vexation, and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."- Jane Austen

59. "The most incomprehensible thing in the world to a man, is a woman who rejects his offer of marriage!" -Jane Austen

60. "A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter." - Jane Austen

61. "Marriage is indeed a maneuvering business." -Jane Austen

62. "There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me."-Jane Austen.

63. "Is not general incivility the very essence of love?" -  Jane Austen.

64. "Your defect is a propensity to hate everybody." "And yours," he replied with a smile, "is willfully to misunderstand them." -Jane Austen.

65. "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me, and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men." -Jane Austen.

66. "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." -Jane Austen.

67. "They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects." -Jane Austen.

68. "Nothing is more deceitful…than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast." -Jane Austen.

69. "I am happier than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world, that he can spare from me." -  Jane Austen.

70. " I have been a selfish being all my life, in practise, though not in principle... I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit." - Jane Austen.

71. "Pemberley Woods with some perturbation.' -Jane Austen.

72. "A girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of." -Jane Austen.

73. "He is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman's daughter. So far we are equal." -Jane Austen.

74. " But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them forever." -Jane Austen.

75. "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!" -Jane Austen.

76. "If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside,' cried Bingley, 'it would not make them one jot less agreeable." -Jane Austen.

77. "She had a lively, playful disposition that delighted in anything ridiculous." -Jane Austen.

78. "If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient." - Jane Austen.

79. "A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill." -Jane Austen.

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'Pride and Prejudice' Quotes Explained

pride & prejudice quotes

  • M.F.A, Dramatic Writing, Arizona State University
  • B.A., English Literature, Arizona State University
  • B.A., Political Science, Arizona State University

The following quotes from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen are some of the most recognizable lines in English literature. The novel, which follows the push-and-pull relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, deals with themes of love, pride, social expectations, and preconceived opinions. In the quotes that follow, we'll analyze how Austen conveys these themes with her trademark wry wit.

Quotes About Pride

"I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine." (Chapter 5)

When Elizabeth speaks this quote, she’s fresh off Darcy’s slight of her at the first ball, where she overheard him judging her not “handsome enough” for him to dance with. In context, where she and her family are discussing the ball with their neighbors, she tosses the line off in a good-natured, quipping sort of way. However, a closer read does suggest some element of truth to it: as the story progresses, it becomes evident that this unpleasant first meeting has colored Elizabeth’s perception of Darcy, making her more susceptible to Wickham’s lies.

This quote is also the beginning of a running pattern through the novel: Elizabeth and Darcy are each able to acknowledge that they possess a shared flaw (Elizabeth acknowledges a degree of pride, Darcy admits that his prejudices are formed quickly and irrevocably). The theme of pride often connects to an inability to recognize one’s own flaws, so although the characters still have a ways to go before they’ll reach a happy conclusion, an admission of some flaws indicates that this will be a comedy where that conclusion is possible rather than a tragedy where a tragic flaw will be realized too little, too late.

"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us." (Chapter 5)

Mary Bennet, the middle Bennet sister, is neither frivolous like her younger sisters nor well-adjusted like her older sisters. She’s studious to a fault and is quite fond of philosophizing and moralizing, as she does here, where she inserts herself into a conversation about Mr. Darcy’s behavior at the ball by seizing on their mention of his “pride” and jumping in with her philosophy. It’s a clear indicator of her lack of social skills and her simultaneous desire to be included in society.

Although it’s delivered in Mary’s moralizing, pretentious manner, this quote is not entirely untrue. Pride – and vanity – are central themes to the story, and Mary’s definitions give readers a way to distinguish the social snobbery of Miss Bingley or Lady Catherine and the inflated self-important of Mr. Collins from the pride of Mr. Darcy. Pride and Prejudice explores personal pride as a stumbling block to true understanding and happiness, but it also presents the proudest character – Darcy – as one who does not care much what other people think of him, as evidenced by his cold social behavior. The contrast between care for perceptions and care for internal values is explored throughout the novel.

“But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment I never knew myself.” (Chapter 36)

There is a term in classical Greek drama, anagnorisis , that refers to a character’s sudden realization of something heretofore unknown or misunderstood. It often connects somehow to a shift in perception or relationship with an antagonist. The quote above, spoken by Elizabeth to herself, is Elizabeth’s moment of anagnorisis, where she finally learns the truth about Darcy and Wickham’s shared past via Darcy’s letter to her, and subsequently realizes her own flaws and mistakes.

Elizabeth's moment of self-awareness and character pivot indicates the literary skill at work here. Anagnorisis is something that appears in complex works with classical structures and multifaceted, flawed heroes; its presence is further proof that Pride and Prejudice is a skillful narrative, not simply a comedy of manners. In tragedies, this is the moment where a character comes to a much-needed realization, but learns their lesson too late to stop the tragic events already in motion. Because Austen is writing a comedy, not a tragedy, she allows Elizabeth to gain this needed revelation while there’s still time to reverse course and achieve a happy ending.

Quotes About Love

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Chapter 1)

This is one of the most famous opening lines in literature, up there with “Call me Ishmael” and “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Spoken by the omniscient narrator, the line essentially sums up one of the key premises of the novel; the rest of the story operates under the assumption that the reader and the characters alike share this knowledge.

Although the themes of Pride and Prejudice are certainly not limited to marriage and money, those do loom large. It is this belief that leads Mrs. Bennet to push her daughters forward at every turn, both towards worthy candidates such as Mr. Bingley and unworthy ones such as Mr. Collins. Any single man with some fortune is a marriage candidate, plain and simple.

There is a particular turn of phrase worth noting here as well: the phrase “in want of.” Although it sounds, at first glance, that it’s stating a rich, single man always wants a wife. While that’s true, there’s another interpretation. The phrase “in want of” is also used to indicate a state of lacking something. Thus, the other way to read it is that a rich, single man is lacking one crucial thing: a wife. This reading emphasizes the social expectations placed on both men and women, rather than one or the other.

“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.” (Chapter 58)

At the romantic climax of the novel , Mr. Darcy delivers this line to Elizabeth. It comes after all has been revealed between the two of them, all misunderstandings cleared up and both in full knowledge of what the other has said and done. After Elizabeth thanks Darcy for his assistance to Lydia’s marriage, he confesses that he did it all for Elizabeth’s sake and in hopes of proving his true nature to her. Because of her positive reception so far, he makes an attempt to propose to her again – but this could not be more different than his first proposal.

When Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth, it’s overlaid with a snobbish – though not inaccurate – appraisal of her social status relative to his. He uses language that “seems” romantic (insisting that his love is so great it overcame all rational obstacles), but comes across as incredibly insulting. Here, however, he not only approaches Elizabeth without pride and with genuine, unrehearsed language, but he also emphasizes his respect for her wishes. Rather than following the classic trope of “pursue until you win her over,” he calmly states that he will step away gracefully if that’s what she wants. It’s the ultimate expression of his unselfish love, as opposed to his previous self-centered arrogance and hyperawareness of social status.

Quotes About Society

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” (Chapter 11)

This quote is spoken by Caroline Bingley, while she is passing time at Netherfield along with her brother, sister, brother-in-law, Mr. Darcy, and Elizabeth. The scene is, at least from her perspective, a subtle competition between her and Elizabeth for Darcy’s attention; she is, in fact, mistaken, as Elizabeth has no interest in Darcy at this time and is only at Netherfield to tend to her ill sister Jane. Miss Bingley’s dialogue is a constant stream of attempts to get attention from Darcy. While she’s rhapsodizing about the joys of reading, she’s pretending to read a book that, as the sharp-tongued narrator informs us, she only chose because it was the second volume of the book Darcy had chosen to read.

Often taken out of context, this quote is an excellent example of the gently satirical humor Austen often uses to poke fun at the social elite. The idea of taking pleasure in reading is not silly in and of itself, but Austen gives this line to a character who we know to be insincere, and compounds it by exaggerating the statement past any possibility of sincerity and making the speaker sound desperate and foolish.

"People themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever." (Chapter 9)

Elizabeth’s dialogue is typically witty and laden with dual meanings, and this quote is a definite example. She delivers this line during a conversation with her mother, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley about the differences between country and city society. She remarks upon her delight in observing people – which she intends as a barb at Mr. Darcy – and doubles down with this quote when he suggests that provincial life must be quite boring for her observations.

On a deeper level, this quote actually foreshadows the lesson Elizabeth learns over the course of the novel. She prides herself on her powers of observation, which creates her “prejudiced” opinions, and she certainly does not believe that Mr. Darcy, of all people, will ever change. As it turns out, though, there is actually much more to be observed than she has at the point when she makes this sarcastic comment, and Elizabeth comes to understand that truth later on.

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Pride and Prejudice

pride & prejudice quotes

Pride and Prejudice (1813) is a novel of manners by Jane Austen . The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners , upbringing, morality , education , and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England . Elizabeth is the second of five daughters of a country gentleman living near the fictional town of Meryton in Hertfordshire , near London .

  • 1.1 Chapters 1-10
  • 1.2 Chapters 11-20
  • 1.3 Chapters 21-30
  • 1.4 Chapters 31-40
  • 1.5 Chapters 41-50
  • 1.6 Chapters 51-60
  • 2 External links

Quotes [ edit ]

Chapters 1-10 [ edit ].

pride & prejudice quotes

  • Ch. 2, Mrs. Bennet of Mrs. Long
  • Ch. 2, Mr. Bennet & the narrator
  • Mr Darcy to Mr. Bingley about Elizabeth Bennet, in Ch. 3
  • Mrs. Bennet to Mr. Bennet about Mr. Darcy, in Ch. 3
  • Elizabeth to Jane, in Ch. 4
  • The Narrator on the Bingley sisters, in Ch. 4
  • Elizabeth about Darcy; Ch. 5
  • Mary; Ch. 5
  • Elizabeth, about Bingley Ch. 6
  • Charlotte Lucas and Lizzy; Ch. 6
  • Darcy to Miss Bingley; Ch. 6
  • Darcy to Miss Bingley, Ch. 6
  • Mr Bennet to his wife; Ch. 7
  • on Jane, Ch. 9
  • Bingley, Ch. 9
  • Darcy, Ch. 10
  • Ch. 10, on Elizabeth and Darcy

Chapters 11-20 [ edit ]

  • Ch. 11, Darcy
  • Mr Bennet, Ch. 20
  • Mrs Bennet, Ch. 20
  • Mr Collins, Ch. 20

Chapters 21-30 [ edit ]

  • Mr. Bennet, Ch.23

pride & prejudice quotes

Chapters 31-40 [ edit ]

  • Elizabeth; Ch. 36
  • "And yet I meant to be uncommonly clever in taking so decided a dislike to him, without any reason. IT is such a spur to one's genius, such an opening of wit, to have a dislike of that kind. One may be continually abusive without saying any thing just; but one cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty."

Chapters 41-50 [ edit ]

  • Mr. Darcy; Ch. 45
  • Elizabeth; Ch. 46
  • Mary; Ch. 47
  • ".She had better have stayed at home," cried Elizabeth: "perhaps she meant well, but, under such a misfortune as this, one cannot see too little of one's neighbours. Assistance is impossible; condolence insufferable. Let them triumph over us at a distance and be satisfied."
  • "“The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this … They agree with me in apprehending that this false step in one daughter will be injurious to the fortunes of all the others; for who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family?”
  • "But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture."

Chapters 51-60 [ edit ]

pride & prejudice quotes

  • Mr. Darcy; Ch. 60

External links [ edit ]

  • Pride and Prejudice quotes and analysis, learning and teaching guide
  • 69 Pride and Prejudice Quotes by Jane Austen

pride & prejudice quotes

  • Jane Austen books
  • Satire books

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40+ Pride and Prejudice Quotes That Stand the Test of Time

Check out these Pride and Prejudice quotes when you need a reminder that integrity matters, vanity can be overcome, and love is real.

40+ Pride and Prejudice Quotes That Stand the Test of Time

Jane Austen ’s beloved Pride and Prejudice first arrived more than two centuries ago, and it remains one of the most popular English novels to this day. This story of courage, inner strength, and the pursuit of true love has gained an avid fan base and inspired multiple film adaptations over the years. 

Pride and Prejudice is universally cherished because it depicts people with real faults and feelings that stand in the way of their happiness. The characters develop and grow throughout the story as they overcome their preconceived prejudices about class, money, and reputation, and learn to see others without being clouded by their own vanity. To illustrate these concepts, here are some of the best quotes from Pride and Prejudice .

Quotes on Love and Marriage

Love is one of the main themes of Austen’s novel as the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy develops from tense animosity to tentative romance. The novel fixates on the place of love in marriage, and even though it was written in 1813, these quotes offer useful advice for matters of love today. 

1. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”  

2. “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” 

3. “Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of, and it gives her a sort of distinction among her companions.” - Mr. Bennet

4. “Do anything rather than marry without affection.” - Jane Bennet

5. “There are very few who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.” - Charlotte Lucas

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6. “You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”  - Darcy

7. “They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects.”

8. “I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.” - Elizabeth Bennet

jane-austen-uote-in-post-10

9. “She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both: by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved; and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.”

10. “Could there be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the very essence of love?” - Elizabeth Bennet

11. “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” - Charlotte Lucas

jane-austen-quote-in-post-02

12. “I am determined that only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony. So, I shall end an old maid, and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill.” - Elizabeth Bennet

13. “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will no longer be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” - Darcy

14. “If a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out." - Elizabeth Bennet

15. “In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels.” - Charlotte Lucas

16. “She hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man.”

