Significance of the title Society concerned with reputationappearance

Significance of the title

• Society concerned with reputation/appearance. Gossip fuels the social gatherings. • Pre-judging lies at the centre of all events. (Think of the opening line even!) • Elizabeth – believes she is good judge of character but pride allows her to fall victim to own prejudices. • Can be divided into 3 parts around her learning – 1 st she is prejudiced towards Darcy – his quip about her not being pretty enough. • Taken in by Wickham. His lies convince her that she is a good judge. Ch. 18 “His guilt and his descent…” • Not only Elizabeth, society has made its mind up on him. Ch. 3 “His character was decided. He was…”

• Mrs Bennet also makes up her mind without knowing him. (Pg. 15 my book) “he is a most disagreeable. . ” Ironic, her behaviour almost destroys Jane’s relationship. Quickly changes her mind after Darcy proposes. • Turning point – ch. 35 – marks beginning of her ‘reeducation’. “Mr Wickham’s chief object…” • Darcy admits in ch. 58 that his behaviour was “unpardonable” • Lady Catherine’s pride prejudices her against Darcy marrying below his class. Ch. 56 • Lydia’s behaviour prejudices society against the possibility of her sisters marrying. Mr Collins’ letter in ch. 48 “injurious to the fortunes…” • Elizabeth and Darcy overcome p. and p. for happy ending. • Lydia finds a kind of respectability but not necessarily a life of happiness • Each learns error of relying on first impressions.