Pride and prejudice revision
Integrity
- She explores the idea of integrity and how it is a vital element in shaping the characters’
relationships and knowing themselves. Through the characters of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, who
are represented as having integrity in their ability to face the uncomfortable truths, and Mr
Wickham who lack it entirely, Austen explores the consequences of living with or without this
moral compass. Austen’s pride and prejudice is set in the Regency period where social status
and wealth were often prioritised over personal virtue and this deepens her critique of a society
that rewards superficiality over true integrity
- Elizabeth Bennet is the central figure through which Austen explores the theme of integrity. She
is presented as a character with strong moral convictions, refusing to be swayed by wealth,
status, or social pressure.
- You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world
who could make you so. Chapter 19, Elizabeth to Collins
- Despite the practical advantages of marrying Mr. Collins—he is to inherit her family’s
estate, and it would secure her future—Elizabeth rejects him because she knows she
could never respect or love him.
- In a society that often encouraged women to marry for financial stability, Elizabeth’s
decision demonstrates her integrity, as she values personal happiness and moral honesty
over social convention
- While Mr. Collins speaks at length about his sense of duty and his connection to Lady
Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth dismantles his arguments with a short, clear statement,
emphasising her emotional clarity versus his absurdity.
- Austen uses this moment to contrast Elizabeth’s values with those of Mr. Collins.
- Elizabeth’s concise rejection versus Collins’s verbose proposal emphasises her
straightforwardness and sense of self-respect.
- Mr. Collins, on the other hand, reveals himself to be oblivious, socially conventional, and
incapable of understanding Elizabeth's perspective.
- Mr. Collins’s proposal is a reflection of the societal pressure placed on women to marry
for security rather than love.
- Elizabeth’s rejection is radical for her time because it demonstrates her belief that
personal happiness and respect are more important than fulfilling societal expectations
(mrs bennet was so disappointed in elizabeth for turning him down)
- Similarly turns down Darcy, asks darcy to consider how anything would “tempt me to accept
the man who has been the means of ruining…the happiness of a most beloved sister”
- We can see how eliza rejects mr darcy, which would have been atypical at the time,
because Darcy gave elizabeth a lot of social and economic security
- For elizabeth, she was in quite a bad position, she was one of five daughters and her
estate was going to get entailed to another leaving her with nearly nothing
- This meant it was very important for eliza to marry well and this would have been the best
opportunity
- This reveals further how eliza is a woman of integrity whose loyalty to family trumps any
proposal even from a wealthy and socially desirable suitor
- The phrase "tempt me to accept the man" suggests an element of contempt, as though
the very idea of being tempted by Darcy’s wealth or status is repugnant to her. It’s not just
a rejection of his proposal but a denunciation of his character.
- Austen employs direct dialogue in this passage to allow Elizabeth's passionate feelings
to emerge vividly and forcefully.
- The method of directly articulating Elizabeth’s rejection gives the reader direct insight into
her character—her refusal to be swayed by Darcy’s social position or wealth, and her
prioritisation of familial bonds over personal gain.
,- Elizabeth’s integrity also allows Austen to critique the materialism and superficiality of Regency
society.
- Marriage, during this period, was often viewed as a financial transaction, and women were
encouraged to seek husbands for their wealth and social standing rather than for love or
personal compatibility.
- Elizabeth’s rejection of this mindset serves as a critique of the transactional nature of marriage
and the limited opportunities available to women.
- She challenges the idea that birth and wealth automatically confer superiority, instead valuing
personal character and morality above all. Darcy’s eventual transformation and humbling are, in
part, due to Elizabeth’s steadfastness in her principles.
- Elizabeth’s characterization of her family as “sensible” and “not devoid of merit” serves as a
defense against Darcy’s criticisms. She embodies the belief that one’s worth cannot solely be
determined by social status or family behavior.
- Jane Austen uses the character of Charlotte Lucas to explore the theme of integrity, particularly
by contrasting her pragmatic decisions with the moral convictions of the protagonist, Elizabeth
Bennet..
- "I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home" chapter 22
- Elizabeth’s own strong sense of integrity would never allow her to sell out her values in
the same way Charlotte has done. Elizabeth has a more romantic and idealised view of
marriage being about love and mutual respect.
