Pride and Prejudice themes

Love as based on mutual respect and understanding

Use Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship as an example

“I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun”

“It was a union that must have been to the advantage of both”

“My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I love and admire you”

Love as superficial and impulsive

Use Lydia and Wickham's relationship as an example

“She has no money, no connections, nothing thay can tempt him”

“Lydia was exceedingly fond of him. He was her dear Wickham on every occasion”

“For there is but one man in the world I love, and he is an angel”

“Not equal to Lydia's for him” (Elizabeth's observation on Wickham's love)

Love as not important for marriage, just a bonus

Use Charlotte and Collins' relationship as an example

“I am not a romantic, you know- I never was. I only ask for a comfortable home”

“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance”

“Accepted him solely for the disinterested desire of an establishment”

Social class as a dictator of marital relationships

“In vain I have struggled. My feelings will not be repressed”

“He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter. So far we are equal”

“A young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family.”

Social class as a cause of conflict and judgement between characters (especially when it comes to those of higher classes looking down on those of lower social class)

“But who was your mother?”

“Heaven and Earth!- of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberly thus to be polluted?”

“Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?”

A critique of Austen

“Till his manners turned the tide of his popularity”

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife”

“But proud and conceited” (Elizabeth's judgement of Bingley sisters despite them attending “one of the first private seminars in town” showing her judgement of people for their character)