APIB English Literature and Composition
Major Works Data Sheet
Biographical information about the author:
Title: ___PRIDE AND PREJUDICE________
Author: ___Jane Austen______
Date of Publication: _______1813________
Genre: ____novel of manners________
Historical information about the period of publication:
This time period, known as the Regency Period, began in
1811 when the Prince of Wales assumed the duties of King
George III who suffered from porphyria and was declared
unfit to rule as his behavior became erratic and unpredictable.
King George III was largely unpopular for having lost the
colonies in the Americas when they revolted in the 1770‟s.
The Prince Regent was discouraged from making policies
regarding official business or war and instead spent large
amounts of money that the Treasury could not cover on
building projects and large parties. Though he was a large
supporter of the arts, his reputation and self-indulgences
created in Jane Austen a vehement dislike for him, particularly
when the Prince Regent gave her „the honor‟ of dedicating
Emma to him, which she could not refuse, nor hide her disdain
in her wording.
Jane Austen was born December 16, 1775 in Steventon to Reverend George
and Cassandra Austen. She was the seventh child and formed a very close
bond with bother her only other sister and her elder brother Henry, who
would become her literary agent. Austen grew up with access to literature
and open learning, with parents and siblings who encouraged her creativity
and writing experiments. Her one brush with true love came in 1795 when
she fell in love with the nephew of a neighbor, but neither truly had much to
offer in a marriage so his family separated the pair and she never saw him
again. The only offer of marriage she ever received she accepted, but
rejected the next day, much like one of her heroines. The first draft of First
Impressions, what we know today to be Pride and Prejudice, was completed
in 1799 but not published until 1813. Three other of her novels were
published in her lifetime: Sense and Sensibility (1811), Mansfield Park
(1814), and Emma (1815). The books were widely popular with the public
and for the most part received favorable criticism, aiding the financial
prospects of the Austen women. Jane‟s brother Henry was key in the success
of these publications. However, partway through her work on two new
novels, Jane grew ill and died on July 18 th, 1817. She is buried at the
Winchester Cathedral. Her last two completed works, Northanger Abbey and
Persuasion were published posthumously in 1817.
Characteristics of the genre:
A novel of manners typically deals with satirizing a particular time
period and the behaviors accepted in it, or it describes one person or
set of persons and their desires to defy the socially acceptable
behaviors or sentiments of the day. In terms of Pride and Prejudice,
this most strongly applies to Elizabeth who refuses to marry for
anything less than passion and love, who admits she will most likely
die an old maid for refusing to settle for anything less.
Plot summary:
Elizabeth Bennett is born the second oldest into an extraordinarily shallow family. Her one point of comfort is her elder sister, Jane,
who is as quiet and reserved as she is beautiful and level-headed. The rest of her family is a disaster. Her father, while mostly
reasonable, shows little concern for the workings of his family and remains reserved in the peace of his own library, apart from the rest
of his family. Her mother and sisters are incredibly silly and possess only thoughts that involve ribbons, balls, gentlemen, and
particularly the militia. Thus, they are practically worked up into a frenzy when a handsome, young gentleman named Mr. Bingley,
possessing large sums of wealth, moves into the neighborhood with the company of his sister, Caroline, and his long-time friend, Mr.