17. "A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment." - Darcy

jane-austen-quote--in-post-03

Quotes on Pride and Vanity

“Pride” and “prejudice” are more than just words to create a catchy title—they help illustrate the class and economic differences between the characters and how those are eventually overcome at the novel’s resolution. Take a look at these quotes if you need some moral inspiration. 

18. “It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us.” - Jane Bennet

19. “Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride—where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.” - Darcy

20. “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” - Mary Bennet

jane-austen-quote-in-post-04

21. “Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly.” - Elizabeth Bennett

22. “Nothing is more deceitful... than the appearance of humility.” - Darcy

23. “Pride is a very common failing... I am convinced that it is very common indeed; that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary.” - Mary Bennet

jane-austen-quote-in-post-05

 24. “There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.” - Darcy

25. “He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped that he would never come there again.”

Quotes on Happiness

Happiness comes in many forms but is often tricky to attain. Pride and Prejudice deals with the idea of achieving overarching happiness in life, as well as the little things that can brighten one’s day. The honest advice in this novel about how to feel truly happy can benefit everyone. 

26. “I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.” - Elizabeth Bennet

27. “I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice.” - Elizabeth Bennet

jane-austen-quote--in-post-06

28. “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” - Miss Caroline Bingley

29. “Affectation of candour is common enough—one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or design—to take the good of everybody's character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad—belongs to you alone.” - Elizabeth Bennet

jane-austen-quote-in-post-07

30. “She had a lively, playful disposition that delighted in anything ridiculous.”

31. “I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness.” - Elizabeth Bennet

32. “Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.” - Elizabeth Bennet

quotes-pride-and-prejudice-9

33. “You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” - Elizabeth Bennet

Quotes on Integrity

Elizabeth acts with integrity throughout the novel, and this is what makes her such a great protagonist. She sometimes makes decisions that may not seem like the best to other characters, but she stays true to her own standards of what it means to be a good person. Upholding your own moral principles is something we should all aspire towards. 

34. “You shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the meaning of principle and integrity, nor endeavour to persuade yourself or me, that selfishness is prudence, and insensibility of danger security for happiness.” - Elizabeth Bennet

35. “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” - Elizabeth Bennet

36. “Do you think that any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?” - Elizabeth Bennet

jane-austen-quote-in-post-09

37. “Elizabeth had never been more at a loss to make her feelings appear what they were not. It was necessary to laugh, when she would rather have cried.” 

38. “You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so unlike them.” - Elizabeth Bennet

39. “It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.” - Elizabeth Bennet

40. “The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.” - Elizabeth Bennet

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Pride and Prejudice Quotes

single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife - Jane Austen quote

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

– Jane Austen

A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year - Mrs. Bennet

A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!

Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.

you are as handsome as any of them - Mr. Bennet to Mrs. Bennet

You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party.

Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters - Mr. Bennet

They are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.

I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends - Mr. Bennet

"You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves." "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least."

"But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood." "It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them." "Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all."

She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.

The business of her life was to get her daughters married - Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice

The business of her life was to get her daughters married.

Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley. He had always intended to visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife that he should not go; and till the evening after the visit was paid she had no knowledge of it.

She is a selfish, hypocritical woman - Mrs. Bennet

She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her.

"What say you, Mary? for you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts." Mary wished to say something very sensible, but knew not how.

"I am sick of Mr. Bingley," cried his wife. "I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you tell me that before? If I had known as much this morning I certainly would not have called on him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now."

He left the room, fatigued with the raptures of his wife.

To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.

"If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield," said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, "and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for."

Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room - Pride and Prejudice

Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year. The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud; to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend.

pride & prejudice quotes

His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped he would never come there again.

She is tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me - Darcy about Elizabeth

She is tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.

Mr. Bingley thought her quite beautiful, and danced with her twice! Only think of that, my dear; he actually danced with her twice! and she was the only creature in the room that he asked a second time…I am quite delighted with him. He is so excessively handsome!

"He seemed quite struck with Jane as she was going down the dance. So he inquired who she was, and got introduced, and asked her for the two next. Then the two third he danced with Miss King, and the two fourth with Maria Lucas, and the two fifth with Jane again, and the two sixth with Lizzy, and the Boulanger – " "If he had had any compassion for me," cried her husband impatiently, "he would not have danced half so much! For God’s sake, say no more of his partners. Oh that he had sprained his ankle in the first dance!"

A most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing - Pride and Prejudice

"But I can assure you," she added, "that Lizzy does not lose much by not suiting his fancy; for he is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing. So high and so conceited that there was no enduring him! He walked here, and he walked there, fancying himself so very great! Not handsome enough to dance with! I wish you had been there, my dear, to have given him one of your set-downs. I quite detest the man."

So much ease, with such perfect good breeding - Pride and Prejudice

"He is just what a young man ought to be," said she, "sensible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners! – so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!" "He is also handsome," replied Elizabeth, "which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete."

But that is one great difference between us. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me never.

"Oh! you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in anybody. All the world are good and agreeable in your eyes. I never heard you speak ill of a human being in your life." "I would not wish to be hasty in censuring anyone; but I always speak what I think." "I know you do; and it is that which makes the wonder. With your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others! Affectation of candour is common enough – one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or design – to take the good of everybody’s character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad – belongs to you alone. And so you like this man’s sisters, too, do you? Their manners are not equal to his."

Bingley sisters in Pride and Prejudice

They were in fact very fine ladies; not deficient in good humour when they were pleased, nor in the power of being agreeable where they chose it, but proud and conceited. They were rather handsome, had been educated in one of the first private seminaries in town, had a fortune of twenty thousand pounds, were in the habit of spending more than they ought, and of associating with people of rank, and were therefore in every respect entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of others. They were of a respectable family in the north of England; a circumstance more deeply impressed on their memories than that their brother’s fortune and their own had been acquired by trade.

Darcy was clever. He was at the same time haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well-bred, were not inviting.

"You began the evening well, Charlotte," said Mrs. Bennet with civil self-command to Miss Lucas. "You were Mr. Bingley’s first choice." "Yes; but he seemed to like his second better." "Oh! you mean Jane, I suppose, because he danced with her twice. To be sure that did seem as if he admired her – indeed I rather believe he did – I heard something about it – but I hardly know what."

I beg you would not put it into Lizzy’s head to be vexed by such ill treatment; for he is such a disagreeable man that it would be quite a misfortune to be liked by him. Mrs. Long told me last night that he sat close to her for half-an-hour without once opening his lips.

"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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121 of the best pride and prejudice quotes.

I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading—and especially no enjoyment like reading Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice ! This book is filled to the brim with witty humor, insightful looks at human nature, and of course an excellent plot and a delightful hero, heroine, and other characters. So it’s no surprise that there are tons of amazing Pride and Prejudice quotes to enjoy!

Whether you’re looking for Elizabeth Bennet quotes, Mr. Darcy quotes, or simply the best Pride and Prejudice quotes all around, these 121 quotes are some of the best of the best! From the witty banter between characters to the more heartfelt and heart wrenching moments, you’ll find all your favorite quotes from the book here.

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1. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. – Chapter 1

