Pride and Prejudice : Quotations
Pride and Prejudice is a notable literary work by Jane Austen. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Pride and Prejudice.
Quotations
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”- (Narrator – Irony- opening line of Pride and Prejudice)
Explanation: This is the famous opening line of the novel. It humorously suggests that rich single men are always assumed to be looking for a wife.
“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”- Mr. Darcy
Explanation: Mr. Darcy says this during his first proposal to Elizabeth, showing his deep love and admiration for her.
“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Explanation: Elizabeth says this about Mr. Darcy. She could tolerate his pride if he hadn’t hurt her own pride.
“Till this moment I never knew myself.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Explanation: Elizabeth says this after reading Darcy’s letter. She realizes how wrong she was about him and about herself.
“My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.” – (Mr. Darcy, Aphorism)
Explanation: Mr. Darcy says this. It shows that once he loses respect for someone, he doesn’t change his mind easily.
“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once.” – Mr. Darcy
Explanation: Mr. Darcy says this to Elizabeth when he proposes again. He respectfully asks her to be honest about her feelings.
“I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Explanation: Elizabeth says this to Lady Catherine, meaning she will make choices that lead to her own happiness.
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.” – Mr. Darcy
Explanation: Mr. Darcy says this before declaring his love for Elizabeth. He can’t hide his feelings anymore.
“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.” – (Mr. Darcy- Irony)
Explanation: Mr. Darcy says this about Elizabeth at the ball, not knowing she heard it. It shows his early pride.
“What are men to rocks and mountains?” Elizabeth Bennet
Explanation: Elizabeth says this, showing her love for nature over society’s drama and men.
“The business of her life was to get her daughters married.” Narrator (about Mrs. Bennet)
Explanation: This is about Mrs. Bennet. Her main goal in life was to see her daughters married well.
“I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home.” (Charlotte Lucas
Explanation: Charlotte Lucas says this. She accepts Mr. Collins not for love but for security and a stable life.
“He is the best landlord, and the best master.” (Hyperbole- Mrs. Reynolds (Darcy’s housekeeper)
Explanation: Mrs. Reynolds, Darcy’s housekeeper, says this. It shows Darcy’s kindness to his servants and tenants.