Darcy. The Bennett family immediately descends upon the single gentleman in hopes of him marrying one of the daughters. Indeed, he
falls in love with Jane who is much too shy to show much encouragement, despite the mutual emotions. Mr. Darcy on the other hand,
fails to impress anyone, despite his wealth. His cold arrogance and apparent disdain for others strike Lizzie particularly hard. She finds
friendship in a handsome young officer who has equal hatred towards Darcy, Mr. Wickham. Meanwhile, Jane is invited to spend time
with Caroline Bingley, and after catching a cold, is requested to stay there awhile with Lizzie as her nursemaid. This only intensifies
Lizzie‟s dislike of everyone but Bingley, Bingley‟s love for Jane, Caroline‟s disdain for the Bennetts, and Darcy‟s attraction towards
Lizzie‟s handsome eyes. Thus, almost everyone is glad to see them go, though the Bennetts less so when they discover Mr. Collins,
who is to inherit everything from the Bennett family has come to visit the family in hopes of securing a wife. His interests first rest on
Jane, but she‟s taken, so he moves on to Lizzie. He proposes to her and she rejects him quite forcefully. He then becomes engaged with
Charlotte, Lizzie‟s dearest friend. The mood around the house grows even more gray when it is discovered Mr. Bingley has departed
for London, dragged along by his sister and Darcy who declares Jane‟s indifference towards him. Jane also goes to London, to be with
her aunt and uncle, and to try to reunite with Mr. Bingley. Meanwhile, Lizzie visits Charlotte and Mr. Collins and meets the
cantankerous Lady Catherine who is Darcy‟s aunt and Mr. Collin‟s patroness. While alone one evening, Darcy barges in and
announces that he can no longer hide how much he loves Lizzie and asks that she marry him. She coldly refuses and accuses him of
separating her sister and Mr. Bingley and of his heartless behavior towards Mr. Wickham. He leaves but writes a letter addressing the
two charges in which he is proven faultless except in thinking Jane didn‟t like Bingley. Lizzie travels with her aunt and uncle and
accidentally encounters Darcy at his home. At the same time, Lydia is discovered to have run away with Mr. Wickham in a scandal that
could ruin the whole family. Unknown to Lizzie, Darcy tracks them down and forces them to marry, paying off Mr. Wickham so that
the scandal is abated. Mr. Bingley arrives back in the neighborhood and Jane faces her feelings reemerging, however there is no fearMr. Bingley appears and asks forgiveness and marriage to Jane who accepts. Lady Catherine arrives to speak to Lizzie of her
engagement to Darcy which Lizzie has no knowledge of. Insulted and humiliated, Lizzie sends her from their home. Later, Darcy asks
if Lizzie‟s feelings are the same as they had been before and she says no. The two sisters have a double marriage and stay tight friends.
Major Works Data Sheet
Page 2
Describe the author‟s style, incl narrator/point of view,
metaphors/similes:
Austen uses a third person omniscient narrator with the
majority of the novel coming out of Elizabeth‟s point of
view through past tense. This point of view often has
much of the same wit or wry humor that Elizabeth retains
through the entire novel. The tone is rather light and
comical, almost as Austen describes it “light, bright, and
sparkling.” Since most of the novel is told and described
through dialogue, there aren‟t all that many metaphors or
similies.
Examples that demonstrate the style (you need
more than one example):
“As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out
to recover her spirits; or in other words, to dwell
without interruption on those subjects that must
deaden them more.” Chapter 54. Ironic tone about
her own confusion.
“The tumult of her mind was now painfully great.
She knew not how to support herself, and from
actual weakness sat down and cried for half an
hour. Her astonishment , as she reflected on what
had passed, was increased by every review of it.”
Chapter 34
Memorable Quotes
Quote
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a
single man in possession of a good fortune, must
be in want of a wife.” Ch. 1 page 5
“Which do you mean?” and turning round, he
looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her
eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, “She is
tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me;
and I am in no humour at present to give
consequence to young ladies who are slighted by
other men.” Chapter 3, page 13
“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, page 21
“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 page 24
“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.”
Elizabeth‟s astonishment was beyond expression.
She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This
he considered sufficient encouragement, and the
avowal of all that he felt and had long felt for her,
immediately followed.” Chapter 23
“I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice,
though not in principle.” Chapter 58
“Elizabeth was much too embarrassed to say a
word. After a short pause, her companion added,
“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.” Elizabeth feeling all the
more than common awkwardness and anxiety of
his situation, now forced herself to speak; and
immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to
understand, that her sentiments had undergone so
material a change, since the period to which he
alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and
pleasure, his present assurances.” Chapter 58
Significance
This summarizes the assumption of the majority of the Bennett family and gives a
wonderful insight into the mentality of Mrs. Bennett and the three younger Bennett
sisters.