2. “you take delight in vexing me. you have no compassion for my poor nerves.” “you mistake me, my dear. i have a high respect for your nerves. they are my old friends. i have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.” – chapter 1, 3. “but i hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.” “it will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them.” “depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, i will visit them all.” – chapter 1, 4. “i am sick of mr. bingley,” cried his wife. “i am sorry to hear  that ; but why did not you tell me that before if i had known as much this morning i certainly would not have called on him. it is very unlucky; but as i have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.” – chapter 2, 5. to be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love. – chapter 3, 6. darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year. – chapter 3, 7. “she is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt  me ; i am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.” – chapter 3, 8. “he seemed quite struck with jane as she was going down the dance. so he inquired who she was, and got introduced, and asked her for the two next. then the two third he danced with miss king, and the two fourth with maria lucas, and the two fifth with jane again, and the two sixth with lizzy, and the  boulanger —” “if he had had any compassion for  me ,” cried her husband impatiently, “he would not have danced half so much for god’s sake, say no more of his partners. oh that he had sprained his ankle in the first dance” – chapter 3, 9. “he is just what a young man ought to be,” said she, “sensible, good-humoured, lively; and i never saw such happy manners—so much ease, with such perfect good breeding” “he is also handsome,” replied elizabeth, “which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. his character is thereby complete.” – chapter 4, 10. “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 .” – chapter 5, 11. “a person may be proud without being vain. pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” – chapter 5, 12. “it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. if a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark…there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.” – chapter 6, 13. “happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. if the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. they always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.” – chapter 6, 14. mr. darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. but no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. – chapter 6, 15. “there is nothing like dancing after all. i consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society.” “certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. every savage can dance.” – chapter 6, 16. “i can guess the subject of your reverie.” “i should imagine not.” “you are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner—in such society; and indeed i am quite of your opinion. i was never more annoyed”…“your conjecture is totally wrong, i assure you. my mind was more agreeably engaged. i have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.”, 17. “a lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment.” – chapter 6, 18. “can i have the carriage” said jane. “no, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain; and then you must stay all night.” – chapter 7, 19. jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many cheerful prognostics of a bad day. her hopes were answered; jane had not been gone long before it rained hard. her sisters were uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. the rain continued the whole evening without intermission; jane certainly could not come back. “this was a lucky idea of mine, indeed” said mrs. bennet more than once, as if the credit of making it rain were all her own. – chapter 7, 20. “if your daughter should have a dangerous fit of illness—if she should die, it would be a comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of mr. bingley, and under your orders.” – chapter 7, 21. mr. darcy said very little, and mr. hurst nothing at all. the former was divided between admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion, and doubt as to the occasion’s justifying her coming so far alone. the latter was thinking only of his breakfast. – chapter 7, 22. “i am afraid, mr. darcy,” observed miss bingley in a half whisper, “that this adventure has rather affected your admiration of her fine eyes.” “not at all,” he replied; “they were brightened by the exercise.” – chapter 8, 23. “oh certainly,” cried his faithful assistant, “no one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. a woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved.” “all this she must possess,” added darcy, “and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.” – chapter 8, 24. “but people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.” – chapter 9, 25. “he has always something to say to everybody.  that  is my idea of good breeding; and those persons who fancy themselves very important, and never open their mouths, quite mistake the matter.” – chapter 9, 26. “and so ended his affection,” said elizabeth impatiently. “there has been many a one, i fancy, overcome in the same way. i wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love” “i have been used to consider poetry as the  food  of love,” said darcy. “of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. everything nourishes what is strong already. but if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, i am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.” – chapter 9, 27. “it is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.” – chapter 10, 28. “nothing is more deceitful,” said darcy, “than the appearance of humility. it is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.” – chapter 10, 29. “the power of doing anything with quickness is always prized much by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance.” – chapter 10, 30. “would mr. darcy then consider the rashness of your original intentions as atoned for by your obstinacy in adhering to it” – chapter 10, 31. “i assure you, that if darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, i should not pay him half so much deference. i declare i do not know a more awful object than darcy, on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his own house especially, and of a sunday evening, when he has nothing to do.” – chapter 10, 32. “how pleasant it is to spend an evening in this way i declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading how much sooner one tires of anything than of a book when i have a house of my own, i shall be miserable if i have not an excellent library.” – chapter 11, 33. “i should like balls infinitely better,” she replied, “if they were carried on in a different manner; but there is something insufferably tedious in the usual process of such a meeting. it would surely be much more rational if conversation instead of dancing were made the order of the day.” “much more rational, my dear caroline, i dare say, but it would not be near so much like a ball.” – chapter 11, 34. “you either choose this method of passing the evening because you are in each other’s confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; if the first, i would be completely in your way, and if the second, i can admire you much better as i sit by the fire.” – chapter 11, 35. “follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies,  do  divert me, i own, and i laugh at them whenever i can.” – chapter 11, 36. “vanity is a weakness indeed. but pride—where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.” – chapter 11, 37. “i am perfectly convinced by it that mr. darcy has no defect. he owns it himself without disguise.” – chapter 11, 38. “i have faults enough, but they are not, i hope, of understanding. my temper i dare not vouch for. it is, i believe, too little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world…my temper would perhaps be called resentful. my good opinion once lost, is lost forever.” – chapter 11, 39. “you have chosen your fault well. i really cannot  laugh  at it. you are safe from me.” – chapter 11, 40. “there is, i believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.” “and  your  defect is to hate everybody.” “and yours,” he replied with a smile, “is willfully to misunderstand them.” – chapter 11, 41. mrs. bennet was beyond the reach of reason, and she continued to rail bitterly against the cruelty of settling an estate away from a family of five daughters, in favour of a man whom nobody cared anything about. – chapter 13, 42. “there is something very pompous in his style.—and what can he mean by apologising for being next in the entail—we cannot suppose he would help it if he could.—could he be a sensible man, sir” “no, my dear, i think not. i have great hopes of finding him quite the reverse. – chapter 13, 43. “it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. may i ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study” “they arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though i sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, i always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.” – chapter 14, 44. mr. collins had only to change from jane to elizabeth—and it was soon done—done while mrs. bennet was stirring the fire. elizabeth, equally next to jane in birth and beauty, succeeded her of course. – chapter 15, 45. “laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.” – chapter 17, 46. “it is difficult indeed—it is distressing. one does not know what to think.” “i beg your pardon; one knows exactly what to think.” – chapter 17, 47. “i dare say you will find him very agreeable.” “heaven forbid  that  would be the greatest misfortune of all to find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate do not wish me such an evil.” – chapter 18, 48. “we are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the  éclat  of a proverb.” – chapter 18, 49. “what think you of books” said he, smiling. “books—oh no. i am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.” – chapter 18, 50. “i remember hearing you once say, mr. darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. you are very cautious, i suppose, as to its  being created ” “i am,” said he, with a firm voice. “and never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice” “i hope not.” “it is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.” – chapter 18, 51. to elizabeth it appeared that, had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or finer success. – chapter 18, 52. “you must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment of believing what i say.” – chapter 19, 53. “really, mr. collins,” cried elizabeth with some warmth, “you puzzle me exceedingly. if what i have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, i know not how to express my refusal in such a way as to convince you of its being one.” – chapter 19, 54. “do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart.” – chapter 19, 55. “come here, child,” cried her father as she appeared. “i have sent for you on an affair of importance. i understand that mr. collins has made you an offer of marriage. is it true” elizabeth replied that it was. “very well—and this offer of marriage you have refused” “i have, sir.” “very well. we now come to the point. your mother insists upon your accepting it. is it not so, mrs. bennet” “yes, or i will never see her again.” “an unhappy alternative is before you, elizabeth. from this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. your mother will never see you again if you do  not  marry mr. collins, and i will never see you again if you  do .” – chapter 20, 56. “people who suffer as i do from nervous complaints can have no great inclination for talking. nobody can tell what i suffer but it is always so. those who do not complain are never pitied.” – chapter 20, 57. “if, upon mature deliberation, you find that the misery of disobliging his two sisters is more than equivalent to the happiness of being his wife, i advise you by all means to refuse him.” – chapter 21, 58. “indeed, mr. bennet,” said she, “it is very hard to think that charlotte lucas should ever be mistress of this house, that  i  should be forced to make way for  her , and live to see her take her place in it” “my dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. let us hope for better things. let us flatter ourselves that  i  may be the survivor.” – chapter 23, 59. “there are few people whom i really love, and still fewer of whom i think well. the more i see of the world, the more am i dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.” – chapter 24, 60. “but that expression of ‘violently in love’ is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. it is as often applied to feelings which arise from a half-hour’s acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment. pray, how  violent was  mr. bingley’s love” – chapter 25, 61. “is not general incivility the very essence of love” – chapter 25, 62. his marriage was now fast approaching, and [mrs. bennet] was at length so far resigned as to think it inevitable, and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured tone, that she “ wished  they might be happy.” – chapter 26, 63. “i am now convinced, my dear aunt, that i have never been much in love; for had i really experienced that pure and elevating passion, i should at present detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil.” – chapter 26, 64. “oh if that is all, i have a very poor opinion of young men who live in derbyshire; and their intimate friends who live in hertfordshire are not much better. i am sick of them all. thank heaven i am going to-morrow where i shall find a man who has not one agreeable quality, who has neither manner nor sense to recommend him. stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after all.” – chapter 27, 65. “what are young men to rocks and mountains” – chapter 27, 66. “when mr. collins could be forgotten, there was really an air of great comfort throughout, and by charlotte’s evident enjoyment of it, elizabeth supposed he must be often forgotten.” – chapter 28, 67. “there is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. my courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” – chapter 31, 68. “i have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.” – chapter 31, 69. “i had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the assembly beyond my own party.” “true; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room.” – chapter 31, 70. “shall we ask him why a man of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers” – chapter 31, 71. “in vain i have struggled. it will not do. my feelings will not be repressed. you must allow me to tell you how ardently i admire and love you.” – chapter 34, 72. “in such cases as this, it is, i believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. it is natural that obligation should be felt, and if i could  feel  gratitude, i would now thank you. but i cannot—i have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. i am sorry to have occasioned pain to anyone. it has been most unconsciously done, however, and i hope will be of short duration. the feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation.” – chapter 34, 73. “you are mistaken, mr. darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which i might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner…you could not have made the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.” – chapter 34, 74. “till this moment i never knew myself.” – chapter 36, 75. elizabeth could not see lady catherine without recollecting that, had she chosen it, she might by this time have been presented to her as her future niece; nor could she think, without a smile, of what her ladyship’s indignation would have been. “what would she have said how would she have behaved” were questions with which she amused herself. – chapter 37, 76. “far be it from me, my dear sister, to depreciate such pleasures they would doubtless be congenial with the generality of female minds. but i confess they would have no charms for  me —i should infinitely prefer a book.” – chapter 39, 77. “you never will be able to make both of them good for anything. take your choice, but you must be satisfied with only one. there is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man; and of late it has been shifting about pretty much. for my part, i am inclined to believe it all darcy’s; but you shall do as you choose.” – chapter 40, 78. “there certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. one has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.” – chapter 40, 79. “one cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.” – chapter 40, 80. “i shall always say he used my daughter extremely ill; and if i was her, i would not have put up with it. well, my comfort is, i am sure jane will die of a broken heart; and then he will be sorry for what he has done.” – chapter 40, 81. upon the whole, therefore, she found, what has been sometimes found before, that an event to which she had been looking with impatient desire did not, in taking place, bring all the satisfaction she had promised herself. – chapter 42, 82. she had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. they were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of pemberley might be something – chapter 43, 83. “some people call him proud; but i am sure i never saw anything of it. to my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.” – chapter 43, 84. “[she wanted] to make herself agreeable to all; and in the latter object, where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of success, for those to whom she endeavoured to give pleasure were prepossessed in her favour. bingley was ready, georgiana was eager, and darcy determined, to be pleased.” – chapter 44, 85. such a change in a man of so much pride exciting not only astonishment but gratitude—for to love, ardent love, it must be attributed; and as such its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined. – chapter 44, 86. angry people are not always wise. – chapter 45, 87. never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him, as now, when all love must be vain. – chapter 46, 88. “we must stem the tide of malice, and pour into the wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly consolation.” – chapter 47, 89. “under such a misfortune as this, one cannot see too little of one’s neighbours. assistance is impossible; condolence insufferable. let them triumph over us at a distance, and be satisfied.” – chapter 47, 90. “no, kitty, i have at last learnt to be cautious, and you will feel the effects of it. no officer is ever to enter into my house again, nor even to pass through the village. balls will be absolutely prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters. and you are never to stir out of doors till you can prove that you have spent ten minutes of every day in a rational manner.” – chapter 48, 91. “and then when you go away, you may leave one or two of my sisters behind you; and i dare say i shall get husbands for them before the winter is over.” “i thank you for my share of the favour,” said elizabeth; “but i do not particularly like your way of getting husbands.” – chapter 51, 92. “i often think,” said she, “that there is nothing so bad as parting with one’s friends. one seems so forlorn without them.” – chapter 53, 93. “no, no. you forced me into visiting him last year, and promised, if i went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. but it ended in nothing, and i will not be sent on a fool’s errand again.” – chapter 53, 94. “when you have killed all your own birds, mr. bingley,” said her mother, “i beg you will come here, and shoot as many as you please on mr. bennet’s manor.” – chapter 53, 95. “i think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.” – chapter 54, 96. “how hard it is in some cases to be believed” “and how impossible in others” – chapter 54, 97. on opening the door, she perceived her sister and bingley standing together over the hearth, as if engaged in earnest conversation; and had this led to no suspicion, the faces of both, as they hastily turned round and moved away from each other, would have told it all.  their  situation was awkward enough; but  hers  she thought was still worse. – chapter 55, 98. “’tis too much” she added, “by far too much. i do not deserve it. oh why is not everybody as happy” – chapter 55, 99. “that is the most unforgiving speech,” said elizabeth, “that i ever heard you utter. good girl” – chapter 55, 100. “till i have your disposition, your goodness, i never can have your happiness.” – chapter 55, 101. “ you  may ask questions which  i  shall not choose to answer.” – chapter 56, 102. “obstinate, headstrong girl” – chapter 56, 103. “i have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.” “ that  will make your ladyship’s situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on  me .” – chapter 56, 104. “he is a gentleman; i am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.” – chapter 56, 105. “i have said no such thing. i am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to  you , or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.” – chapter 56, 106. “for what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn” – chapter 57, 107. “you are too generous to trifle with me. if your feelings are still what they were last april, tell me so at once.  my  affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.” – chapter 58, 108. the happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. – chapter 58, 109. “you must learn some of my philosophy. think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” – chapter 58, 110. “i have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. as a child i was taught what was  right , but i was not taught to correct my temper. i was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit.” – chapter 58, 111. “you showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.” – chapter 58, 112. elizabeth longed to observe that mr. bingley had been a most delightful friend; so easily guided that his worth was invaluable; but she checked herself. she remembered that [darcy] had yet to learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too early to begin. – chapter 58, 113. “perhaps i did not always love him so well as i do now. but in such cases as these, a good memory is unpardonable. this is the last time i shall ever remember it myself.” – chapter 59, 114. “do anything rather than marry without affection.” – chapter 59, 115. “will you tell me how long you have loved him” “it has been coming on so gradually, that i hardly know when it began. but i believe i must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at pemberley.” – chapter 59, 116. “we all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.” – chapter 59, 117. she wanted mr. darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her. “how could you begin” said she. “i can comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place” “i cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. it is too long ago. i was in the middle before i knew that i  had  begun.” – chapter 60, 118. “now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence” “for the liveliness of your mind, i did.” – chapter 60, 119. “you might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.” “a man who had felt less, might.” – chapter 60, 120. “i am the happiest creature in the world. perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. i am happier even than jane; she only smiles, i laugh. mr. darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare from me.” – chapter 60, 121. “dear sir, i must trouble you once more for congratulations. elizabeth will soon be the wife of mr. darcy. console lady catherine as well as you can. but, if i were you, i would stand by the nephew. he has more to give. yours sincerely, etc.” – chapter 60, save for later.

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Pride and Prejudice

By jane austen.

Love and Marriage, and, Pride and Prejudice go parallelly in the novel. The plot is set to move with the possibility of a prospective marriage and Mrs. Bennet’s worry about getting her daughters married well.

About the Book

Mizpah Albert

Article written by Mizpah Albert

M.A. in English Literature and a Ph.D. in English Language Teaching.

As we reach the end of the novel, we see three of the daughters are married and Mr. Bennet overwhelmed by this sequence of happy events says, “If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, send them in, for I am quite at leisure.”

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

These lines occur in Chapter 34, demonstrates Darcy’s proposal of marriage to Elizabeth . It indicates how his feelings have changed since his first encounter where he commented her as “not handsome enough.” The following lines state how Darcy must get over his sense of superiority and love Elizabeth that will enable his love.

Unfortunately for Darcy, she rejects his proposal when he expects gratitude. In this situation, while Darcy projects pride, Elizabeth projects prejudice. She who thinks that him to be the cause of Jane’s sorrow, rejects stating, “Do you think that any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps forever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?”

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”

Darcy utters these lines in Chapter 60 when Elizabeth is persistent in knowing how and when he has fallen in love with him. He confesses that he is not aware of it, for he knew that he was in the middle of his love for her with no going back. As we see in the novel, his admiration for Elizabeth begins with her visit to Netherfield. Even various occasions in which they were put together added to the possibility of understanding her better. 

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

This is the first sentence in Pride and Prejudice that gives a glimpse into the plot of the story that revolves around the marriages between several characters . The line alludes to the arrival of Bingley, which is considered a great opportunity for many of the eligible ladies in the neighborhood. As we see in the line, if a single man “must be in want of a wife,” the other way around too is possible and a single woman “must be in want of a husband.”  It stands to manifest the concept of getting married which enabled a woman to advance socially.

“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”

These lines were spoken by Mr. Bennet in the novel when Mrs. Bennet expects him to convince Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet’s property is entailed to Mr. Collins, therefore Mrs. Bennet is happy to get Elizabeth to be married to Mr. Collins. But, she who thinks himself insensible and wishes to marry only for love rejects his proposal to kindle Mrs. Bennet’s fury. At this point, Mr. Bennet to support his favorite daughter Lizzy’s opinion speaks these lines.

Reversal of Emotions

 “Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome stone building . . . She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!”

Jane Austen expresses Elizabeth’s changing feelings at Pemberley while she goes there with Mr.  & Mrs. Gardiners. She is impressed to see the naturally adorned Pemberley estate. The estate here symbolizes the nature of the owner of the property. As she explores the estate, she gets to see more of Darcy. At this moment, she gets a flash of the scene when Darcy proposed to him that makes her wonder how it would be ‘to be mistress of Pemberley’. She alludes to this moment when Jane enquires the time Elizabeth falls in love with Darcy. But, irrespective of the general concern, Elizabeth falling in love with Darcy is more than the materialist view one gets here.

“How despicably I have acted!” she cried; “I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust! . . . I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment I never knew myself.”

Elizabeth speaks of these when she is slapped with the truth on her face about the true nature of Wickham and Darcy . She feels bad of her misjudging these two men for she has prided herself in predicting human nature. We have seen in the incidents where she judged the nature of Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins correctly, has failed to make a proper observation of Darcy and Wickham, blinded by her prejudice. She realizes that all these have happened because of her vanity more than everything around. As she reads the letter of Darcy stating his purpose behind all the occasions, she immediately realizes her folly and comes to an understanding of herself.

