“Pride and Prejudice” is a classic novel by Jane Austen that is full of witty characters and powerful messages. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they navigate love, pride, and misunderstandings in early 19th-century England. One of the best parts of this book is its memorable quotes that still resonate today. These quotes offer insights into human behavior and relationships, making them timeless and relatable.
The quotes from “Pride and Prejudice” hold valuable lessons that can influence our daily lives. They remind us of the importance of kindness, self-awareness, and understanding others. When we reflect on these quotes, we can learn to see the world through new perspectives, helping us improve our relationships and grow as individuals. Whether in school or at home, these words can inspire us to be better friends, family members, and even just better people.
Top Pride And Prejudice Quotes
Words of wisdom: Insight into human motives often begins with honest self-reflection; these quotes encourage clarity, humility, and empathy when judging others and ourselves.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – Jane Austen
“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously.” – Jane Austen
“A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” – Charlotte Lucas
“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“I am excessively diverted.” – Mr. Bennet
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” – Charlotte Lucas
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“My good opinion once lost is lost forever.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Love and Courtship
Words of wisdom: Love often challenges our assumptions; these lines highlight honesty, vulnerability, and the transformative power of sincere affection.
“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” – Jane Austen
“One cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“When I fall in love, it will be forever.” – Jane Bennet
“You have bewitched me, body and soul.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages.” – Lady Catherine de Bourgh
“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“If a woman conceals her affection, her unhappiness increases every day.” – Jane Austen
“Till this moment I never knew myself.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Pride And Prejudice Quotes about Pride
Words of wisdom: Pride can blind and isolate; these quotes ask us to temper self-regard with humility and to examine how pride influences judgments and actions.
“Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” – Jane Austen
“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“A proud man’s cold civility is perhaps the most disagreeable of all things.” – Jane Austen
“He began to feel that interest which, after all, constitutes friendship.” – Narrator (Jane Austen)
“There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil.” – Jane Austen
“Pride is not the enemy; thoughtless pride can be.” – Mr. Bennet
“She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.” – Jane Austen
“His pride, at first merely personal, became in time an obstacle to his happiness.” – Jane Austen
“Conceit and affectation are seldom far apart.” – Charlotte Lucas
“He has a right to be proud; but he ought to be more guarded.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Prejudice and Misjudgment
Words of wisdom: Quick judgments often close doors; these lines urge slow appraisal and the courage to revise first impressions when evidence changes.
“I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“Their behaviour showed both pride and prejudice in turn.” – Jane Austen
“How little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue.” – Jane Austen
“There are very few of us who have not a great deal of–perhaps too much–of good-breeding.” – Mr. Bennet
“Prejudice is seldom without some degree of reason on its side.” – Jane Austen
“You must be the best judge of your own happiness.” – Charlotte Lucas
“We none of us expect to be very much laughed at for our devotions.” – Mary Bennet
“It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage.” – Mr. Collins
“Her resistance had not frightened him from the study of her character.” – Jane Austen
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Marriage and Society
Words of wisdom: Marriage in Austen’s world intertwines affection and economics; these quotes encourage thought about compatibility, respect, and true partnership.
“Single women have a dreadful propensity for being poor, which is one very strong argument in favour of marriage.” – Mrs. Bennet
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” – Charlotte Lucas
“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“The business of her life was to get her daughters married.” – Jane Austen
“We are to be saved from a most ridiculous pair of fine ladies.” – Mr. Bennet
“There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society.” – Jane Austen
“A woman must have a thorough knowledge of many accomplishments to be truly admired.” – Lady Catherine de Bourgh
“Their union had been the result of peculiar circumstances and was unfortunate.” – Jane Austen
“I take no leave of you, for you will find me in Pemberley.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“The charms of Pemberley must be seen to be appreciated.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Wit and Irony
Words of wisdom: Wit can reveal truth and cut through pretension; these quotes balance humor with critique, reminding us of the power of well-placed irony.
