Pre-AP Dialectical Journal on Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

• Summary

At the beginning of the novel, we find out that there is a wealthy man named Mr. Bingley that moves into the neighborhood of the Bennets. Mrs. Bennet is elated because she wants one of her daughters to marry Mr. Bingley. At one of the balls in Netherfield, it happens to be that one of Mrs. Bennet daughters catches the eye of Mr. Bingley. It is Jane, the eldest daughter of the Bennet family. All the while, there is Mr. Darcy who is a close friend of Mr. Bingley. Since the Bennets are of lower class than he is, he dislikes Elizabeth Bennet particularly due to his arrogance. At the ball when Mr. Bingley suggests that Mr. Darcy dance with Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy refuses because she isn’t pretty enough for him. Elizabeth hears the conversation between the two and feels that Mr. Darcy hurt her pride. Thus, it sparks her dislike for Mr. Darcy. After the ball, everyone can tell that Mr. Bingley likes Jane. But Jane hides her true feelings from the public and acts like she is not in love with him. Elizabeth and her friend visit each other and have a conversation about Mr. Darcy and Jane’s situation. Elizabeth says that she’ll never dance with him. After Elizabeth’s next encounters with Mr. Darcy, we find that he starts liking her because of her ‘fine eyes’ when Elizabeth comes to Mr. Bingley’s house to take care of the sick Jane. Then, a man named Mr. Collins shows up, who is Mr. Bennet’s closest male relative. He is to inherit Mr. Bennet’s estate upon Mr. Bennets death. To preserve the family’s property, Mr. Collins wants of marry one of the Bennet daughters, and has his eyes on Elizabeth who actually dislikes him quite a bit. Later on, the two youngest Bennet sisters meet a man named Wickham who becomes Elizabeth’s friend and tells her that Mr. Darcy is actually a horrible man that destroyed his life. Then, Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth after the ball at Netherfield. Elizabeth rejects him, so he marries Miss Lucas instead. The following week, Mr. Bingley suddenly leaves Netherfield for London and leaves Jane brokenhearted.
Miss Bingley sends a snobby letter to the Bennets implying that Mr. Bingley has feelings for Miss Darcy. Then Jane goes to London with her relatives in the hopes of winning Mr. Bingley back. However, Mr. Bingley doesn’t visit Jane at all, and Miss Bingley acts rude to Jane. A few months later, Elizabeth decides to visit Charlotte and encounters Mr. Darcy. He visits quite a few times just because Elizabeth was there. One day, he decides to propose to her. She refuses and states that she thinks he is arrogant and reprimands him for ruining Jane and Charles Bingley’s relationship. After the proposal, Mr. Darcy sends a letter to Elizabeth explaining that he only told Mr. Bingley to distance himself from Jane because he thought they weren’t truly in love. He also tells her the truth about Wickham and how he tried to elope with Miss Darcy and gain wealth. Elizabeth is then cold towards Wickham upon her return home. Later, Elizabeth visits Pemberley, Darcy’s home and finds that the place is beautiful and that Mr. Darcy is actually a kind soul. Bad news appears as Elizabeth finds out that Lydia, her little sister, has eloped with Wickham. The Bennet family is distraught. A letter comes from Mr. Gardiner that says Mr. Wickham married Lydia for an annual income and that they’ve been found. Elizabeth finds out that Mr. Darcy paid him off to save the Bennet’s honor. All is well when Mr. Bingley comes back and proposes to Jane. Mr. Darcy thereafter proposes to Elizabeth once again. But Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy’s aunt comes and tries to force Elizabeth into reject Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth says that she will not promise anything against her own happiness and tells Catherine to leave. In the end, Elizabeth accepts Mr. Darcy’s proposal and they are happily married.

• Quotes
• “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt ME…” (Austen 14).

I think this quote is extremely ironic because, in the end, Darcy ends up falling for Eliza. Also, it amuses me that back in the 19th century, people would call attractive women “handsome”. Now, women are addressed as beautiful, and handsome is reserved for males. This quote also makes Darcy seem more arrogant. There was no reason for him to say that when Elizabeth was within earshot.