A Happy Union

 “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.” 

Darcy proposes to Elizabeth again in Chapter 58 following the shocking appearance of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Elizabeth’s response in the previous chapter. Austen known for cutting short the happiness of the readers in witnessing the romantic proposal and acceptance between the lovers used the same here too. Only in the next chapter do get a clear picture than Elizabeth has accepted his offer. Changes that have happened in Darcy are evident in the way he plays subtly with Elizabeth in the recent incidents where they met. Also, his feelings unchanged are exhibited through his intervention on behalf of Lydia.

He is still inconclusive of Elizabeth’s response, thereby he expects her to reveal if her feelings also have changed from the time she rejected him earlier. The conversation follows his open emotions to reveal how they both have experienced their feelings changes over time.

Mizpah Albert

About Mizpah Albert

Mizpah Albert is an experienced educator and literature analyst. Building on years of teaching experience in India, she has contributed to the literary world with published analysis articles and evocative poems.

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15 Pride and Prejudice Quotes: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and More

The  debate  over which Jane Austen novel is the “best” will most likely continue until the polar ice caps melt.

One thing all  Janeites  should concede, however, is that  Pride & Prejudice  will always remain Austen’s most popular work. Heck,  Pride & Prejudice  is so popular it has been filmed at least  11 times , including a successful vlog series called the “ Lizzie Bennet Diaries ” and a surreal  zombie-infested  spinoff!

There are many obvious reasons why readers have fallen in love with this Regency era novel of manners. For starters, there are the main characters: prideful Emma Bennet and the oh-so-prejudiced Mr. Darcy. Add some saucy side-plots, ironic twists, and Austen’s graceful prose, and you’ve got all the makings of a masterpiece.

There’s no better way to explore  Pride and Prejudice ‘s enduring popularity than to take a quick look at the text itself. So, without further ado, let’s dig into some classic  Pride & Prejudice quotes.

The Most Memorable Quotes From Pride and Prejudice

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! — When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

It’s clear that Miss Bingly is more interested in making conversation with Mr. Darcy than reading her book when she utters this quote in Chapter 11. In reality, Jane Austen was the great bibliophile!

Although  Jane Austen  wasn’t given formal instruction, her father allowed her to read and write from a very early age. In addition to her father’s library, it appears Jane Austen rented any book she could get her hands on from circulating libraries.

Modern scholars believe a few key authors Austen would’ve been exposed to during her youth include Gothic novelist Ann Radcliffe, Dr. Samuel Johnson, and  Tom Jones  author Henry Fielding.

One author that undoubtedly held a prominent place on Austen’s reading list, however, was  Samuel Richardson . Of all Richardson’s works, Austen seems to have derived a great deal of pleasure from  The History of Sir Charles Grandison . Indeed, one of the only reasons people continue to read this novel nowadays has to do with the influence Austen derived from it in her fiction.

“A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

After Mr. Darcy tells Caroline Bingley he is thinking about Elizabeth Bennet’s eyes, Bingley jokingly asks him when his wedding is to be scheduled. The line above is Mr. Darcy’s sly comeback.

Although the quote is tongue-in-cheek, there’s a lot of truth here. It’s not an understatement to say that marriage is a central obsession for female characters not only in  Pride & Prejudice , but in all of Austen’s fiction. Many women like Caroline Bingley are hyper-alert to signals of affection from “competition.” Any threat to a “ good match ” could mean the difference between a life of relative comfort and the poor house for many women during this period.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Every list of World Literature’s most famous opening sentences  must include this gem from  Pride & Prejudice . It’s almost annoying nowadays to see how many amateur writers steal the “truth universally acknowledged” bit to add a bit of class to posts about anything from  online dating  to traveling in  business class .

Indeed, this opening phrase is used so un-ironically in contemporary articles that many people nowadays fail to see its most important feature (i.e. its  irony )! Right after introducing the reader to this “universal truth,” Austen describes how Mrs. Bennet is stressing herself out trying to match her daughters. It doesn’t appear the wealthy Mr. Bingley needs a wife; rather, it’s the lower class ladies that need Mr. Bingley.

“What are young men to rocks and mountains?”

Jane Austen was writing at a time of great transition in European thought and literature. While the start of the 18th century was characterized by  Enlightenment ideals  (e.g. rationality),  Romantic writers  at the start of the 19th century placed a greater emphasis on emotions and the irrational.

Even though  Pride & Prejudice  can’t be considered a Romantic novel, we can glimpse some Romantic elements such as this quote from Elizabeth Bennet. A celebration of the natural world as opposed to industrialized society was one of the central tropes in  Romantic thought  and artistry.

Readers who are interested in experiencing Austen at her most Romantic, however, must read her last fully completed novel  Persuasion ,  which was published posthumously in 1817.

“How little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue.”

The dangers of the “passions” can be found in many of Jane Austen’s works, and it’s shown most vividly in Lydia Bennet’s elopement with George Wickham. This quote from Chapter 50, which directly refers to Lydia and George’s elopement to Gretna Green, is easy ammo for those who read Austen’s novels as espousing  conservative  values rather than radical feminist ideas.

In case you were wondering,  Gretna Green  is a real place in Scotland and it had a reputation back in Austen’s day as a kind of Las Vegas…at least marriage-wise. Believe it or not, thousands of young couples fleeing their parents were married in blacksmith shops in Gretna Green throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The parish, which is about a two-hour drive south of Edinburgh, still does a fine wedding business!

“How despicably I have acted!” she cried; “I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust! How humiliating is this discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation! Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our aquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment I never knew myself.”

This quote occurs in Chapter 36 after Elizabeth Bennet reads through a letter by Mr. Darcy that reveals why he broke off the Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley’s relationship and the reason for his dispute with Wickham. This second revelation dramatically alters how Elizabeth Bennet perceives not only Mr. Darcy and Wickham, but also herself. To be more specific, Elizabeth Bennet is forced to confront her unfounded prejudices and excessive pride (always keep the title in mind!).

While we’re on the subject of letters, did you know that  Pride & Prejudice  was originally written in an  epistolary form ? We don’t know exactly why Austen scrapped this structure, but many of the letters in the final version of  Pride & Prejudice  were taken from Austen’s original drafts.

“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.”

Elizabeth Bennet makes this rather misanthropic remark to her kind-hearted sister Jane Bennet in Chapter 24. Elizabeth’s opinion here is strongly influenced by her friend  Charlotte Lucas’s  recent announcement that she will wed the silly Mr. Collins.

Charlotte’s marriage to Mr. Collins is one of the more somber shades in this otherwise bright novel. Since she just turned 27, Charlotte feels she has no choice but to marry Mr. Collins for financial security. Although it might not be the match Charlotte wanted, it’s the only way she feels she can secure a comfortable life given the circumstances.

By the way, Elizabeth’s close relationship with Jane closely mirrors Jane Austen’s relationship with her elder sister Cassandra Austen. Unlike the Bennet sisters, however, both Cassandra and Jane remained unmarried for their entire lives…so perhaps there was another option for Charlotte?

“Angry people are not always wise.”

The narrator specifically refers to Miss Bingley in this quote in Chapter 45. As always, Miss Bingley is super-jealous of the affection Mr. Darcy appears to be showering upon Elizabeth Bennet.

Interestingly, modern day science proves that angry people aren’t wise when it comes to health and wellbeing.  Research  out of the American Psychological Association found that people who are easily triggered by daily stressors have a three-times greater risk of experiencing a heart attack than those who are calm and collected. So, do yourself a favor and relax with a Jane Austen novel every now and again. Your heart will thank you!

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“They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects.”

This is the moment everyone has been waiting for: Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet now have a moment alone together to express their true feelings. This quote, which occurs in Chapter 58, shows the complicated emotions rushing through both of these lovebirds’ minds before they decide to get hitched.

Unfortunately, Austen’s relationship with her own “Mr. Darcy” didn’t turn out as picture-perfect. Most biographers believe Austen based Mr. Darcy at least in part on a lawyer named  Thomas Lefroy . Although we don’t know the whole story, it appears Austen and Lefroy had a close relationship for about a year until Lefroy unexpectedly left England to pursue a legal career in Ireland. We’ll never know the exact story of the Austen-Lefroy relationship, but it’s safe to say he had a big impact on her life.

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

Although Jane Austen’s novels don’t read like moral lessons, they most certainly have ethical teachings.

Some professors have even argued Austen’s novels espouse  Aristotelian ethics …even though Jane Austen probably never read one book by the great Greek philosopher! This early quote from Mary Bennet reveals one of the major lessons Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and (hopefully) the reader will have to confront in this novel: the self-deceptive nature of pride.

English author Ronald Blythe was quite right to say, “Jane Austen can in fact get more drama out of morality than most other writers can get from shipwreck, battle, murder, or mayhem.”

“From the very beginning— from the first moment, I may almost say— of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.”

Elizabeth Bennet directs these sharp words to Mr. Darcy after he proposes to her in Chapter 34. Considering Elizabeth Bennet’s lower financial status, it’s quite a bold move for her to refuse Mr. Darcy’s offer. It’s also fair to say that Bennet’s critique against Mr. Darcy’s character forces the haughty lord of Pemberley to seriously examine his prejudices.

While Elizabeth Bennet’s refusal of Mr. Darcy is often read as a feminist triumph, some readers aren’t so convinced Elizabeth is really only after “ true love .” Indeed, Elizabeth Bennet really starts to warm up to Mr. Darcy after she visits his magnificent estate in Chapter 43.

As she starts to realize first-hand all the material comforts she threw away in Chapter 34, Elizabeth Bennet becomes increasingly haunted by the idea that Pemberley could’ve been her new home. Perhaps a portion of Elizabeth’s newfound attraction to Mr. Darcy could be related to more pragmatic concerns than romantic readers aren’t willing to admit.

“He is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman’s daughter. So far we are equal.”

This Elizabeth Bennet quote to Lady Catherine can be found in Chapter 56. Given Mr. Darcy’s higher status, Lady Catherine is understandably upset with her nephew’s decision to marry “beneath him.” To Lady Catherine’s protestations, Elizabeth Bennet comes up with this witty remark to “prove” her suitability for Mr. Darcy.

Unfortunately, recent  surveys  suggest that the strong legacy of the British class system remains in place to this day. Although there are greater opportunities than in Austen’s time, social scientists believe there are seven major class divisions within the modern UK that are very difficult to break out of. Roughly 6 percent of the country’s population now lives in what would’ve been considered Darcy’s class.

“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”

After playing the piano in Chapter 31, Elizabeth Bennet makes this proud declaration to Mr. Darcy. Clearly this shows Elizabeth’s famed self-confidence and defiance…or does it?

Immediately after this quote, Mr. Darcy remarks, “I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.” So, is Elizabeth Bennet just “putting on an act” to protect her  ego  against Mr. Darcy? Does she really believe everything she says, or does she use her words as defenses in a male-dominated society?

A closer reading of  Pride & Prejudice quotes might reveal complex psychological insights into Elizabeth Bennet’s motives.

“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”

This is another quote from the famous second proposal scene in Chapter 58. Mr. Darcy’s language here is quite different from his haughty proposal in Chapter 34, wouldn’t you say?

Through the twists and turns between these two chapters, both Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are forced to humble themselves and re-examine their stubborn prejudices.

Indeed, it’s quite instructive to read these Pride & Prejudice quotes side-by-side to get a better sense of the moral development of these characters between the two proposal scenes.

“The distance is nothing when one has a motive.”

You can find this Elizabeth Bennet quote in Chapter 7 of  Pride & Prejudice . After Jane Bennet receives an invitation to visit the Bingleys’ in Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet urges Jane to use a horse rather than a carriage so she’ll have to stay overnight. Unfortunately, this scheme actually makes Jane Bennet quite sick.

To comfort her sister, Elizabeth Bennet decides to walk three miles to Netherfield on her own. The harsh weather doesn’t seem to bother Elizabeth Bennet’s immune system as much as it does Jane’s. What’s up with that?

Interestingly, if you read through Jane Austen’s fiction, you’ll start to notice that many of her female characters are either very healthy or have some kind of physical malady. For instance, the intensely romantic Marianne Dashwood in  Sense & Sensibility  falls deathly ill at one point in the novel, but her more practical sister Elinor doesn’t really get too sick. If health is equated with “good,” it seems Austen praises female characters who are more independent and less prone to romantic swoons.

This idea is contradicted, however, by the characterization of  Fanny Price  in  Mansfield Park . Strangely, Austen considered Fanny, who’s extremely prone to headaches, one of her greatest heroines. So, any PhD literature students reading this article, consider investigating how physical illness/health is used in Austen’s work for your dissertation!

That’s it for our 15 favorite  Pride & Prejudice quotes! Which quote (or character) is at the top of your list?

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pride & prejudice quotes

Pride And Prejudice: 20 Most Memorable Quotes, Ranked

  • Pride and Prejudice movie adaptation connected with new audiences, still widely admired.
  • Jane Austen's timeless works stand the test of time, relevant then and now.
  • Iconic movie quotes like "You have bewitched me, body and soul" highlight romantic drama.