- - Some interpretations are that Charlotte settled and compromised/violated her own moral
values for a good marriage. Charlotte is 27 years old and in the regency era this was
quite old to still be unmarried, she was heading towards spinsterhood
- Charlotte’s acceptance of Mr. Collins is a calculated move to secure her future, a reality
that Elizabeth’s youthful idealism cannot yet grasp.
- Charlotte’s blunt honesty about her motivations is devoid of any illusions about love.
- She openly acknowledges that she has no expectations of romance, focusing instead on
the practical benefits of marriage—security and stability.
- This represents a form of pragmatic integrity, as Charlotte is not deceiving herself or
others about her reasons for marrying Mr. Collins.
- However, Austen uses Charlotte’s situation to critique the societal structures that force
women to make such compromises.
- The tone reflects a nuanced critique of the system that entraps women like Charlotte,
even as it gently satirises the practical choices they are forced to make.
- Although charlotte may not regret her choice, austen still critiques the way that she was
forced to make this choice otherwise would be left to spinsterhood
- She sees marriage not as a personal fulfilment but as a means to avoid poverty and
social disgrace.
- In this sense, Charlotte retains a form of integrity—she is true to her own circumstances
and pragmatic needs, even if it means compromising personal happiness.
- Charlotte acknowledges her resigned acceptance of a future married to a man whom she
does not love.
- It is too easy to dismiss Charlotte Lucas as calculating and acquisitive, a woman who
walks into a loveless marriage with a fool purely for the sake of “a comfortable home”
- Lord lucas is titled yet is not an aristocrat nor very rich, family will struggle to make ends
meet if no longer there to support the, therefore v important to marry, may spoil other
sisters from marrying
- She marries for MERCENARY reasons
, - In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen uses the character of Mr. Wickham to explore the theme of
integrity by juxtaposing his charming, deceitful exterior with his fundamentally immoral and
self-serving nature
- “Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned”
- From Wickham’s first appearance in Meryton, he is portrayed as a charming and
personable young man, quickly gaining the trust and admiration of Elizabeth and the
surrounding community.
- His attractiveness, sociability, and smooth manners mask his underlying moral corruption.
- Austen uses Wickham’s initial allure to critique how society often equates external charm
with integrity.
- In a society obsessed with class and appearance, Wickham exploits this superficiality to
deceive others about his true nature.
- He even works to put down darcy and constructs a lie about how he was disinherited,
eliza believes him with no hesitation which shows the importance of first impressions
- Austen’s intention here is to show how easily charm can obscure a lack of integrity.
- Wickham, by twisting facts and presenting himself as a victim, feeds into Elizabeth’s
misconceptions. This early deception reflects Austen’s critique of a society that too often
values appearances over substance, illustrating how easily integrity can be overlooked
when charm and affability are involved.
- Wickham’s lack of integrity becomes clearer as his character is revealed as a foil to Mr. Darcy.
- “One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it “(40)
- His pursuit of Lydia Bennet is motivated not by love, but by self-interest, exposing his
moral bankruptcy.
- By eloping with Lydia without any intention of marriage, Wickham risks destroying her
reputation and the Bennet family’s social standing.
- Austen uses Wickham’s actions to emphasise how individuals can manipulate societal
norms and how a lack of integrity can have severe consequences for others. The shame
and near-ruin brought upon the Bennet family by Wickham’s actions illustrate how
destructive a lack of moral integrity can be.
- Wickham and darcy have an inverted character arcs> admire Wickham for his pleasant
manner, believing him to be a victim of Darcy’s cruelty. However, as the truth emerges,
the irony becomes apparent
- Austen uses this irony to critique how easily society is deceived by surface appearances
and smooth talkers.
- Austen uses Wickham to warn against the superficial judgments often made in her
society.
- His character is designed to show that charm and good manners can easily disguise
moral emptiness.
- By constructing Wickham as a foil to Darcy, she illustrates that true integrity is revealed
through actions rather than appearances.
Mr. Wickham, through his deceit, charm, and manipulation, serves as a powerful vehicle for Jane Austen
to explore the theme of integrity in Pride and Prejudice. His character highlights the dangers of judging
based on appearances and exposes the hypocrisy and moral corruption that can lurk behind a pleasing
exterior.
