What are three virtues that are shown in Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship in Pride and Prejudice?

Question

For my Pride and Prejudice essay, I am required to write about how Jane Austen uses Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and Darcy to show that virtue is essential for a happy marriage, and without it, a relationship will fail. I’ve written about the virtues that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet lacked. However, I am having trouble with Elizabeth and Darcy. I have to write about how the beginning of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship was similar to that of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s relationship. Then, I am required to write on how Elizabeth and Darcy gain virtues and overcome each of their faults. I would really appreciate it if someone could guide me in the right direction. I am a 4.0 GPA student, and I just want to make sure that I get a good grade on this essay, as it takes up most of my grade.

In advance: Thank you for your kind help.

Answer 1

Hi Alexis,

What an interesting topic! I remember reading Pride and Prejudice and thinking a lot about the title...whose pride? Whose prejudice?

The answer is...well, almost everyone's. But I think Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship demonstrates how two individuals can overcome their pride and prejudices against one another.

Elizabeth faces criticism for many of her virtues, including her wit and honesty, due to the expectation of modesty of the time. Darcy not only accepts these virtues but also embodies them.

Darcy himself shows honor and compassion in moments where others possibly would not. Despite his own painful experience with Mr. Wickham, Darcy goes out of his way to ensure Elizabeth's sister Lydia's reputation is protected by marrying her to Wickham. When Elizabeth is able to see these qualities, she whole-heartedly accepts them and values them as well.

Finally, unlike much of the gossipy milieu, Elizabeth and Darcy are uninterested in other's judgments, such as the judgments of Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine.

Hopefully, this helps you identify some of the interesting virtues in their relationship. Elizabeth and Darcy embody the idea that you should not judge a book by its cover, as both pass judgments against one another that end up being proven untrue. Be sure to focus in on supporting your arguments with quotes and excerpts from the text that show (rather than explicitly say) how these characters hold the virtues -- the dialogue at Pemberley between the two of them, Darcy's letter to Elizabeth, Elizabeth's reactions to Lady Catherine, and their conversations following Lydia and Wickham's marriage.

Best of luck!