• “I believe ma’am, I may safely promise you NEVER to dance with him” (Austen 26).

This is Eliza’s mirror to Darcy’s ironic statement. It’s quite amusing because at the next ball, Eliza accepts Darcy’s invitation to dance. That one dance sparked Darcy’s interest in her and led to all the romance. This also shows me that Eliza seems to be a headstrong and determined woman.

• “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” (Austen 27).

This is the most logical and most likely to be true statement in this novel. Vanity is on the exterior, it is what we want our image to be like in the eyes of others. Thinking of this, maybe that is why a mirror is called a vanity. Pride is something that is developed on the interior because no one can give you pride but yourself.

 

• “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 I am dissatisfied with it” (Austen 205).

Although this is a pessimistic way to thinking, one can relate to Eliza at this point because Mr. Bingley suddenly left Jane with no warning. Elizabeth could be saying this to Jane to help relay her realizations about the inconstant demeanors of the human race to her sweet, but naïve, sister Jane. Maybe in Elizabeth's telling of this realization to her, Jane will begin to understand that not all people are as they seem to be, and that those who seem loving, nice, and caring can turn out to be the ones who turn on you in the end.

• “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” (Austen 171).

This quote makes me admire Mr. Bennet’s character more. Although he has to undermine his wife’s influence in this situation, he steps up to his fatherly responsibilities when he has to. This shows that he wants his daughter to choose whoever she wants to marry rather than being forced into a marriage that she will not like. This was the 19th century’s version of a ‘cool’ dad.

• Figurative Language
• “Your profusion makes me saving; and if you lament over him any longer, my heart will be as light as a feather” (Austen 341).

 This quote is a simile. The author uses this to compare a heart to a feather meaning that her heart will become empty because a feather symbolizes lightness and emptiness. This also creates imagery in the readers mind.

• “All Meryton seemed striving to blacken the man who, but three months before, had been almost an angel of light” (Austen 444).

 

This quote is a metaphor. It is comparing Mr. Wickham to an angel of light. The author used “an angel of light” to show that Mr. Wickham used to be thought of as a kind being.

• “…I can never be in company with this Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender recollections” (Austen 118).

 

 This quote is a hyperbole. It exaggerates how many recollections Wickham had. This device was used to show Wickham’s dramatic side by exaggerating his ‘despair’.

 

• “Have a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces” (Austen 7).

This quote is a personification. This quotes gives ‘nerves’ the ability of being torn apart. The author used this to give a comedic feel to what Mrs. Bennet said.

• “It has often led him to be liberal and generous, to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve the poor” (Austen 124).

 

 This quote is an example of parallelism. The author used this quote to improve the clearness and readability of the sentence’s construction.

• Reactions
• The idea that all single men with wealth must be looking for a wife is slightly embarrassing to conceive of. Only women of the past and of Mrs. Bennet’s mind would think that way, it is NOT a universal truth. In contemporary society, there are a plethora of single, wealthy men who don’t marry just so they can do whatever they please with their money. With a fortune, there is a risk in meeting the wrong woman who is just a gold digger. So I don’t believe that all single men with money want to find a wife.

 

• Mr. Darcy

At first, I thought this man was horrible to say such a thing about Elizabeth when he never really knew her. Then later on, I realized that this was the way of thinking in the past. Wealthy people didn’t associate with those who were lower in the social ladder. Also, I realized that first impression have an impact on how you view someone. Mr. Darcy, at first, was an abominable person, but towards the end of the novel, readers find out that he’s kind of like a philanthropist.

• First Impressions

This concept made me made me think more about the main theme of the book and agree to what its purpose is. When we have prejudice, we cannot judge things in a fair manner, and we can't see things in perspective. Therefore, we should learn to see things in different lights so that we won't be at a loss in distinguishing the rights and wrongs. What's more, we ought to understand a person by getting along rather than to judge a person by the first impression.