This firmly establishes his reputation of being rude and haughty among many. It also
begins the struggle Darcy has with himself in order to confess his attraction towards
Elizabeth and also her own dislike towards him, which is one of the many reasons
for her refusal of marriage upon his first attempt.
This quote by Mary perfectly describes the majority of the characters in the novel.
Darcy and Elizabeth, while proud, are not exceptionally vain. Meanwhile, Mrs.
Bingley, Mrs. Bennett, Lady Catherine, and Mr. Collins are all incredibly vain.
This statement by Charlotte is highly ironic- both Darcy and Elizabeth both know
each other‟s faults before they ever notice the other‟s good attributes.
Darcy‟s proposal to Lizzie marks the turning-point in the novel. Before hand, she
could only focus on his arrogance and pride and other negative attributes. However,
afterwards, because of what Darcy begins to reveal about his past and his character,
she begins to see him in a different light that leads to her love for him in return.
Elizabeth causes Darcy to have a sort of epiphany about the way he was raised- to be
well mannered but never control his temper, to be well educated but never control
his pride. Elizabeth has illuminated for him the faults within himself, something he
feels the need to repay for the generous gift it is to him. This is a truly humbling
statement from Darcy.
This moment for Elizabeth is entirely out of character. She is embarrassed and
fumbles with words in her response to Darcy because of a joyfully incoherent
moment.
Major Works Data Sheet
Name
Role in the story
Elizabeth Bennett
Protagonist
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Antagonist to
Elizabeth
Jane Bennett
Elder sister and
closest friend of Lizzie
Charles Bingley
Darcy’s closest friend
and Jane’s love
Mr. Bennett
Elizabeth’s absent
father
Mrs. Bennett
Elizabeth’s absolutely
ridiculous mother
Mr. Wickham
Lizzie’s possible love
interest who ends up
being the ultimate
antagonist
Lydia Bennett
Elizabeth’s youngest
foolish sister
Catherine Bennett
Elizabeth’s second
youngest sister
The clergyman who is
to inherit everything
Mr. Collins
Miss Bingley
Charles’s sister
Charlotte Lucas
Lizzie’s dearest friend
Mr. &Mrs.
Gardiner
Lizzie’s aunt and
uncle
Lady Catherine
Mr. Collins patroness
and Darcy’s aunt
Georgiana Darcy
Darcy’s younger sister
Page 3
Characters
Significance
The main character and second eldest
daughter of the Bennett‟s. Certainly the
most well-read, intelligent, and a
supposed good judge of character.
The wealthy nephew of Lady Catherine
de Bourgh. While generally good in
character, incredibly proud and thus
tortured by his affections for the lower
social ordered Elizabeth.
Her relationship with Bingley brightly
contrasts the tense relationship between
Darcy and Lizzie. She serves as
Lizzie‟s biggest confident.
His arrival is the impetus of the novelas a wealthy, single, attractive young
man, he‟s easy fodder for the preying
mothers nearby. He serves as contrast
to Darcy‟s behavior.
Serves only to spur on his wife‟s and
daughter‟s ridiculousness, and rather
absent as a father else wise.
One of the chief sources of humiliation
for the elder Bennett girls because of
her silliness and shallow attitude
towards marriage and men.
Initially charms all of the Bennett
family including Elizabeth, but is
revealed to have vile character by
Darcy‟s statement, just in time for him
to run off with Lydia.
Headstrong without the head. She
throws her silly, foolish self at every
man she see‟s until Wickham catches
her.
Only exists as Lydia‟s shadow, despite
her older age.
Makes marriage attempts on Jane,
Elizabeth and finally Charlotte Lucas.
His attempt on Lizzie convinces her she
will become an old maid.
Separates, with Darcy‟s help, her
brother and Jane due to her family and
her hidden love for Darcy.
Accepts Mr. Collins‟s proposal for
convenience.
Serve as Lizzie‟s makeshift parents and
escort her to the Lake District.
