Pride and Prejudice
Which characters take great pride in their social standing? Which don't? Why or why not?
Although both Jane and Elizabeth cross class lines to get married, the general idea is that they are almost aristocratic already.
Although both Jane and Elizabeth cross class lines to get married, the general idea is that they are almost aristocratic already.
I'm not sure whether you're asking or telling here?
Darcy- Darcy is proud, haughty and extremely conscious of class differences at the beginning of the novel. He does, however, have a strong sense of honor and virtue. Elizabeth's rebukes after his first proposal to her help him to recognize his faults of pride and social prejudice. It is, in fact, precisely because Elizabeth is not so awed by his high social status as to be afraid to criticize his character that he is attracted to her. The self-knowledge acquired from Elizabeth's rebukes and the desire to win Elizabeth's love spur him to change and judge people more by their character than by their social class.
Charles Bingley
Mr. Bingley is not overly concerned with class differences, and Jane's poor family connections are not a serious deterrent to his attachment to her.
Wickham- He is very class conscious, and his intentions toward Lydia are not meant to end in marriage. Other more honorable characters help to make the marriage happen.
Mrs. Bennett- Her only concern is that her daughters make strong marriages that will keep or better their social standing.
Charlotte Lucas
Charlotte acts as a foil to Elizabeth by embodying the opposite view of marriage. Charlotte makes no attempt to find a husband whom she loves and esteems, but simply gives in to the necessity of acquiring financial security through marriage.
Mr. Gardiner
Mr. Gardiner is a merchant, and is an upright and intelligent man. The fact that he earns his money by working puts him in a lower social class than those who simply live off the interest of their land. Like his wife, Mr. Gardiner is one of those people whom Austen portrays as a natural aristocrat, and whom Darcy comes to like after overcoming his class prejudice.
Caroline Bingley
Miss Bingley is a superficial; she has all of Darcy's class prejudice but none of his honor and virtue.