Reputation and appearances
In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen explores the theme of reputation and appearances to critique the
superficial judgments and social conventions of her time. The novel shows that reputation often hinges
on appearance rather than integrity, and that society is quick to judge based on external factors. She
Integrity
- She explores the idea of integrity and how it is a vital element in shaping the characters’
relationships and knowing themselves. Through the characters of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, who
are represented as having integrity in their ability to face the uncomfortable truths, and Mr
Wickham who lack it entirely, Austen explores the consequences of living with or without this
moral compass. Austen’s pride and prejudice is set in the Regency period where social status
and wealth were often prioritised over personal virtue and this deepens her critique of a society
that rewards superficiality over true integrity
- Elizabeth Bennet is the central figure through which Austen explores the theme of integrity. She
is presented as a character with strong moral convictions, refusing to be swayed by wealth,
status, or social pressure.
- You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world
who could make you so. Chapter 19, Elizabeth to Collins
- Despite the practical advantages of marrying Mr. Collins—he is to inherit her family’s
estate, and it would secure her future—Elizabeth rejects him because she knows she
could never respect or love him.
- In a society that often encouraged women to marry for financial stability, Elizabeth’s
decision demonstrates her integrity, as she values personal happiness and moral honesty
over social convention
- While Mr. Collins speaks at length about his sense of duty and his connection to Lady
Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth dismantles his arguments with a short, clear statement,
emphasising her emotional clarity versus his absurdity.
- Austen uses this moment to contrast Elizabeth’s values with those of Mr. Collins.
- Elizabeth’s concise rejection versus Collins’s verbose proposal emphasises her
straightforwardness and sense of self-respect.
- Mr. Collins, on the other hand, reveals himself to be oblivious, socially conventional, and
incapable of understanding Elizabeth's perspective.
- Mr. Collins’s proposal is a reflection of the societal pressure placed on women to marry
for security rather than love.
- Elizabeth’s rejection is radical for her time because it demonstrates her belief that
personal happiness and respect are more important than fulfilling societal expectations
(mrs bennet was so disappointed in elizabeth for turning him down)
- Similarly turns down Darcy, asks darcy to consider how anything would “tempt me to accept
the man who has been the means of ruining…the happiness of a most beloved sister”
- We can see how eliza rejects mr darcy, which would have been atypical at the time,
because Darcy gave elizabeth a lot of social and economic security
- For elizabeth, she was in quite a bad position, she was one of five daughters and her
estate was going to get entailed to another leaving her with nearly nothing
- This meant it was very important for eliza to marry well and this would have been the best
opportunity
- This reveals further how eliza is a woman of integrity whose loyalty to family trumps any
proposal even from a wealthy and socially desirable suitor
- The phrase "tempt me to accept the man" suggests an element of contempt, as though
the very idea of being tempted by Darcy’s wealth or status is repugnant to her. It’s not just
a rejection of his proposal but a denunciation of his character.
- Austen employs direct dialogue in this passage to allow Elizabeth's passionate feelings
to emerge vividly and forcefully.
- The method of directly articulating Elizabeth’s rejection gives the reader direct insight into
her character—her refusal to be swayed by Darcy’s social position or wealth, and her
prioritisation of familial bonds over personal gain.
,- Elizabeth’s integrity also allows Austen to critique the materialism and superficiality of Regency
society.
- Marriage, during this period, was often viewed as a financial transaction, and women were
encouraged to seek husbands for their wealth and social standing rather than for love or
personal compatibility.
- Elizabeth’s rejection of this mindset serves as a critique of the transactional nature of marriage
and the limited opportunities available to women.
- She challenges the idea that birth and wealth automatically confer superiority, instead valuing
personal character and morality above all. Darcy’s eventual transformation and humbling are, in
part, due to Elizabeth’s steadfastness in her principles.
- Elizabeth’s characterization of her family as “sensible” and “not devoid of merit” serves as a
defense against Darcy’s criticisms. She embodies the belief that one’s worth cannot solely be
determined by social status or family behavior.
- Jane Austen uses the character of Charlotte Lucas to explore the theme of integrity, particularly
by contrasting her pragmatic decisions with the moral convictions of the protagonist, Elizabeth
Bennet..
- "I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home" chapter 22
- Elizabeth’s own strong sense of integrity would never allow her to sell out her values in
the same way Charlotte has done. Elizabeth has a more romantic and idealised view of
marriage being about love and mutual respect.
- - Some interpretations are that Charlotte settled and compromised/violated her own moral
values for a good marriage. Charlotte is 27 years old and in the regency era this was
quite old to still be unmarried, she was heading towards spinsterhood
- Charlotte’s acceptance of Mr. Collins is a calculated move to secure her future, a reality
that Elizabeth’s youthful idealism cannot yet grasp.
- Charlotte’s blunt honesty about her motivations is devoid of any illusions about love.
- She openly acknowledges that she has no expectations of romance, focusing instead on
the practical benefits of marriage—security and stability.
- This represents a form of pragmatic integrity, as Charlotte is not deceiving herself or
others about her reasons for marrying Mr. Collins.
- However, Austen uses Charlotte’s situation to critique the societal structures that force
women to make such compromises.
- The tone reflects a nuanced critique of the system that entraps women like Charlotte,
even as it gently satirises the practical choices they are forced to make.
- Although charlotte may not regret her choice, austen still critiques the way that she was
forced to make this choice otherwise would be left to spinsterhood
- She sees marriage not as a personal fulfilment but as a means to avoid poverty and
social disgrace.
- In this sense, Charlotte retains a form of integrity—she is true to her own circumstances
and pragmatic needs, even if it means compromising personal happiness.
- Charlotte acknowledges her resigned acceptance of a future married to a man whom she
does not love.
- It is too easy to dismiss Charlotte Lucas as calculating and acquisitive, a woman who
walks into a loveless marriage with a fool purely for the sake of “a comfortable home”
- Lord lucas is titled yet is not an aristocrat nor very rich, family will struggle to make ends
meet if no longer there to support the, therefore v important to marry, may spoil other
sisters from marrying
- She marries for MERCENARY reasons
, - In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen uses the character of Mr. Wickham to explore the theme of
integrity by juxtaposing his charming, deceitful exterior with his fundamentally immoral and
self-serving nature
- “Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned”
- From Wickham’s first appearance in Meryton, he is portrayed as a charming and
personable young man, quickly gaining the trust and admiration of Elizabeth and the
surrounding community.
- His attractiveness, sociability, and smooth manners mask his underlying moral corruption.
- Austen uses Wickham’s initial allure to critique how society often equates external charm
with integrity.
- In a society obsessed with class and appearance, Wickham exploits this superficiality to
deceive others about his true nature.
- He even works to put down darcy and constructs a lie about how he was disinherited,
eliza believes him with no hesitation which shows the importance of first impressions
- Austen’s intention here is to show how easily charm can obscure a lack of integrity.
- Wickham, by twisting facts and presenting himself as a victim, feeds into Elizabeth’s
misconceptions. This early deception reflects Austen’s critique of a society that too often
values appearances over substance, illustrating how easily integrity can be overlooked
when charm and affability are involved.
- Wickham’s lack of integrity becomes clearer as his character is revealed as a foil to Mr. Darcy.
- “One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it “(40)
- His pursuit of Lydia Bennet is motivated not by love, but by self-interest, exposing his
moral bankruptcy.
- By eloping with Lydia without any intention of marriage, Wickham risks destroying her
reputation and the Bennet family’s social standing.
- Austen uses Wickham’s actions to emphasise how individuals can manipulate societal
norms and how a lack of integrity can have severe consequences for others. The shame
and near-ruin brought upon the Bennet family by Wickham’s actions illustrate how
destructive a lack of moral integrity can be.
- Wickham and darcy have an inverted character arcs> admire Wickham for his pleasant
manner, believing him to be a victim of Darcy’s cruelty. However, as the truth emerges,
the irony becomes apparent
- Austen uses this irony to critique how easily society is deceived by surface appearances
and smooth talkers.
- Austen uses Wickham to warn against the superficial judgments often made in her
society.
- His character is designed to show that charm and good manners can easily disguise
moral emptiness.
- By constructing Wickham as a foil to Darcy, she illustrates that true integrity is revealed
through actions rather than appearances.
Mr. Wickham, through his deceit, charm, and manipulation, serves as a powerful vehicle for Jane Austen
to explore the theme of integrity in Pride and Prejudice. His character highlights the dangers of judging
based on appearances and exposes the hypocrisy and moral corruption that can lurk behind a pleasing
exterior.
Reputation and appearances
In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen explores the theme of reputation and appearances to critique the
superficial judgments and social conventions of her time. The novel shows that reputation often hinges
on appearance rather than integrity, and that society is quick to judge based on external factors. She