The 2005 film adaptation of this classic Jane Austen novel has brought Pride and Prejudice movie quotes to a whole new demographic of audiences. Starring Keira Knightley, Rosamund Pike, Donald Sutherland, Matthew Macfadyen, and many others, Pride and Prejudice was a remarkably wonderful adaptation. This period drama wasn't as stilted and dreary as many period dramas. This romantic drama connected with a new generation, and is still widely watched and admired by fans.

Jane Austen's works continue to be some of the most popular adaptations since their release in the early 1800s. Austen's novels have stood the test of time as people read and reread her work for her prose. Her universal plots and characters are as relevant now as they were in the 19th century. There have been several adaptations of Austen's work. Thanks to the Pride and Prejudice movie quotes, it remains a highlight from her adaptations, still connecting with audiences over 20 years after its release.

Pride & Prejudice: The 17 Best Movie & TV Adaptations

"lizzy for every day, my pearl for sundays, and...goddess divine... but only on very special occasions.", elizabeth bennet to mr. darcy.

"You may only call me "Mrs. Darcy"... when you are completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy."

By the end of Pride & Prejudice , Elizabeth Bennet had gotten past her pride and Mr. Darcy had shed his prejudice, and they finally found love with each other. Throughout most of the movie, Mr. Darcy couldn't communicate well with Elizabeth, feeling flustered, confused, and embarrassed, often in equal measure. However, in the end, they found their way into each other's arms and both were completely in love .

Elizabeth says he should only call her Mrs. Darcy when he is " incandescently happy ."

This final scene saw them sitting outdoors, the house in the far background. He looked into her eyes and called her " my dear ," which Elizabeth didn't like. As she explained, that is what her father called her mother when he was angry. When Mr. Darcy asked what he should call her, she gave him this fun list of names. When Elizabeth says he should only call her Mrs. Darcy when he is " incandescently happy ," he calls her that exact name - five times in a row - before kissing her to end the movie.

"You See, He And I Are So Similar."

Elizabeth to mr. bennet.

"He's Been A Fool About So Many Things, About Jane, And Others... But Then, So Have I."

When Mr. Darcy asks Mr Bennet for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, Elizabeth comes in next to talk to her dad. He knows that Elizabeth has been unhappy with Mr. Darcy's actions throughout the movie. He wants to make sure from her that this is really something she wants since he believes she " hates " Mr. Darcy. That is when Elizabeth breaks down and says she doesn't hate Mr. Darcy at all; she loves him. When Mr. Bennet seems confused, Elizabeth explains that Mr. Darcy did some foolish things, but she did as well.

Both of them were prideful and both showed a sense of prejudice in their actions. It was when Elizabeth realized that they were both to blame that she realized that she loved him and he loved her back. This is when she finally decided she wanted marriage. This was something that Elizabeth had to learn about herself, and she explained it perfectly to her father, as she realized she was as foolish as Mr. Darcy, and the only way to find happiness was to admit their shortcomings.

"I Cannot Believe That Anyone Can Deserve You..."

Mr. bennet to elizabeth.

"But It Apppears I Am Overruled. So, I Heartily Give My Consent."

Donald Sutherland is masterful in Pride & Prejudice as Mr. Bennet. While Elizabeth's mother is a handful and often overwhelmed, Mr. Bennet remains composed, cares for his family, and mostly, loves his Lizzie with all his heart and soul. When Mrs. Bennet tries to force Elizabeth into a marriage without love, Mr. Bennet disapproves. However, when Elizabeth finally finds love, he is overwhelmed with emotion . This comes after Mr. Darcy asks for Elizabeth's hand in marriage.

When she tells her father she loves Mr. Darcy completely, tears come to Mr. Bennet's eyes.

Mr. Bennet does not know how to react. He believes Darcy to be a cruel man for much of the movie, only to learn of his true heart by the end. When Mr. Darcy asks for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, Mr. Bennet wants to ensure it is what she wants. When she tells her father she loves Mr. Darcy completely, tears come to Mr. Bennet's eyes as he delivers this line to show his happiness with his daughter finally finding love. Mrs. Bennet wants to push all her daughters into marriage, but Mr. Bennet wants more for Elizabeth.

"Oh, 'Quite Well' Is Not 'Very Well.' I'm Satisfied."

Elizabeth to georgiana darcy.

There was a scene in the movie where Elizabeth sees Mr. Darcy hugging a young woman. She rushes out in a panic, believing that this is Mr. Darcy's romantic partner and that she mistook his affection for her, but it's his younger sister. When Elizabeth realizes the error, she returns and meets Georgiana. She says her brother says Elizabeth plays the piano "so well." This comment refers to a previous scene in the movie when Lady Catherine forces Elizabeth to play.

Elizabeth dismisses the compliment and Mr. Darcy explains he said "very well" and not "so well." It was fun wordplay that showed their awkwardness in their relationship and the fact it refers back to a previous awkward moment for Elizabeth, making light of it as a new beginning for the two. Pride & Prejudice is as much a comedy of errors as a romantic epic. Many things happen that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth take the wrong way, and it causes their relationship to have several peaks and valleys.

10 Reasons Why 2005's Pride & Prejudice Is Perfect, According To Reddit

"you have insulted me in every possible way, and can now have nothing further to say.", elizabeth to lady catherine de bourg.

When Elizabeth met Lady Catherine de Bourg, it was not a pleasant experience. Lady Catherine spoke down about Elizabeth's family, insulted her mother, and demanded that Elizabeth play piano to entertain the dinner crowd. She was a rude and insufferable woman. Lady Catherine spoke down to Elizabeth and the young woman never knew how to respond, fearful of defending herself against the overbearing woman. This led to a moment later in the movie when Lady Catherine shows up at Elizabeth's home.

It was the moment that Elizabeth finally stopped letting people push her around.

She demands that Elizabeth not see Mr. Darcy again and never enter into an engagement with him in the future. This time, Elizabeth finally stands up for herself. She refuses to make any such promise, delivers this quote to Lady Catherine, and then orders her to leave her home. The look on Lady Catherine's face was priceless, and it was the moment that Elizabeth finally stopped letting people push her around and became a true Jane Austen hero . It perfectly counters her earlier encounter with the woman.

"What A Superbly Featured Room And What Excellent Boiled Potatoes! Many Years Since I've Had Such An Exemplary Vegetable."

Mr. collins.

Mr. Bennet has no male heirs and only has his daughters. This means there is no one to inherit his land, as none of the women are allowed to do so by law. As a result, Mr. Collins will inherit the home and land when Mr. Bennet dies. So, the idea of getting all the daughters married and settled in new families is very important to Mrs. Bennet. However, none of the girls have any desire or eyes for Mr. Collins - although he has strong feelings for Elizabeth Bennet.

Mr. Collins is quite dull, doesn't add much to the conversation, and isn't the best suitor for any of the Bennet daughters, although Mrs. Bennet believes one of her daughters should marry him, as that would ensure the home remains in the family by marriage. However, he does little to win the family over - and shows as much during this lunch scene. In this hilariously awkward line, Mr. Collins is overly excited about the state of the boiled potatoes at the dinner the Bennets have prepared for him.

"I Do Not Have The Talent Of Conversing Easily With People I Have Never Met Before."

Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have completely different personalities, as Elizabeth can easily talk to new people and make friends fairly quickly, while Mr. Darcy has none of those skills. He can build relationships over time, but Mr. Darcy's not very comfortable meeting new people . He shows up at the movie's start for a giant party and is uncomfortable and stiff throughout the event, barely speaking to anyone. This includes Elizabeth, who tries to strike up a conversation.

Later in the movie, Mr. Darcy explains his attitude at the party. Mr. Darcy is self-aware enough that he's able to tell Elizabeth he's uncomfortable in a room full of people he doesn't know. This never changes throughout the movie, but Mr. Darcy shows that he is more than willing to speak to people once he has gotten to know them better. The quote is even better because Elizabeth mocks him and says he should " practice " more, which is a line Lady Catherine delivered to her earlier in the movie.

"No, I Prefer To Be Unsociable And Taciturn. Makes It All So Much More Enjoyable, Don't You Think?"

Elizabeth bennet.

This is another Pride & Prejudice quote that proves how different Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are, especially regarding their personality. Mr. Darcy has more of a bruting personality and doesn't mind being alone, while Elizabeth is more friendly and enjoys talking to people. The two often don't see eye to eye and, for most of the movie, they seem upset with each other because of their inherent differences, but of course, they truly fall in love by the end of the story.

Many times in the movie, Mr. Darcy comes across as unlikable and rude . However, that isn't his true personality once someone gets to know him. Mr. Darcy is often awkward, and he shows that he doesn't know how to react when talking with a woman as outspoken and stubborn as Elizabeth Bennet. However, by the end, Elizabeth understands Mr. Darcy's eccentricities, and when she says this line, it is done as a sarcastic joke to the man she has fallen in love with .

"Your Selfish Disdain For The Feelings Of Others Made Me Realize You Were The Last Man In The World I Could Ever Be Prevailed Upon To Marry."

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet go through an odd courtship through most of the story, as Elizabeth truly thinks Mr. Darcy hates her and everything he does is meant to hurt her. This specific Pride & Prejudice quote has a strong basis in two big things that happened earlier in the movie. At the big party, Jane dances with others and doesn't pay Mr. Bingley much attention. Mr. Darcy believes she is not as interested as Mr. Bingley is and convinces his friend that she might not be the best for him, breaking up their relationship .

Elizabeth thinks Mr. Darcy did this out of his hatred for her and her family. Later in the movie, George Wickham lies to Elizabeth about how Mr. Darcy wronged him, even though George broke Mr. Darcy's sister's heart. When Mr. Darcy first confesses his feelings to Elizabeth, she shoots him down and delivers this scathing quote . Mr. Darcy explains why he interfered with Jane and Mr. Bingley's relationship, but Elizabeth does not care. These actions, even the untrue ones, cause Elizabeth to hate Mr. Darcy more than ever.

"We Are All Fools In Love."

Charlotte lucas.

The Bennet family's friend Charlotte says this dream-like line at the ball where the Bennet sisters attempt to find acceptable suitors. Pride and Prejudice , like most of Austen's work, has a great balance between romance, comedy, and drama, and this is one of the most romantic lines in this adaptation , which isn't a quote from Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet. The line is instead from a character who wants to be romantic but understands she has to marry for status and comfort.

Charlotte is getting older, and she knows her time is nearing a close. While she sees her friend Elizabeth as someone who is in no hurry, Charlotte is a much more hapless romantic throughout the movie . She wants love and sees those around her finding it while she keeps dreaming. This sadly leads Charlotte to quickly accept Mr. Collins's marriage proposal. While Elizabeth doesn't understand this way of thinking at all, it does a good job of showing how different she is even from her friends.

"You Could Not Make Me Happy And I'm Convinced I'm The Last Person In This World Who Could Make You Happy."

Mr. Collins proposes marriage to Elizabeth, and he doesn't even give her a chance to reply. And when she turns him down, he makes it seem as though she's doing it to appear modest, as girls are supposed to do. But Elizabeth puts the nail in the coffin with these lines. They may be harsh, but they are true. Elizabeth refuses to let things happen to her. And she refuses to marry someone whom she doesn't respect in the least. What she says is true, and while hurtful, it is what is best for both people.

This was even worse when the door opened after her rejection and all her sisters began to laugh at Mr. Collins. It was humiliating for him and ensured that no Bennet child would ever marry this man. Mrs. Bennet knew that this could doom them since he would inherit their home, and he quickly left and rebounded. Mr. Collins married Charlotte, but this was a moment where Elizabeth showed she was headstrong and refused to accept anything less than true love from her suitors.

"Your Mother Will Never See You Again If You Do Not Marry Mr. Collins, And I Will Never See You Again If You Do."

Mrs. bennet.

Mr. Collins will inherit the Bennet family's home and estate after Mr. Bennet's passing because he had no sons. In such a situation, Mrs. Bennet is especially anxious to ensure all her daughters are married and well-settled. Mr. Collins shows interest in Jane, but Mrs. Bennet knows that she could potentially marry Mr. Bingley, the better suitor. She then pushes Mr. Collins to Elizabeth, thinking that the marriage between Elizabeth and Mr. Collins is in the best interest of the entire family.

Elizabeth is strongly against it. Luckily, her father takes her side in the situation, being thoroughly unimpressed with Mr. Collins, and gives her the validation she needs to go against her mother. Mrs. Collins sees a hopeless situation and believes Elizabeth will never get married . She also knows that could leave Elizabeth without anything once Mr. Bennet dies. However, Mr. Bennet has no intention of dying anytime soon, and he only wants what is best for Elizabeth, and that is not Mr. Collins.

"Can You Die Of Happiness?"

Jane bennet.

Jane and Mr. Bingley are of the same temperament. They are both quiet, modest, and shy. They are very much in love with each other, but think the other not to be as interested in them as they are which leads to them being away from each other for a while. At one point, Elizabeth tells Mr. Darcy that Jane is shy and barely shares her feelings with anyone, not even with her own sister. When Mr. Darcy understands this, he sets out to make things right.

Mr. Bingley returns, and after an awkward moment at the start, he does propose and Jane accepts; both are ecstatic. Jane never reveals her emotions as clearly as Elizabeth does. It is only after the engagement that she makes it very clear to Elizabeth how happy she is now . It's a very sweet moment to see such an excited Jane, who usually suppresses her emotions. When she says she will " die of happiness ," it shows that she has found true love and Elizabeth begins to see a future for herself as well.

