'Pride and Prejudice' - Quotes Flashcards
Opening line:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
This sets the tone and introduces the main theme of marriage for the novel.
Darcy’s pride and prejudice.
“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.”
When Jane visits Netherfield and after Elizabeth arrives, Darcy shows his first sign of affection:
” ‘I am afraid, Mr Darcy,’ observed Miss Bingley, in a half whisper, ‘that this adventure has rather affected your admiration of her fine eyes.’
‘Not at all,’ he replied. ‘They were brightened by the exercise.’ “
Here we discover he must have been talking about her fine eyes, as Caroline mentions it first. Also, Mr Darcy defends Elizabeth, showing he must have some affection or attachment to her.
After Mr Collins has proposed and expressed his reasons for marrying, one of which is the advice of Lady Catherine, Elizabeth replies:
“… Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them.”
We see her here acting on her personal policy to never marry unless she truly loves someone.
Elizabeth regretting turning down Darcy at Hunsford while she is visiting Pemberly:
“And of this place I might have been mistress.”
Elizabeth’s reaction to the new, cordial Darcy at Pemberly:
“Why is he so altered? From what can it proceed? It cannot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened.”
Darcy’s first proposal:
“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Elizabeth shamelessly opposing Lady Catherine about Darcy:
“I am only resolved to act in that manner which will, in my opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you or any person so wholly unconnected with me.”
After Darcy’s second, accepted proposal, Elizabeth comments:
“I am happier than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. Mr Darcy sends you all the love in the world, that he can spare from me.”