Makes it exceptionally clear that
Elizabeth is not to marry Darcy due to
her social status.
Shows one of the softer sides of
Darcy‟s loving character.
Adjectives
Witty, sharp-tongued,
intelligent, prejudiced,
ultimately good-natured
Intelligent, honest,
proud, loyal, reserved
Beautiful, reserved,
gentle, naïve
Naïve, genial,
easygoing, unaware
Sarcastic, cynical,
loving, absent
Silly, boisterous,
obnoxious
Handsome, deceptive,
shallow, untrustworthy,
Foolish, silly, immature,
self-centered
Foolish, boy-crazy,
immature
Obsequious, snobbish,
self-inflated and
important
Beautiful, conniving,
self-inflated, conceited
Pragmatic, sensible,
nonromantic
Sensible, loving,
nurturing
Rich, bossy, snobby
Talented, shy, beautiful
Major Works Data Sheet
Page 4
Setting
Significance of the opening scene
The setting is some point during the Napoleonic Wars in
Longbourn, rural England. The landscape is comprised of
vast amounts of lands and fields dotted with huge manors
owned by both the vastly wealthy and the reasonably welloff. The town is within walking distance and London is a
carriage ride away. Lizzie also visits Pemberley, Darcy‟s
home in Darbishire, and the Lake District which comprises
of rugged landscapes of natural beauty including forests,
rivers, cliffs and mountains. The journey‟s are particularly
important in the development of Darcy and Elizabeth‟s
relationship.
The opening scene begins with the information that
Mr. Bingley has moved into the neighborhood, which
truly is the impetus behind all the initial foolishness,
and, though we don‟t know it, launches us
immediately into the action of meeting the future
husbands. The scene introduces us to the silliness of
the Bennett family, and contrasts sharply so that we
know immediately the kind, gentle spirit of Jane, and
the strong-willed and intelligent spirit of Elizabeth.
This also is one of the very few moments that we see
Mr. Bennett act in his father role, though it could be
argued that he is only doing it to spur on his wife and
sillier daughters into more foolishness.
Significance of the ending/closing scene
Symbols
The only real symbol that exists in this book devoid of
symbols (since much of the book relies on dialogue for
description and detail) is Darcy‟s home, Pemberley, which
exists as a symbol of its owner. Elizabeth is enchanted by
its natural beauty and charm, just as she is beginning to
warm in her relationship with Darcy. Pemberley lacks
artificial appearance as Darcy does, and possesses a
natural importance which swells with arrogance like the
stream before the mansion. Like this stream, Darcy is not
falsely adorned or formal, and he exists with a beautiful
sort of natural honesty.
The ending scene is as close to a fairy-tale ending as
anyone could ask for- nearly everyone ends up
happily. Elizabeth and Darcy are quite happy
together and Jane and Mr. Bingley move nearby to
escape their mother and become closer to the Darcy
couple. Catherine grows some common sense under
the tutelage of her elder sisters. Mr. Bennett, though
missing his daughter incredibly, visits often, as do
the Gardiners who are more than welcome due to
bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together. Lydia and
Mr. Wickham remain at a distance which is more
than fine for everyone else. In a novel that is nothing
like a fairy tale, full of messy characters who make
critical mistakes and cause each other emotional pain
and struggle, the end chapter demonstrates that
everything works out alright in the end.
Works Cited
Jane Austen - Biography, Timeline, Books, Movies,
Quotes, Fashion. Web. 19 Apr. 2011.
<http://www.janeausten.org/>.
SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Pride and
Prejudice.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007.
Web. 13 Apr. 2011.
Possible Themes: Use 3 text examples for support. Document correctly.
How does Pride and Prejudice satirize or criticize the social norms of the day?
How does Pride and Prejudice use class and reputation as obstacles to love?
What does Pride and Prejudice say about the inevitability of love? Consider both Darcy and Elizabeth and
Jane and Mr. Bingley.
What statement about love is Austen trying to deliver through her headstrong romantic heroines?