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"only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony, which is why i will end up an old maid.".

This is one of those moments when Elizabeth clarifies her position on marriage and love . She doesn't denounce it but she makes it very clear that she will only marry for love. She realizes that this determination would most probably lead to her ending up as an old maid because she knows there is a huge possibility she wouldn't fall in love so deeply with anyone around her. It is part of the "pride" in the story's title, as Elizabeth is very prideful, keeping her from finding true happiness.

This causes her to look down on those around her, although she never realizes she does this - even when it is purposefully to Mr. Collins or in anger to Mr. Darcy. While Mr. Darcy shows his signs of prejudice, by judging others, Elizabeth also judges people, but only because she has so much pride and expects no less from those around her, no matter how hard it might be for them. However, she does find love by the end when she realizes her faults, and this quote shows part of that journey of discovery.

"When You Have Five Daughters, Lizzie, Tell Me What Else Will Occupy Your Thoughts."

Elizabeth mocks Mrs. Bennet for her undying interest in matters of marriage. When Lydia runs away, Mrs. Bennet goes to bed because she can't handle the news. But when she finds out that Lydia has been wed, Mrs. Bennet is immediately excited once again that her 15-year-old daughter has managed to get herself married. She thinks it is something congratulatory, and she is quickly back on her feet and ready to get moving on pushing her other daughters into marriage.

When she rushes down to meet Lydia and her new husband, Elizabeth mocks her for doing so but Mrs. Bennet is unapologetic. She has five daughters who will not inherit anything after their father's death. So, of course, it is the only thing she is worried about. It seems Mrs. Bennet will marry her daughter to anyone no matter if there is love or not, but she has strong worries as a mother about their futures. She is doing it out of love as a mother, something Elizabeth never fully understands.

"First, I Must Tell You I've Been The Most Unmitigated And Comprehensive Ass."

Mr. bingley.

Jane and Mr. Bingley don't get engaged as everyone expects after their initial connection. Mr. Bingley goes away, leaving Jane quite upset and confused about the situation. Elizabeth later finds out that Mr. Darcy is responsible for this, as he does not believe Jane is interested because of her aloofness. This made him agree that he might not be the right match, and the Bennet family might be pushing Jane into it simply because he is a wealthy man from a well-to-do family

Later, when Mr. Darcy learns from Elizabeth that Jane is shy and remains interested in Mr. Bingley, he brings him back to Jane, Mr. Bingley starts his proposal by apologizing to Jane for being as stupid as he was. Leading up to this, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy practice what Mr. Bingley should say. When he starts with this line demeaning himself, it helps loosen the mood with Jane and makes the rest of the proposal much easier to get through for him. It is a very funny and sweet moment.

Pride & Prejudice (2005 Film Adaptation) Characters Ranked By Intelligence

"dancing. even if one's partner is barely tolerable.".

When Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Caroline Bingley first appear at the party, it piques everyone's interest. Jane sets her sights on Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth notices Mr. Darcy. She asks him if he dances, and he curtly responds that he doesn't, if he can help it. It is not so much a rejection as a matter-of-fact statement. However, later, Elizabeth and Charlotte are sitting under some bleachers and hear Mr. Darcy refer to Elizabeth as "barely tolerable " when Mr. Bingley asks if he is interested in her.

Later at the party, there is a conversation where Elizabeth says the power of poetry dives away love. This interests Mr. Darcy, who says he thought poetry was the " food of love ." When Elizabeth says poetry could kill love dead, he asks, " So what do you recommend, to encourage affection? " She replies dancing, before throwing his own words back in his face . It was a nice comeback and Mr. Darcy knew exactly what had just happened, giving Elizabeth an early victory in their war of words.

"Not All Of Us Can Afford To Be Romantic."

After Elizabeth turns down Mr. Collins, he proposes to Elizabeth's friend Charlotte. She is 27, and plain-looking, according to the people around her. She has no other prospects, so she very quickly accepts this proposal . Elizabeth is shocked that Charlotte is marrying someone she doesn't love and that she's marrying just for economic reasons and personal convenience. Charlotte tells Elizabeth never to judge her for her actions and leaves her friend, offended at the entire response.

Elizabeth lives in a very different world from Charlotte, and Charlotte very rightly points out that not everyone has the luxury of being romantic and waiting for their true love to appear before them. Charlotte comes to her friend with good news, and when Elizabeth mocks her future husband and insults her for the engagement, Charlotte is rightfully hurt. This is another case of Elizabeth showing her pride and projecting her insecurities on others, not realizing her words are insulting and cause pain.

"I Love You, Most Ardently."

Mr. Darcy declares his love for Elizabeth for the first time in one of the most iconic moments in the movie. They are both drenched in the rain and Mr. Darcy gives a long monologue about how, despite his rational reasoning, he cannot help but be in love with Elizabeth. It's a very difficult and insulting monologue, mainly because, by being honest, Mr. Darcy doesn't realize how harsh and offensive his words sound. He is oblivious to the fact that he is saying he loves her while insulting her at the same time.

Mr. Darcy is awkward and doesn't know how to express his feelings so he chooses brutal honesty . However, Elizabeth knows what he did to Jane and Mr. Bingsley, and she thinks he purposefully hurt George Wickham (which was a lie), so she hears his honesty as insults and rejects him instantly. However, the one thing he makes evident is that he loves her so very much. This is one of the most popular Pride & Prejudice quotes, even though the best part of the line went unheard by Elizabeth.

"You Have Bewitched Me, Body And Soul."

The Pride and Prejudice movie quote that is probably most heard in the context of this movie is when Mr. Darcy declares his love to Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy is a changed man. This time around, his declaration of love is more beautiful and not offensive at all. He no longer insults her, or her family. He made things right with the Bennet family and did more for them than they could have hoped. He earned Elizabeth's love. Now, he has a chance to offer his hand in marriage again, and this time without pride or prejudice.

He realizes he was insulting with his brutal honesty the previous time and completely understands what he did wrong. He also knows Elizabeth has grown and changed as well, and both of them finally understand who they are meant to be. With the fog lifting, and the lovers united, this is one of the most romantic and iconic quotes from Pride and Prejudice . It shows that all two people need to do is admit to their own faults and they can find the happiness they deserve in the end.

Pride & Prejudice

Director Joe Wright

Release Date November 23, 2005

Cast Brenda Blethyn, Keira Knightley, Rosamund Pike, Matthew Macfadyen

Runtime 2h 9m

Pride And Prejudice: 20 Most Memorable Quotes, Ranked

Word Wool

121 Best Quotes “Pride and Prejudice”

Photo of author

Here are the 121 best handpicked quotes from “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen:

From quotes by Elizabeth Burnett to quotes by Charles Bingley.

So if you want the best quotes from “Pride and Prejudice” sorted by figure, then you’re in the right place.

Let’s get started!

121 Best Quotes "Pride and Prejudice" (Handpicked)

My Favorite “Pride and Prejudice” Quote

Vanity Is

“Vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride—where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.”

— Mr. Darcy

This quote resonates with me because of how well it draws the line between self-confidence and modesty.

I often hear people say that pride is as destructive as vanity because it often hampers you from seeing the bigger picture of things or situations.

But I also believe that, when used in right moderation and as long as it’s from genuine merit, pride can also be a good thing.

Through this quote, the readers can be reminded that pride and humility, while two different things, can be both possessed as long as we know how to balance them delicately.

32 Quotes by Elizabeth Bennet

Is Not

“Is not general incivility the very essence of love?”

— Elizabeth Bennet

You May 2

“ You  may ask questions which  I  shall not choose to answer.”

I Am 1

“I am now convinced, my dear aunt, that I have never been much in love; for had I really experienced that pure and elevating passion, I should at present detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil.”

Would Mr

“Would Mr. Darcy then consider the rashness of your original intentions as atoned for by your obstinacy in adhering to it?”

Am Perf

“I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect. He owns it himself without disguise.”

If Upon

“If, upon mature deliberation, you find that the misery of disobliging his two sisters is more than equivalent to the happiness of being his wife, I advise you by all means to refuse him.”

There Are 2

“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.”

Under Such

“Under such a misfortune as this, one cannot see too little of one’s neighbours. Assistance is impossible; condolence insufferable. Let them triumph over us at a distance, and be satisfied.”

That Is 2

“That is the most unforgiving speech,” said Elizabeth, “that I ever heard you utter. Good girl!”

Folies

“Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies,  do  divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.”

Till I

“Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness.”

You Are 1

“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once.  My  affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”

What 1

“What are young men to rocks and mountains?”

And Then 1

“And then when you go away, you may leave one or two of my sisters behind you; and I dare say I shall get husbands for them before the winter is over.” “I thank you for my share of the favour,” said Elizabeth; “but I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands.”

You Must 3

“You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.”

There Is 3

“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”

He Is

“He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.”

You Have 1

“You have chosen your fault well. I really cannot  laugh  at it. You are safe from me.”

Have Said

“I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to  you , or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

But People

“But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.”

Do Not

“Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart.”

Shall We

“Shall we ask him why a man of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers?”

In Such

“In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could  feel  gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot—I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to have occasioned pain to anyone. It has been most unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation.”

Perhaps I

“Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now. But in such cases as these, a good memory is unpardonable. This is the last time I shall ever remember it myself.”

I Think 3

“I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.”

You Must Give

“You must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment of believing what I say.”

Really Mr

“Really, Mr. Collins,” cried Elizabeth with some warmth, “you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as to convince you of its being one.”

Are Mistaken

“You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner…You could not have made the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.”

Till This

“Till this moment I never knew myself.”

You Never 1

“You never will be able to make both of them good for anything. Take your choice, but you must be satisfied with only one. There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man; and of late it has been shifting about pretty much. For my part, I am inclined to believe it all Darcy’s; but you shall do as you choose.”

There Certainly

“There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.”

One Cannot

“One cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.”

10 Quotes by Mr. Darcy

Have Had 1

“I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.”

Have Faults

“I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world…My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”

You Either

“You either choose this method of passing the evening because you are in each other’s confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; if the first, I would be completely in your way, and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire.”

Nothingis

“Nothing is more deceitful,” said Darcy, “than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.”

I Have 3

“I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was  right , but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit.”

In Vain 1

“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will no longer be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

The Power

“The power of doing anything with quickness is always prized much by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance.”

You Showed

“You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”

Is Tolerable

“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt  me ; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”

A Lady 1

“A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment.”

3 Quotes by Mrs. Gardiner

Oh If 1

“Oh! if that is all, I have a very poor opinion of young men who live in Derbyshire; and their intimate friends who live in Hertfordshire are not much better. I am sick of them all. Thank Heaven! I am going to-morrow where I shall find a man who has not one agreeable quality, who has neither manner nor sense to recommend him. Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after all.”

— Mrs. Gardiner

Some People 3

“Some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.”

But That

“But that expression of ‘violently in love’ is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. It is as often applied to feelings which arise from a half-hour’s acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment. Pray, how  violent was  Mr. Bingley’s love?”

3 Quotes by Jane Bennet

Too Much

“’Tis too much!” she added, “by far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! why is not everybody as happy?”

— Jane Bennet

Do Anything

“Do anything rather than marry without affection.”

Laugh As

“Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.”

4 Quotes by Mary Bennet

Far Be

“Far be it from me, my dear sister, to depreciate such pleasures! They would doubtless be congenial with the generality of female minds. But I confess they would have no charms for  me —I should infinitely prefer a book.”

— Mary Bennet

Is Difficult

“It is difficult indeed—it is distressing. One does not know what to think.” “I beg your pardon; one knows exactly what to think.”

A Person

“A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

We Must 2

“We must stem the tide of malice, and pour into the wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly consolation.”

1 Quote by Lady Catherine de Bourgh

Obstinate

“Obstinate, headstrong girl!”

— Lady Catherine de Bourgh

2 Quotes by Charlotte Lucas

Is Sometimes

“It is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark…There are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.”

— Charlotte Lucas

Happiness In

“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”

5 Quotes by Mrs. Bennet

Is Shall

“I shall always say he used my daughter extremely ill; and if I was her, I would not have put up with it. Well, my comfort is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken heart; and then he will be sorry for what he has done.”

— Mrs. Bennet

Who Suffer

“People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no great inclination for talking. Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.”

I Often

“I often think,” said she, “that there is nothing so bad as parting with one’s friends. One seems so forlorn without them.”

When You 2

“When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley,” said her mother, “I beg you will come here, and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet’s manor.”

Has Always

“He has always something to say to everybody.  That  is my idea of good breeding; and those persons who fancy themselves very important, and never open their mouths, quite mistake the matter.”

5 Quotes by Mr. Bennet

No Kitty

“No, Kitty, I have at last learnt to be cautious, and you will feel the effects of it. No officer is ever to enter into my house again, nor even to pass through the village. Balls will be absolutely prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters. And you are never to stir out of doors till you can prove that you have spent ten minutes of every day in a rational manner.”

— Mr. Bennet

No No

“No, no. You forced me into visiting him last year, and promised, if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool’s errand again.”

For What

“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?”

We All

“We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.”

If Your

“If your daughter should have a dangerous fit of illness—if she should die, it would be a comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and under your orders.”

1 Quote by William Collins

Dear Sir

“Dear Sir, I must trouble you once more for congratulations. Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine as well as you can. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give. Yours sincerely, etc.”

— William Collins

2 Quotes by Caroline Bingley

Is A

“It is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.”