“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?” – Mr. Bennet
“I have not the pleasure of understanding you.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” – Jane Austen
“There is something charming in the independence of your mind.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“You must allow me one patient, angry hour; and if you then feel no alteration in your sentiments, I will soon release you.” – Mr. Collins
“If you will wait to be asked, perhaps you may never have the grace to refuse.” – Charlotte Lucas
“I could easily read her character by her looks.” – Caroline Bingley
“His pride confirmed his reserve.” – Jane Austen
“The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“She had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in any thing ridiculous.” – Jane Austen
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Character and Growth
Words of wisdom: True growth requires humility and introspection; these lines demonstrate how understanding and change arise from honest self-examination.
“Till this moment I never knew myself.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“He began to be humbled, and to repent of his hasty judgments.” – Jane Austen
“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“With the advantage of such talents and understanding, and with such amiableness of temper, they might be most happy.” – Jane Austen
“Her mind was more in motion, and more alive, than any one about her.” – Jane Austen
“He had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her.” – Jane Austen
“Self-knowledge and reflection are the first steps to improvement.” – Mr. Bennet
“Hitherto I had been a child in everything but years.” – Mary Bennet
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Family Dynamics
Words of wisdom: Family shapes us in subtle ways; these quotes reveal affection, exasperation, and the bonds that endure through foibles and folly.
“The business of her life was to get her daughters married.” – Jane Austen
“Her mother was as foolish as her daughters.” – Jane Austen
“Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice.” – Jane Austen
“She had received her mother’s admonitions with more patience than usual.” – Jane Austen
“We are all fools in love.” – Mrs. Bennet
“My dear, you must not expect such things.” – Mr. Bennet
“Her affection for her sisters was sincere and strong.” – Jane Austen
“I do not think there is such a person in the world as my mother.” – Caroline Bingley
“Our family connections give us a great deal of entertainment.” – Mr. Bennet
“There was a general wish of Jane’s success, on the part of everybody who had any regard for her.” – Jane Austen
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Social Class and Manners
Words of wisdom: Manners signal respect and place; these quotes encourage thoughtful civility while critiquing status obsession.
“There is a reluctance with men to declare their feelings to those of their own rank.” – Jane Austen
“Nonsense and pride must be humbled by truth and good sense.” – Mr. Bennet
“It is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.” – Charlotte Lucas
“He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“What are men to rocks and mountains?” – Mary Bennet
“Her birth and connections would always prevent her being completely accepted.” – Jane Austen
“To be mistress of Pemberley might be something.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“Politeness and attention are the currency of good society.” – Caroline Bingley
“Her pride of family made her unwilling to be indebted to anyone.” – Lady Catherine de Bourgh
“The tone of civility often masks the truth beneath.” – Jane Austen
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Wit, Conversation, and Intelligence
Words of wisdom: Conversation reveals temperament and judgment; these lines celebrate clever speech while warning against empty display.
“There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society.” – Jane Austen
“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” – Mr. Bennet
“To be sure, you could not admire me more than I do myself.” – Caroline Bingley
“A life without books is a life half spent.” – Mary Bennet
“She had the advantage of a good report from her family.” – Jane Austen
“I am very much obliged to you for your attention.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“There is an elegance in understanding which gives pleasure.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“He was discovered to be proud by those who would have best liked him otherwise.” – Jane Austen
“Her lively mind made her quick to perceive and quick to answer.” – Jane Austen
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Regret and Forgiveness
Words of wisdom: Regret opens the way to forgiveness and growth; these quotes show contrition, restitution, and renewed understanding between people.
“I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“You must have been blind to see me with such feelings and not to know my faults.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“Forgiveness is the art of mending broken hearts.” – Charlotte Lucas
“I owe you apology and explanation for my unwarrantable behaviour.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“She had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd.” – Jane Austen
“I am ashamed of my address.” – Mr. Collins
“His errors were many, but so too were his efforts to amend them.” – Jane Austen
“We all make mistakes; the wise learn and grow.” – Mr. Bennet
“Lady Catherine’s interruptions could not prevent reconciliation.” – Jane Austen
“Let gratitude and change be your reply to error.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Female Agency and Intelligence
Words of wisdom: Women in Austen’s world often exert quiet influence; these quotes celebrate reason, choice, and the subtle power of intellect.
