Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, is a timeless story of love and social expectations set in the early 19th century. It follows the lives of Elizabeth Bennet and her four sisters as they navigate their way through romance, marriage prospects, and family drama.
The novel is full of memorable quotes that capture the essence of societal norms during this time period while also providing valuable life lessons for readers today. In this article, I will explore some of the best Pride and Prejudice quotes. I also included page numbers in case you want to reference them.
Pride and Prejudice Quotes
Here some interesting quotes from Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’:
1. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 1).
2. “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.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 38).
3. “The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 95).
4. “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 122).
5. “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 18).
6. “Angry people are not always wise.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 187).
7. “You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 258).
8. “Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 81).
9. “One word from you shall silence me forever.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, p. 256.
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10. “Have a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces.” ― Jane Austin, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 3).
11. “The men shan’t come and part us, I am determined. We want none of them; do we?” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 238).
12. “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.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 13).
13. “We do not suffer by accident.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 99).
14. “Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, (p. 9).
15. “Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride – where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (p. 40).
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Final thoughts
Diving into the heart of Pride and Prejudice through its quotes allows us to not only revisit the charm and wit of Jane Austen’s writing but also to reflect on the timeless lessons embedded within. The quotes I’ve shared, spanning from the iconic opening line to the profound observations on human nature, vanity, pride, and love, underscore the novel’s enduring relevance. Austen masterfully weaves societal critique with humor and insight, offering a window into the complexities of social conventions, personal integrity, and the pursuit of happiness.
As we reflect on these quotes, it’s evident that Austen’s work transcends its early 19th-century setting, speaking to readers across generations about the nuances of human behavior and the societal pressures that shape our actions and relationships. Whether it’s Elizabeth Bennet’s fiery independence, Mr. Darcy’s evolution from pride to humility, or the myriad characters that populate this rich narrative, each quote invites us into deeper contemplation of their journeys and our own.