— Caroline Bingley

How Pleasant

“How pleasant it is to spend an evening in this way! I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

1 Quote by Charles Bingley

I Assure

“I assure you, that if Darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so much deference. I declare I do not know a more awful object than Darcy, on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his own house especially, and of a Sunday evening, when he has nothing to do.”

— Charles Bingley

51 Quotes by No Specific Figure

His Marriage

“His marriage was now fast approaching, and she was at length so far resigned as to think it inevitable, and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured tone, that she “ wished  they might be happy.”

— Pride and Prejudice

When Mister

“When Mr. Collins could be forgotten, there was really an air of great comfort throughout, and by Charlotte’s evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he must be often forgotten.”

Had Not

“I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the assembly beyond my own party.” “True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room.”

Eli

“Elizabeth could not see Lady Catherine without recollecting that, had she chosen it, she might by this time have been presented to her as her future niece; nor could she think, without a smile, of what her ladyship’s indignation would have been. “What would she have said? how would she have behaved?” were questions with which she amused herself.”

Said Very

“Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing at all. The former was divided between admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion, and doubt as to the occasion’s justifying her coming so far alone. The latter was thinking only of his breakfast.”

Can I

“Can I have the carriage?” said Jane. “No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain; and then you must stay all night.”

Mr Darcy

“Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes.”

Jane Was

“Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many cheerful prognostics of a bad day. Her hopes were answered; Jane had not been gone long before it rained hard. Her sisters were uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain continued the whole evening without intermission; Jane certainly could not come back. “This was a lucky idea of mine, indeed!” said Mrs. Bennet more than once, as if the credit of making it rain were all her own.”

Is Nothing

“There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society.” “Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance.”

Can Guess

“I can guess the subject of your reverie.” “I should imagine not.” “You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner—in such society; and indeed I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed.” “Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.”

There Believe

“There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.” “And  your  defect is to hate everybody.” “And yours,” he replied with a smile, “is willfully to misunderstand them.”

The Whole

“Upon the whole, therefore, she found, what has been sometimes found before, that an event to which she had been looking with impatient desire did not, in taking place, bring all the satisfaction she had promised herself.”

I Dare 1

“I dare say you will find him very agreeable.” “Heaven forbid!  That  would be the greatest misfortune of all! To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil.”

She Wanted 1

“She wanted Mr. Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her. “How could you begin?” said she. “I can comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place?” “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I  had  begun.”

She Had Never

“She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!”

She Wanted 2

“She wanted to make herself agreeable to all; and in the latter object, where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of success, for those to whom she endeavoured to give pleasure were prepossessed in her favour. Bingley was ready, Georgiana was eager, and Darcy determined, to be pleased.”

Such A 2

“Such a change in a man of so much pride exciting not only astonishment but gratitude—for to love, ardent love, it must be attributed; and as such its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined.”

Angry People

“Angry people are not always wise.”

Never Had 1

“Never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him, as now, when all love must be vain.”

Mrs Bennet

“Mrs. Bennet was beyond the reach of reason, and she continued to rail bitterly against the cruelty of settling an estate away from a family of five daughters, in favour of a man whom nobody cared anything about.”

Is Something

“There is something very pompous in his style.—And what can he mean by apologising for being next in the entail?—We cannot suppose he would help it if he could.—Could he be a sensible man, sir?” “No, my dear, I think not. I have great hopes of finding him quite the reverse.”

How Hard

“How hard it is in some cases to be believed!” “And how impossible in others!”

We Are

“We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the  éclat  of a proverb.”

What Think

“What think you of books?” said he, smiling. “Books—oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.”

I Remember 2

“I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its  being created? ” “I am,” said he, with a firm voice. “And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?” “I hope not.” “It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.”

To Eliz

“To Elizabeth it appeared that, had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or finer success.”

On Opening

“On opening the door, she perceived her sister and Bingley standing together over the hearth, as if engaged in earnest conversation; and had this led to no suspicion, the faces of both, as they hastily turned round and moved away from each other, would have told it all.  Their  situation was awkward enough; but  hers  she thought was still worse.”

I Have Not

“I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.” “ That  will make your ladyship’s situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on  me .”

Thehappiness

“The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do.”

Elizabeth

“Elizabeth longed to observe that Mr. Bingley had been a most delightful friend; so easily guided that his worth was invaluable; but she checked herself. She remembered that he had yet to learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too early to begin.”

Will You

“Will you tell me how long you have loved him?” “It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.”

Now Be

“Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?” “For the liveliness of your mind, I did.”

You Might

“You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.” “A man who had felt less, might.”

Am The

“I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare from me.”

It Is Truth

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Take Delight

“You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves.” “You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.”

He Seemed

“He seemed quite struck with Jane as she was going down the dance. So he inquired who she was, and got introduced, and asked her for the two next. Then the two third he danced with Miss King, and the two fourth with Maria Lucas, and the two fifth with Jane again, and the two sixth with Lizzy, and the  Boulanger —” “If he had had any compassion for  me ,” cried her husband impatiently, “he would not have danced half so much! For God’s sake, say no more of his partners. Oh that he had sprained his ankle in the first dance!”

Is Just

“He is just what a young man ought to be,” said she, “sensible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners!—so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!” “He is also handsome,” replied Elizabeth, “which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.”

Come Here

“Come here, child,” cried her father as she appeared. “I have sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?” Elizabeth replied that it was. “Very well—and this offer of marriage you have refused?” “I have, sir.” “Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?” “Yes, or I will never see her again.” “An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do  not  marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you  do .”

His Pride 1

“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 .”

I Hope 3

“But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.” “It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them.” “Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all.”

Am Sick

“I am sick of Mr. Bingley,” cried his wife. “I am sorry to hear  that ; but why did not you tell me that before? If I had known as much this morning I certainly would not have called on him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.”

Be Fond

“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”

Darcy Soon

“Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year.”

Am Afraid

“I am afraid, Mr. Darcy,” observed Miss Bingley in a half whisper, “that this adventure has rather affected your admiration of her fine eyes.” “Not at all,” he replied; “they were brightened by the exercise.”

Oh Certainly

“Oh! certainly,” cried his faithful assistant, “no one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved.” “All this she must possess,” added Darcy, “and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her.”

And So 3

“And so ended his affection,” said Elizabeth impatiently. “There has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!” “I have been used to consider poetry as the  food  of love,” said Darcy. “Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everything nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.”

I Should

“I should like balls infinitely better,” she replied, “if they were carried on in a different manner; but there is something insufferably tedious in the usual process of such a meeting. It would surely be much more rational if conversation instead of dancing were made the order of the day.” “Much more rational, my dear Caroline, I dare say, but it would not be near so much like a ball.”

Is Happy

“It is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?” “They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.”

My Collins

“Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth—and it was soon done—done while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire. Elizabeth, equally next to Jane in birth and beauty, succeeded her of course.”

Indeed

“Indeed, Mr. Bennet,” said she, “it is very hard to think that Charlotte Lucas should ever be mistress of this house, that  I  should be forced to make way for  her , and live to see her take her place in it!” “My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that  I  may be the survivor.”