• Women Who Marry For Status

When I first read this book and came across women like Miss Bingley who hung onto rich men like Mr. Darcy, I was astounded at the female mindset. Why would a woman marry a man just for wealth and status? Shouldn’t they worry about love and whether or not they will be happy with whom they marry? This made me mad because those women are taking away the opportunities for women who want to marry for true love.

• Wickham

After finding out Wickham’s true character in the novel, I had the same reaction that Elizabeth did. But at a second glance, I can see why Wickham did the things he did. Human beings want what they don’t have, and some go to many lengths just to get it. Wickham is an example of that type of person.

• Connections
• Text to Self

 

• I can relate to Elizabeth in the story because although her family is not as rich as others, she has her own pride. My family is not extremely wealthy, but we’re okay. If anyone were to insult my family’s honor or pride, I would hold that person in much contempt.
• I believe there are still people who would do anything for wealth, just like a family member of mine. This family membered ended up having to get divorced because of their rash decision. This connects to the novel because there are characters like Charlotte who marry a rich man not for love, but for money.

 

• Text to World

• This novel can connect to the United States’ sense of national pride after the capture and execution of Osama Bin Laden.
• This novel has a connection to Prince William and Kate’s wedding, because there are three different weddings in there too where Charlotte and Mr. Collins, Jane and Charles, and Eliza and Darcy get married.

 

• Text to Media

• Beowulf reminds me of this book because one of the main conflicts of the characters in Beowulf is pride. In Beowulf, the reader learns that only you can give yourself pride, and that too much pride can cause your demise. The same idea lies in Pride and Prejudice because when the main characters had too much pride, it blinded their views of other people because their image of themselves set them at a level higher than some.
• The recent movie Tangled reminds me of this novel because the main characters disliked each other at first, but in the end, fell in love.

 

• Text to Text

 

• This story reminds me to Romeo Juliet, with the exception of not being star crossed lovers. Both stories have obstacles they must overcome, and they have people eloping together to seek love.
• This story also reminds me to Twilight where there is much romance coupled up with problems. There is a difference between Bella and Edward because one is a vampire and one is a human, and in Pride and Prejudice, the difference between Darcy and Eliza is their social class.

 

• Vocabulary Words
• Caprice is the tendency to change one’s mind without apparent or adequate motive.

“Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humor, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character” (Austen 3).

• Abominate is to have an intense dislike or hatred for an object.

 

“…in which supplication had been necessary to a woman whom he must abominate and despise…” (Austen 494).

• Affable means to be courteous and pleasant.

 

”Yes, ma’am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him—just as affable to the poor” (Austen 373).

• Scruple means a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.

 

“After abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have no scruple in abusing you to all your relations” (Austen 560).

• Querulous means to be peevish, complaining, and fretful.

 

“Mrs. Bennet was restored to her usual querulous serenity…” (Austen 361).

• Questions
• Why did Mr. Darcy reject the idea of dancing with Elizabeth Bennet when he barely knew her?

This question was answered. Mr. Darcy’s prejudice against those of a lower class than him, and his expectations for women made him feel that way towards Elizabeth.  Also, because Elizabeth had to sit down due to not having a partner made him feel as though she was ‘unwanted merchandise’. These feelings were amended later on when Darcy starts liking Eliza.

• What is Mr. Bingley’s purpose in letting Netherfield?

This question is answered. Judging from the first chapter of the novel, one may think that his purpose was to find a wife, which he did in the end. Whenever men with large fortunes come and buy estates, they tend to spark interest. But later on, the reader realizes that he bought Netherfield just because he liked it.

• What was Lydia’s purpose in going to see Wickham?

This question was answered. Lydia had a crazy fancy to Wickham. She liked him so much that she ended up running away with him just so that the two could sleep together without having to get married.

• Why does Mrs. Bennet try so hard in getting her daughters married off to rich men?

This question is answered upon inference. During the time period of the story, marriage was the most important thing for a girl in society. Mrs. Bennet wanted her daughters to live a good life and uphold the family honor like most mothers do. The exception is that Mrs. Bennet would go great lengths just to marry her daughters off.

• What is the purpose of ‘first impressions’ in this novel?

This question is answered. Its purpose is to show people that your first judgment of someone could be incorrect. For example, Colin Darcy’s first impression came off as arrogant and proud when he was actually charitable and intelligent.

• Symbols/Motifs
• Black Horse

“The ladies were somewhat more fortunate, for they had the advantage of ascertaining, from an upper window, that he wore a blue coat and rode a black horse” (Austen 11). This is symbolic because the color black is an archetype for power and wealth. The description of Mr. Bingley riding a black horse further shows that he indeed is a rich man.

• Blue Coat

This symbol is from the same quote as the symbol above. Blue is another archetype that means nobility and tranquility. This describes Mr. Bingley’s character very well since he is from a wealthy family and has a calm and affable personality.

• Mr. Darcy’s Home In Pemberley

Pemberley symbolizes Darcy’s character, because like they say, “man is king of his castle”. The estate is very similar in how Austen describes them. Like Darcy, Pemberley has a stream of some ‘natural importance’ that swells into something greater that has no artificial appearance, and he has something of natural importance that swells into his arrogance.

• The Bridge to Pemberley

The bridge is another symbol of Darcy because when Elizabeth comes to Pemberley, she has to cross a bridge. The bridge symbolizes the class prejudice and misunderstanding between Elizabeth and Darcy.

• Journey

The Journey is a motif in the novel because it is repeated throughout. A journey motif usually sends the protagonist(s) in search of truth or to restore harmony. The first one is Elizabeth’s journey to Netherfield to take care of Jane when she was sick. And there, Elizabeth encountered Darcy whose feelings were growing towards her. Another journey was Elizabeth’s journey to visit Charlotte, which was where Darcy proposed to Elizabeth for the first time. The final journey was to search for Lydia and Mr. Wickham, which ended in the Bennet family’s honor being restored and Elizabeth and Darcy getting married.

• Fine Eyes

The description of ‘fine eyes’ symbolizes Elizabeth Bennet. Because in most stories, the eyes are the windows to and symbolize the soul, the symbol depicts Elizabeth’s ‘fine’ soul. Mr. Darcy was able to see through Elizabeth’s background and realize that she was different than most women because of her eyes.

• Central Theme

The central theme of Pride and Prejudice is ‘love conquers all’. In this novel, Jane Austen creates different realistic love stories that reflected the social expectance of 19th century England dwellers. In most romance and love stories, the lovers must overcome many different roadblocks, and in this novel is their differing personality, and difference in class. Elizabeth’s pride causes her to misjudge Darcy in her first impression of him, and Darcy’s class prejudice also makes him misjudge Elizabeth. But as time goes by in the book, they overcome their prejudice of each other. There are also external obstacles that they must pass such as Miss Bingley’s attitude against Jane, Mrs. Bennet’s attempt to force her into an unhappy marriage with Mr. Collins, and Lady Catherine’s selfish attempt at controlling her nephew. There were other love stories in the novel too, such as Jane’s and Charles’. They too, had to endure the problems of society to be together. As for Miss Lucas and Mr. Collins, it is most realistic because Miss Lucas didn’t marry for love, but for wealth. Even though the Collins marriage strayed against Austen’s main theme a bit, for her main protagonists, Austen suggests that love and society are separate, and that love is a force that can conquer the most difficult situations.

• Review

I would rate this novel as a 4. I genuinely enjoy romance novels that have obstacles for the lovers, and this book completely fits the description. The reason that I didn’t give it a 5 was that the language was not easy to understand. The complex language of the 19th century is not suitable to my tastes, although it does help my vocabulary. I also enjoyed the face that Elizabeth, the main character, was a strong and determined girl. She was a woman ahead of her time. I would recommend this to any romance lover because this was one of the best romance classics I have read in a while.