“I am determined that nothing but the very deepest love could ever induce me into matrimony.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“A woman must have a thorough knowledge of many accomplishments.” – Lady Catherine de Bourgh
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“Her mind was lively and uncommonly intelligent.” – Jane Austen
“It has often given me pain that I have not been as amiable as I ought.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“I would rather be blind than see myself destroyed by flattery.” – Jane Austen
“Women like to be asked, and yet dislike to be told directly.” – Charlotte Lucas
“She preferred being governed by principles rather than fashion.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“Intelligence and modesty are the most attractive accomplishments.” – Jane Austen
“Her spirit and sense made her irresistible.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on First Impressions
Words of wisdom: First impressions are powerful but fallible; these quotes encourage reevaluation and the courage to revise initial beliefs.
“I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“First impressions are frequently the most deceptive.” – Jane Austen
“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“Her resentment had blinded her to the possibility of better reasons.” – Jane Austen
“There is nothing so mortifying as a failed first approach.” – Mr. Collins
“I had not known my own heart until that moment.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“He was not so wholly bad as his countenance would have suggested.” – Jane Austen
“We are each of us likely to be deceived by first sight.” – Charlotte Lucas
“She repented of her hasty judgments.” – Jane Austen
“Do not let a single flattering moment define a lifetime.” – Mr. Bennet
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Humor and Resilience
Words of wisdom: Humor softens trials and reveals strength; these lines encourage resilience, wit, and the ability to laugh while learning from hardship.
“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?” – Mr. Bennet
“She had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in any thing ridiculous.” – Jane Austen
“A good laugh is a medicine for many sorrows.” – Charlotte Lucas
“He had been used to think these things a matter of course.” – Jane Austen
“Compliments are the currency of social survival.” – Caroline Bingley
“Her cheerfulness was of a nature to support those around her.” – Jane Austen
“Sense and sensibility must sometimes meet with absurdities.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“There is nothing so conducive to good humour as a little dancing.” – Jane Austen
“We have all our faults, but humor lightens the load.” – Mr. Bennet
“To be able to smile in folly is true strength.” – Elizabeth Bennet
Pride And Prejudice Quotes on Moral Lessons and Virtue
Words of wisdom: Virtue arises from consistent choices; these quotes reflect Austen’s moral perspective on honesty, responsibility, and integrity.
“There are few people who have more real goodness than the advantage of a good heart.” – Jane Austen
“Self-knowledge is the beginning of improvement.” – Mr. Bennet
“To be right is a duty; to be kind is a choice.” – Elizabeth Bennet
“A good disposition in a woman is very desirable.” – Charlotte Lucas
“Manners must adorn knowledge and give it grace.” – Jane Austen
“True worth is often concealed beneath plain appearance.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
“Humility and contrition lead to reconciliation.” – Jane Austen
“Duty and affection bind many a heart.” – Mrs. Bennet
“Good sense and good manners are rarely separated.” – Charlotte Lucas
“The best proof of one’s principles is practice.” – Mr. Bennet
Final Thoughts
Pride and Prejudice offers enduring wisdom on love, judgment, and human nature through its lively dialogue and keen narration. The novel’s quotes capture moments of insight, humor, and moral reflection that remain relevant across generations.
From Elizabeth Bennet’s spirited truths to Mr. Darcy’s humbled admissions, these lines invite us to examine pride and prejudice within ourselves and others. They remind us to value integrity, to be open to change, and to approach relationships with honesty and kindness. Whether in matters of the heart or daily conduct, the novel’s wit and empathy encourage thoughtful living and meaningful connections.
Reflecting on these quotes can inspire personal growth and a gentler judgment of those around us, proving that literature still shapes how we think about love, society, and self-awareness.
If you enjoyed these lines, explore more related selections like character quotes and delightful love quotes to continue your reading journey.