I was sixteen years old when I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time. And yes, you guessed it right. I fell head over heels in love with Mr. Darcy. His personality, aloof yet charming, was maddening and magnetic. I couldn’t help but be drawn toward the quietly mysterious intensity he exuded. Since then, I have read that book thrice. That’s every single time my heart got broken, and Mr. Darcy was always there to pick up the pieces.
Pride and Prejudice is Jane Austen’s second book and it was published on January 28, 1813. The book stands the test of time and it’s still one of the most read books in literature owing to the relevance it holds even with today’s audience. It’s not just about Austen’s narrative style or the fact that her female lead, Elizabeth, was a fierce feminist that made me fall in love with the book.
It is also about how she weaves magical sentences together on society, love, family, and human nature. If you haven’t read the book yet or if you don’t have the time, then here are some of the best quotes from the book that can make your heart flutter. Let’s dive in.
Quotes On Pride
The title is more than just a clever wordplay on alliteration. The book captures the two central themes of the novel: the pride of Mr. Darcy and the prejudice of Elizabeth Bennet. Throughout the story, both these characters struggle with their own personal biases and misconceptions. Take a look at the quotes to understand the complexities of human nature:
- “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain.”
- “It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us.” – Jane Bennet
- “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
- “Nothing is more deceitful… than the appearance of humility.” – Darcy
- “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Quotes On Marriage
Marriage is one of the central themes of Pride and Prejudice. Here are some memorable quotes on marriage from the book that highlight its complexities:
- “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
- “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” – Charlotte Lucas
- “Do anything rather than marry without affection” – Jane Bennett
- “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
- Having now a good house and a very sufficient income, he intended to marry…he meant to choose one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by common report. This was his plan of amends — of atonement — for inheriting their father’s estate; and he thought it an excellent one, full of eligibility and suitableness, and excessively generous and disinterested on his own part.
Quotes On Love
In Austen’s book, love challenges societal norms. The main characters and their journey from resentment to yearning for one another is impeccably explored in the book. Listed below are some quotes that are sure to make you blush:
- “I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!” – Elizabeth Bennett
- “I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” – Darcy
- There are very few who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.”
- You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Mr. Darcy,
Quotes On Happiness
From falling in love to overcoming misunderstandings, Pride and Prejudice explores the emotions of happiness in many ways. Take a look at some of the quotes that are sure to make you smile:
- “I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “Affection of candor 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
- 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
- “I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “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
Quotes On Integrity
Throughout the novel, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy exhibit strong moral values, highlighting the importance of integrity in humans. Read some of the memorable quotes on integrity in Pride and Prejudice:
- “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?” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “You shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the meaning of principle and integrity, nor endeavor to persuade yourself or me, that selfishness is prudence and insensibility of danger security for happiness.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “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
- “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.” – Mr. Darcy
Jane Austen’s books have everything. From wit, wisdom, and wonder, it covers all themes and emotions perfectly. Her knack for combining sharp social commentary with romantic tension makes every line feel like it has layers. So, next time you are searching for a clever retort or just want to sound a little more eloquent, just pull from the Pride and Prejudice playbook — Jane Austen had you covered long before you even knew you needed it.