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Pride & Prejudice

Pride & Prejudice

  • Mr. Darcy : You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love--I love--I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.
  • Mr. Darcy : Miss Elizabeth. I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer. These past months have been a torment. I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you... I had to see you. I have fought against my better judgment, my family's expectations, the inferiority of your birth by rank and circumstance. All these things I am willing to put aside and ask you to end my agony.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I don't understand.
  • Mr. Darcy : I love you.
  • [ last lines ]
  • [ US version ]
  • Mr. Darcy : How are you this evening, my dear?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Very well... although I wish you would not call me "my dear."
  • Mr. Darcy : [ chuckles ] Why?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Because it's what my father always calls my mother when he's cross about something.
  • Mr. Darcy : What endearments am I allowed?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Well let me think..."Lizzy" for every day, "My Pearl" for Sundays, and..."Goddess Divine"... but only on *very* special occasions.
  • Mr. Darcy : And... what should I call you when I am cross? Mrs. Darcy...?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : No! No. You may only call me "Mrs. Darcy"... when you are completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy.
  • Mr. Darcy : [ he snickers ] Then how are you this evening... Mrs. Darcy?
  • [ kisses her on the forehead ]
  • Mr. Darcy : Mrs. Darcy...
  • [ kisses her on the right cheek ]
  • [ kisses her on the nose ]
  • [ kisses her on the left cheek ]
  • [ finally kisses her on the mouth ]
  • Mr. Bennet : I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you... but it apppears I am overruled. So, I heartily give my consent.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ kissing and hugging him ] Thank you.
  • Mr. Bennet : I could not have parted with you, my Lizzy, to anyone less worthy.
  • [ ordered to order Lizzie to accept Mr. Collins's proposal ]
  • Mr. Bennet : Your mother insists on you marrying Mr. Collins...
  • Mrs. Bennet : Yes! Or I'll never see her again!
  • Mr. Bennet : Well, Lizzy, from this day henceforth it seems you must be a stranger to one of your parents...
  • Mrs. Bennet : Who will maintain you when your father's gone?
  • Mr. Bennet : Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins... and I will never see you again if you do.
  • Mrs. Bennet : Mr. Bennet!
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Thank you, Papa.
  • Mr. Bennet : Lizzy, are you out of your senses? I thought you hated the man.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : No, Papa.
  • Mr. Bennet : He's rich, to be sure, and you will have more fine carriages than Jane. But will that make you happy?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Have you no objection other than your belief in my indifference?
  • Mr. Bennet : None at all. We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of fellow... but that would be nothing if you really liked him.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I do like him.
  • Mr. Bennet : Well...
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I love him.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony, which is why I will end up an old maid.
  • Mr. Darcy : I love you. Most ardently. Please do me the honor of accepting my hand.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain. Believe me, it was unconsciously done.
  • Mr. Darcy : Is this your reply?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Yes, sir.
  • Mr. Darcy : Are you... are you laughing at me?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : No.
  • Mr. Darcy : Are you *rejecting* me?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I'm sure that the feelings which, as you've told me have hindered your regard, will help you in overcoming it.
  • Mr. Darcy : Might I ask why, with so little endeavor at civility, I am thus repulsed?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : And I might as well enquire why, with so evident a design of insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your better judgment.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : And that put paid to it. I wonder who first discovered the power of poetry in driving away love?
  • Mr. Darcy : I thought that poetry was the food of love.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Of a fine stout love, it may. But if it is only a vague inclination I'm convinced one poor sonnet will kill it stone dead
  • Mr. Darcy : So what do you recommend to encourage affection?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Dancing. Even if one's partner is barely tolerable.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I'm very fond of walking.
  • Mr. Darcy : Yes... yes I know.
  • [ last lines, UK version ]
  • Mr. Bennet : If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, for heaven's sake, send them in. I'm quite at my leisure.
  • Mr. Darcy : I... do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Perhaps you should take your aunt's advice and practice?
  • Mr. Darcy : So this is your opinion of me. Thank you for explaining so fully. Perhaps these offences might have been overlooked had not your pride been hurt by my honesty...
  • Elizabeth Bennet : *My* pride?
  • Mr. Darcy : ...in admitting scruples about our relationship. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your circumstances?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : And those are the words of a gentleman. From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry.
  • [ they look at each other for a long time as though about to kiss ]
  • Mr. Darcy : Forgive me, madam, for taking up so much of your time.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ as she writes to Jane, Darcy suddenly enters ] Mr.Darcy.
  • [ Darcy bows, Elizabeth stands and curtseys ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Please, do be seated.
  • [ no reponse ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ silence ] Mr and Mrs Collins have gone to the village.
  • Mr. Darcy : [ nods and looks around the room ] This is a charming house. I believe my aunt did a great deal to it when Mr.Collins first arrived.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I believe so. She could not have bestowed her kindness on a more grateful subject.
  • [ more silence, neither one of them know what to say ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Shall I call for some tea?
  • Mr. Darcy : No, thank you.
  • [ a few brief more moments of silence ]
  • Mr. Darcy : Good day, Miss Elizabeth, it's been a pleasure.
  • [ rushes out, passing by Charlotte ]
  • Charlotte Lucas : [ to Elizabeth ] What have you done to poor Mr.Darcy?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : ...I have no idea.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : He's been a fool about so many things, about Jane, and others... but then, so have I. You see, he and I are so similar.
  • [ starts laughing helplessly ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : We've been nonsensical! Papa, I...
  • Mr. Bennet : [ has tears in his eyes and starts laughing, softly ] You really do love him, don't you?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Very much.
  • Mr. Darcy : May I have the next dance, Miss Elizabeth?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ taken aback ] You may.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : What a beautiful pianoforte.
  • Georgiana Darcy : My brother gave it to me. He shouldn't have.
  • Mr. Darcy : Yes, I should've.
  • Georgiana Darcy : Oh, very well then.
  • Mr. Darcy : Easily persuaded, is she not?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Your unfortunate brother once had to put up with my playing for a whole evening.
  • Georgiana Darcy : But he says you play so well.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Then he has perjured himself most profoundly.
  • Mr. Darcy : No I said, "played quite well."
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Oh, "quite well" is not "very well." I'm satisfied.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : He looks miserable, poor soul.
  • Charlotte Lucas : Miserable he may be, but poor he most certainly is not.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Tell me.
  • Charlotte Lucas : 10,000 a year and he owns half of Derbyshire.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : The miserable half?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Are you too proud Mr. Darcy? And would you consider pride a fault or a virtue?
  • Mr. Darcy : That I couldn't say.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Because we're doing our best to find a fault in you.
  • Mr. Darcy : Maybe it's that I find it hard to forgive the follies and vices of others, or their offenses against me. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Oh, dear, I cannot tease you about that. What a shame, for I dearly love to laugh.
  • Caroline Bingley : A family trait, I think.
  • Lady Catherine de Bourg : Now tell me once and for all: Are you engaged to him?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I am not.
  • Lady Catherine de Bourg : And will you promise never to enter into such an engagement?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I will not and I certainly never shall. You have insulted me in every possible way, and can now have nothing further to say.
  • [ Goes towards the door ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I must ask you to leave immediately.
  • [ Opens door ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Good night.
  • Lady Catherine de Bourg : [ Storms out ] I have never been thus treated in my entire life.
  • Jane Bennet : [ Accepting Mr. Bingley's proposal ] Yes. A thousand times yes.
  • Caroline Bingley : Miss Elizabeth, let us take a turn about the room.
  • [ Caroline takes Lizzy's arm in hers, and they walk gracefully in a circle around the room ]
  • Caroline Bingley : It's refreshing, is it not after sitting so long in one attitude?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : And it is a small kind of accomplishment, I suppose.
  • Caroline Bingley : Will you not join us, Mr. Darcy?
  • Mr. Darcy : You can only have two motives, Caroline and I would interfere with either.
  • Caroline Bingley : What can he mean?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask him nothing about it.
  • Caroline Bingley : But Do tell us, Mr. Darcy.
  • Mr. Darcy : Either you are in each other's confidence and have secret affairs to discuss, or you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage by walking. If the first, I should get in your way. If the second, I can admire you much better from here.
  • Mr. Darcy : Do you talk, as a rule, while dancing?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : No... No, I prefer to be unsociable and taciturn... Makes it all so much more enjoyable, don't you think?
  • Mr. Bennet : Well, if Jane does die, it will be a comfort to know she was in pursuit of Mr. Bingley.
  • Mrs. Bennet : People do not *die* of colds.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Though she may well perish with the shame of having such a mother.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Did I just agree to dance with Mr. Darcy?
  • Charlotte Lucas : I dare say you will find him amiable.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : It would be most inconvenient since I have sworn to loathe him for all eternity.
  • [ both laugh ]
  • Mr. Bingley : [ overheard by Charlotte and Elizabeth ] But her sister Elizabeth is very agreeable.
  • Mr. Darcy : Thoroughly tolerable, I dare say, but not handsome enough to tempt *me*. You'd better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles. You're wasting your time with me.
  • [ the two men depart ]
  • Charlotte Lucas : Count your blessings, Lizzy. If he liked you, you'd have to talk to him.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Precisely. As it is I wouldn't dance with him for all of Darbyshire, let alone the miserable half.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ after meeting Mr. Darcy and overhearing his remark about her ] I could more easily forgive his vanity had he not wounded mine.
  • Mr. Collins : [ Talking about the potatoes ] It's been many years since I had such an exemplary vegetable.
  • Mr. Bennet : How happy for you, Mr. Collins, to possess a talent for flattering with such... delicacy.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Do these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are they the result of previous study?
  • Mr. Collins : They arise chiefly from what is passing of the time. And though I do sometimes amuse myself with arranging such little elegant compliments, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Oh, believe me, no one would suspect your manners to be rehearsed.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Charlotte!
  • Charlotte Lucas : My dear Lizzy. I've come to tell you the news. Mr. Collins and I are... engaged.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : To be married?
  • Charlotte Lucas : Yes of course. What other kind of engaged is there?
  • [ Lizzy looks shocked ]
  • Charlotte Lucas : Oh, for Heaven's sake! Don't look at me like that Lizzy! There is no earthly reason why I shouldn't be as happy with him as any other.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : But he's ridiculous!
  • Charlotte Lucas : Oh hush! Not all of us can afford to be romantic. I've been offered a comfortable home and protection. There's alot to be thankful for.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : But...
  • Charlotte Lucas : I'm twenty-seven years old, I've no money and no prospects. I'm already a burden to my parents and I'm frightened. So don't you judge me, Lizzy. Don't you dare judge me!
  • Mr. Bingley : [ Practicing proposing, with Mr. Darcy as Jane ] Miss Bennett.
  • Mr. Darcy : [ Bows ] Mr. Bingley.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ after reading Mr. Darcy's letter ] I've been so blind.
  • Georgiana Darcy : [ to Elizabeth on playing the piano ] Do you play duets Miss Bennet?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Only when forced.
  • Georgiana Darcy : [ to Darcy ] Brother, you must force her.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Now if every man in the room does not end the evening in love with you then I am no judge of beauty.
  • Jane Bennet : [ giggles ] Or men.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ laughs brightly ] No, they are far too easy to judge.
  • Jane Bennet : They're not all bad.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Humorless poppycocks, in my limited experience.
  • Jane Bennet : One of these days, Lizzy, someone will catch your eye and then you'll have to watch your tongue.
  • Mrs. Bennet : But she doesn't like him. I thought she didn't like him.
  • Jane Bennet : So did I, so did we all. We must have been wrong.
  • Mrs. Bennet : Wouldn't be the first time, will it?
  • Jane Bennet : No, nor the last I dare say.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ about Mr. Darcy ] He is not proud. I was wrong, I was entirely wrong about him. You don't know him, Papa. If I told you what he's really like, what he's done.
  • Mr. Bennet : What has he done?
  • [ Mr. Darcy walks next to the piano ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all your state to hear me, but I won't be alarmed even if your sister does play so well.
  • Mr. Darcy : I am well enough acquainted with you, Miss Elizabeth, to know that I can not alarm you, even should I wish it.
  • Mr. Bennet : [ exits study, finds four of his daughters eavesdropping ] Good heavens. People.
  • Charlotte Lucas : Not all of us can afford to be romantic, Lizzy.
  • Caroline Bingley : [ Elizabeth enters the room, Darcy stands. Caroline is appalled ] Good Lord, Miss Elizabeth. Did you walk here?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I did.
  • [ long pause ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I'm so sorry. How is my sister?
  • Mr. Darcy : She's upstairs.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : [ another pause; she smiles and curtseys ] Thank you.
  • [ she leaves the room ]
  • Caroline Bingley : My goodness, did you see her hem? Six inches deep in mud. She looked positively mediaeval.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Do you dance, Mr. Darcy?
  • Mr. Darcy : Not if I can help it.
  • Mrs. Bennet : Now she'll have to stay the night. Exactly as I predicted.
  • Mr. Bennet : Good grief, woman. Your skills in the art of matchmaking are positively occult.
  • [ Mrs. Bennet giggles ]
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Though I don't think, Mama, you can reasonably take credit for making it rain.
  • Mr. Darcy : Are you so severe on your own sex?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : I never saw such a woman. She would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold.
  • Mr. Bingley : I've never seen so many pretty girls in my life!
  • Mr. Darcy : You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room.
  • Mr. Bingley : She is the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld. But her sister Elizabeth is very agreeable.
  • Mr. Darcy : Thoroughly tolerable, I daresay, but not handsome enough to tempt me. You'd better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles. You're wasting your time with me.
  • Mr. Bennet : Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins... And I will never see you again if you do.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : If I was uncivil, then that is some excuse. But I have other reasons, you know I have.
  • Mr. Darcy : What reasons?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Do you think anything might tempt me to accept the hand of the man who has ruined, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister? Do you deny that you separated a young couple who loved each other, exposing your friend to censure of the world for caprice and my sister to derision for disappointed hopes, involving them both in misery of the acutest kind?
  • Mr. Darcy : I do not deny it.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : How could you do it?
  • Mr. Darcy : Tell me, do you and your sisters very often walk to Meryton?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Yes, we often walk to Meryton. It's a great opportunity to meet new people. In fact, when you met us, we'd just had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance.
  • Mr. Darcy : Mr Wickham's blessed with such happy manners, as may ensure his making friends. Whether he is capable of retaining them, is less certain.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : He's been so unfortunate as to lose your friendship. I dare say that is an irreversible event.
  • Mr. Darcy : It is. Why do you ask such a question?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : To make out your character.
  • Mr. Darcy : What have you discovered?
  • Elizabeth Bennet : Very little. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.
  • Mr. Darcy : I hope to afford you more clarity in the future.
  • Mr. Collins : Charlotte, come here.
  • Charlotte Lucas : Has the pig escaped again?
  • [ looks out window ]
  • Charlotte Lucas : Oh. It's Lady Catherine.
  • Elizabeth Bennet : If he cannot percieve her regard, he is a fool.
  • Charlotte Lucas : We are all fools in love.

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Pride and Prejudice Quotes

Quotes or quotations are a set of phrases and sentences that consist of universal themes and beliefs. Every person who reads can use the quotes and apply to their daily situation. Pride and Prejudice , one of the famous literary works of all time, contains famous quotes that can be applied to various situations around the world even in modern times. Some of these quotes have been discussed below.

Quotes in Pride and Prejudice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

These are the opening lines of the novel . These lines show how Jane Austen thinks about young people, especially men, who are settled and have a decent income, begins to look for a wife. The theme of marriage and having a wife resonates throughout the novel. Almost all the characters are engaged in one or the other way to marry. It explains that the parents too want their financially stable children to have a family of their own.

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

These lines are spoken at the end of the fifth chapter where Elizabeth, Miss Lucas, and Mrs. Bennet are discussing different moral virtues and shortcomings. They further talk about the impacts on the character specifically concerning Mr. Darcy, who possesses immense pride at his lineage. Mary discusses these virtues and explains that vanity and pride are not the same things, but they are used interchangeably. She instead differentiates that vanity is what we want others to think about us, while pride means our opinions of ourselves.

“If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark.”

These lines are from the sixth chapter of the novel. Charlotte speaks these lines in response to Miss Bingley’s comments about Elizabeth that she is still arrogant. Charlotte says that a woman should not conceal her affection as much as she could lose the opportunity of marrying the very person from whom she is concealing those emotions. In other words, Charlotte feels that is necessary to do everything and more to impress the opposite person to win their love and affection. However, by the end of the story , it is proved otherwise.

“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least.”

These lines are spoken by Charlotte in the sixth chapter as she is continuing her lecture to her friends specifically about Jane’s marriage. She believes that marriage is just a means to an end. According to her, it is okay to limit the affection and intimacy from husbands. She continues that if they get too affectionate, husbands will start expecting more from the wives. During that era, it was the common lifestyle of women unlike now , where women are mostly independent. These lines are significant in that they echo the major theme of the novel.

“I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself.”

Chapter -11

These dialogues are from the eleventh chapter. Mr. Darcy says these words to Elizabeth during her stay at Netherfield. Both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth speak against their prideful nature. These words display Mr. Darcy’s integrity, honesty, though filled with pride and his lack of self-awareness, leaving Elizabeth surprised after observing his arrogance.

“How despicably I have acted! I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust!”

Chapter -13

Elizabeth speaks these lines in the thirteenth chapter of the novel. She receives an offer from Mr. Darcy. Earlier both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have a prejudice against each other. However, now she feels ashamed of her misgivings when she trusted Mr. Whickam’s lies. She realizes that all her ideas about her wisdom have dashed to the ground. She thinks that her mistrust and vanity were nothing but the vanity of her mind. In other words, Elizabeth regrets that she has been wrong in her judgment about Mr. Darcy.

“Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind! But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment I never knew myself.”

Chapter -36

These lines are spoken by Elizabeth. She displays her strength and realizes her mistakes. She feels relieved that she was not in love; otherwise, she would have been blind. She admits that she mistreated Darcy before knowing the truth. Later, she admits her feelings towards Mr. Darcy.

“Well, my comfort is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken heart, and then he will be sorry for what he has done.”

Chapter -40

Mrs. Bennet speaks these lines to Elizabeth when she says that Mr. Bingley has refused to marry Jane who has been dreaming to marry Charles Bingley. She says that when Jane hears, she will die of heart attack and that Mr. Bingley will feel sorry for this bad act. This dialogue display’s Mrs. Bennet’s lack of a positive attitude as she fails to attempt any resolution . However, Elizabeth does not answer and just reflects over it to resolve the situation.

“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.”

Chapter -58

Mr. Darcy has spoken these lines to Elizabeth who is sitting silently before him. He proposes to her and finding no answer, praises her for what she has in her heart for him. He asks her that if she has changed her mind, he will not talk on that subject anymore. These are very significant lines and explain the unique relationship that develops between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. It can also be related to our times and that you don’t have to try to impress the opposite person to win their love.

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”

Chapter -60

These dialogues are spoken by Mr. Darcy during the engagement. He confesses that he doesn’t really know how and when he fell in love with Elizabeth while indirectly asking her to forgive him. He further expressed that it doesn’t matter as he cannot return to the past but has started loving her more the moment they decided to be together.

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  20. Pride and Prejudice Quotes

    Quotes or quotations are a set of phrases and sentences that consist of universal themes and beliefs. Every person who reads can use the quotes and apply to their daily situation. Pride and Prejudice, one of the famous literary works of all time, contains famous quotes that can be applied to various situations around the world even in modern times. Some of these quotes have been discussed below.

  21. Pride and Prejudice

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    Important quotes by Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. ... SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription.