Comment on the title of the novel Pride and Prejudice. [British Novel June 2019]

The title of Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice" refers to the two main themes of the book and the characters who embody them. Pride and prejudice are the attitudes and traits that prevent the characters from understanding and connecting with each other. The title also highlights the irony that these qualities are often the result of misunderstanding and misinterpretation.

In the novel, Elizabeth Bennet is associated with prejudice, and Mr. Darcy with pride. Elizabeth judges Darcy harshly and immediately forms a negative opinion of him, based on her own prejudices and preconceptions. Darcy, on the other hand, looks down on Elizabeth and her family due to their social status, which he considers inferior to his own. Both characters exhibit these qualities to varying degrees, and it is only through a gradual process of self-reflection and self-improvement that they are able to overcome their pride and prejudice and come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other.

The title "Pride and Prejudice" also suggests that these traits are not limited to the main characters but are prevalent in society as a whole. In the novel, many of the secondary characters exhibit pride and prejudice, and the narrative shows how these attitudes can be detrimental to personal relationships and societal interactions.

Furthermore, the title serves as a commentary on the social and cultural norms of Austen's time, where people were often judged by their social status and wealth, rather than their individual merit. By highlighting the themes of pride and prejudice, Austen critiques the shallow and superficial values of her society and encourages her readers to look beyond appearances and societal expectations.

In conclusion, the title "Pride and Prejudice" is appropriate for Austen's novel as it accurately reflects the two main themes of the book and the characters that embody them. The title also serves as a commentary on the societal norms and expectations of Austen's time and encourages readers to look beyond appearances and societal expectations. 

[1] "The title Pride and Prejudice refers to the two main characters in the novel, Elizabeth Bennet and Lord Darcy. Elizabeth is traditionally associated with prejudice. She conceives a dislike..."

URL: https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/comment-on-the-title-of-pride-and-prejudice-1089333

[2] "From the title, one can easily derive what the author will focus on in the book or the composition. The very title, Pride and Prejudice, implies what the novels story is all about. We must go through the story with a critical attitude to show its significance while explaining why the author has renamed her novel Pride and Prejudice."

URL: https://www.hamandista.com/appropriateness-title-pride-prejudice-and-its-significance/

[3] "f COMMENT ON THE TITLE OF THE NOVEL. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. LOVE: Pride and Prejudice contains one of the most cherished love stories in English literature. : the courtship between DARCY and ELIZABETH . As in any good love story , the. Lovers must elude and overcome numerous stumbling blocks , beginning with the."

URL: https://www.scribd.com/document/621782366/COMMENT-ON-THE-TITLE-OF-THE-NOVEL

[4] "The novel is about the pride of Darcy and the prejudice of Elizabeth caused by their mutual misunderstanding. Earlier in the novel, Mary describes Pride as …a common failing. Human nature is particularly prone to it. Mr. Darcy stands as the most obviously proud character."

URL: https://www.eng-literature.com/2016/09/consider-how-far-jane-austens-title-pride-and-prejudice-justified.html

[5] "Pride and Prejudice are both depicted as qualities that each character needs in proper balance. Pride and Prejudice, are potentially dangerous qualities that Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet must overcome or avoid if they are to build a successful life together. Our experts can deliver a customized essay tailored to your instructions"

URL: https://studycorgi.com/pride-and-prejudice-by-jane-austen-what-does-the-title-mean/

[6] "Title: Pride and Prejudice, initially named as First Impression. When/where written: Austen has written the novel between October 1796 and August 1797, but it was published only in 1813. Published: January 1813. Literary Period: Romantic period. Genre: Romance novel, Fiction, Satire, Novel of Manners. Point-of-View: Third-person omniscient."

URL: https://bookanalysis.com/jane-austen/pride-and-prejudice/

[7] "In  Pride And Prejudice  Jane Austen tells the story of the gradual union of two characters one has unconquerable pride another has excessive Prejudice. Elizabeth is one of the bright, beautiful and self-respecting characters of this novel. The hero of this novel is Darcy who personified pride."

URL: https://easyenglishnotes.com/pride-and-prejudice-the-title/

[8] "The words Pride and Prejudice are very significant in the characterization of the novel. The hero and heroine of the novel embody these traits of human character. When Mr. Darcy was first introduced in the novel, he was declared to be, The proudest, most disagreeable man in the world. All his actions may be traced to pride."

URL: https://englishliterature.net/notes/significance-of-the-title-of-pride-and-prejudice

[9] "The title Pride and Prejudice refers to the main characters initial attitudes towards each other: Elizabeth is Prideful because she does not think Mr. Darcy is good enough for her sister, while Mr. Darcy is Prejudiced against Elizabeth because he believes she is beneath him in social rank."

URL: https://novelsummary.com/pride-and-prejudice-title/

[10] "With the title, Pride and Prejudice, most readers assume that Elizabeth is prejudice and Darcy is pride, but further analysis proves that both characters possess both traits. Before even meeting him, Elizabeth forms prejudices against Darcy and allows for those prejudices to outweigh everything else about him."

URL: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/alternate-titles-to-an-austen-masterpiece-pride-and-prejudice-vs-first-impressions/