It has been awhile since I discussed a book on here. This is from two reasons: 1. I was reading Emma which is a longer selection, 2. I got caught up with schoolwork. Before I write about Emma, I wanted to write about Pride and Prejudice which I first read as a junior in high school.
Pride and Prejudice
The title of the book is alliterative and foreshadowing of some of the characters. The main story line in the novel focuses on Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy's love story; however, the main thrust encompasses the marriage/dating of all five Bennett sisters. Elizabeth and Darcy first meet when Darcy's friend Mr. Bingley moves nearby and hosts a party. Elizabeth's older sister, Jane, falls for him. It is revealed through the story that Darcy intervened on Bingley behalf to end this relationship. Later encounters with Elizabeth reveal that Darcy was wrong in his assessment of the relationship. After a very degrading proposal by Darcy, Elizabeth eloquently declares to Darcy that he is the last person she should ever fancy herself marrying. Darcy eventually makes amends and they fall madly in love. As an aside, Darcy's first name is Fitzwilliam which is pretty awesome.
If not while reading, at least after reading the question should be prompted who is proud and who is prejudiced in the novel. Many people I have discussed the novel with attach pride to Darcy because of his status in society. Conversely Elizabeth is seen as prejudice because she quickly forms opinions of many different characters and holds to them steadfastly. These judgments are sometimes right and sometimes wrong; of some characters she prejudices herself towards a better view than who they actually are and vice versa.
I typically assign the opposite characteristics to Elizabeth and Darcy. I see Elizabeth as prideful because of her unwillingness to allow second chances. She also refuses marriage of Mr. Collins because of contempt for his personality. Further, when she is confronted by Darcy's aunt, her pride takes a huge blow because of the treatment she receives. I see Darcy as prejudiced; he is very conscious of one's place in society and treats others accordingly. Although I should mention there is no talk of him being particularly downgrading to low members of society, rather that everyone has already been afforded a place and that is where they should be. A major theme throughout the novel is upbringing and how it affects once abilities to interact in society above and beneath oneself.
In thinking about this novel more, I realize that Elizabeth and Darcy are both proud and prejudiced. That is the brokenness of humanity. We are all inclined to pride, i.e. viewing ourselves as better than we actually are (particularly in comparison to others). We are also inclined to prejudice, one only has to look at many of the atrocities in history to affirm this. But even on an individual scale we are quick to judge. Even when we assess correctly we are too prejudiced to allow for growth and change. It is only when we realize how broken we are and how depraved we are that we can learn in part that all are created equal as humans. Jesus only was able to live apart from this brokenness and shower love and all those whom he encountered. He lived a meek life that focused on restoring the brokenness in humanity. He did not allow the prejudices of society bar him from interacting with the needy and the lost. Pride and prejudice fuels our sin nature and it is only through recognizing God's sovereignty over our lives that we can be free from this brokenness.
