[BETWEEN “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE”, WOMEN CHOOSE PRIDE]

On Jane Austen and her work “Pride and prejudice”

Is there any boundary between “ARROGANCE” and “PRIDE”? “Arrogance” means being unpleasantly proud and behaving as if one is better than any other, inciting unhealthy comparison with others, pettiness, and also jealousy. Meanwhile, “pride” is an acknowledgement of your inner value and your place in life; it encompasses a sense of self-esteem and, within it, confidence. A proud woman does not need to follow the crowd, is not easily subdued, and does not require any external validation of her dignity. Though written centuries ago in a faraway, misty city, Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice remains a resounding masterpiece, making us reflect more deeply on the word “pride” with each reading, especially the pride embodied in the image of women.

JANE AUSTEN AND THE ORIGIN OF “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE” 

Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire, England on a winter day in 1775. She is the seventh child in a family of eight siblings. Throughout her life, Jane Austen was claimed to have written over 3000 letters, which were mainly sent to her sister Cassandra, but only 161 of them have survived to this day. This makes the author’s biography and life more mysterious than ever. Like many female authors of the same era, Austen had to anonymously publish. During that time, any woman who wanted to become a professional writer was considered to be a disgrace who failed to fulfil their duties as a wife and a mother. After her failed love affair with the lawyer Tom Lefroy, she lived alone for the rest of her life. She died in Winchester in 1817, when she was only 41 years old. 

Despite her short life of 41 years, Jane Austen managed to leave behind many literary masterpieces. Among them, the most prominent is the novel “Pride and prejudice”, published in 1813. The novel revolves around the theme of love and marriage among the English nobility, particularly the conflict that later turns into romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth Bennet, the main character, has a sense of humour, intelligence, and sharpness. She has four sisters—Jane, Mary, Catherine, and Lydia Bennet—each with distinct, even contrasting, personalities. In her family, Elizabeth is her father’s favorite due to their similar personality. Her mother, Mrs. Bennet, although not well-educated, is always proud of her five daughters. Another main character is Fitzwilliam Darcy, a handsome nobleman who has high self-esteem, and later becomes Elizabeth’s fiancé. Apart from them, several other characters contribute to the success of the story’s plot. One of them is George Wickham, Lydia’s lover, who exploits others for his own gains and is a compulsive liar. There is also the respectable Charles Bingley, who has refined characteristics, is open and in love with Jane Bennet. Also on the list is William Collins, who proposes to Elizabeth’s best friend Charlotte Lucas after proposing to Elizabeth and getting rejected.

By putting great efforts in developing from the plot to the entire character system, Jane Austen introduced to the literary world a sharp “Pride and prejudice”: a novel portraying the prejudices that confine the freedom and happiness of women, but also opening up a whole new bright horizon where they overcome the obstacles with the pride deeply rooted within their soul. 

ELIZABETH BENNET – A PROUD DAFFODIL RISING ABOVE THE WALL OF PREJUDICE 

Being the central character of the novel, Elizabeth Bennet can be viewed as the character that possesses the most condensed expressions of pride. For her, pride does not arise only from demeanor, but also deeply stems from soul, emotions, thoughts, dignity, and living style. In other words, Elizabeth does not only have a “proud appearance”, but also owns a true “sense of pride.”

In the midst of countless rules and prejudice of society at the time, a woman who had her own opinion while being proud of her personal values became the first spark that allowed pride to shine. Elizabeth loves to read books, is witty, and full of wisdom. She has her own opinions and views about different problems in life and issues relating to her. Especially, when facing questions, she is confident, open-minded, and answers cleverly, showing a subtle yet sharp ability to express her views. Elizabeth never gives in to unsuited arrangements, especially important events like marriage, because she has her own beliefs and life values. Throughout the story, Jane Austen depicts a thoughtful character who is constantly analyzing and making judgments about the people, objects, and events around her. Simultaneously, stories that Elizabeth mentions are not only about dresses or costumes like any girls in the same era. Every word of her contains a meaning and carries a personal perspective. Elizabeth’s pride begins from her having, expressing, and standing by her own opinion. 

Happiness will never be a transaction. Therefore, with all her pride and self-esteem, Elizabeth upholds personal happiness – the happiness that stays true to her beliefs and herself rather than yielding to social norms. 

When receiving a proposal from Collins, she decisively declines. Her pride does not allow her to accept a husband who is not empathic towards her, does not love her, and is not compatible with her. She does not want to marry without love. Furthermore, a shallow-minded person who merely chases after the wealthy like Collins can never build true happiness with Elizabeth. There would be no way she could find peace living beside someone who gets by through constant flattery and sycophancy!

In her second proposal, Elizabeth chooses a real “happiness” with Darcy. Going from misunderstandings and prejudice to admiration and gradually developing a deep romantic affection, Elizabeth goes through a long yet meaningful and worthwhile journey. Happiness is not a goal or a reward, but it has to be an expedition, which can be very challenging. Elizabeth is proud because she dares to cast aside all the prejudices against women of her time and dedicatedly followed the deep call of her own happiness. And even prouder still, she dares to follow the path of love to the very end, despite the contemporary prejudices. Is Darcy’s burning love the sweet gift God graces to all the courageous and prideful souls, and the moment Elizabeth bursting with joy upon realising his feelings the reward for all her trials?

“Pride”, for Elizabeth, also stems from her way of living and thinking: staying open-minded, free-spirited, and unbothered by trivial matters. Ms. Bingley, because of her unrequited admiration to Mr. Darcy, has indirectly caused Darcy and Bingley to be back in London. She also speaks harshly to Jane Bennet due to her jealousy and envy. Elizabeth knows all of that, but she never argues back as it is clear to her that her pride would never allow her to kneel down and reply in the same manner. For instance, when she learns that Wickham has spread falsehoods about Darcy, causing her to misunderstand him, Elizabeth even thinks that Wickham should be given a chance since he might be changing. Never arguing directly or gossiping behind anyone’s back, Elizabeth, with her free-spirited and prideful nature, pays no mind to such petty matters. She lets them go and carries herself with the grace of a true lady. 

Elizabeth also faces unfavourable moments in life with her pride and great faith in herself. In the middle of the criticisms, prejudices, and the surrounding challenges directed at her, she never remains silent. She lets the deepest voice of her intelligence and soul be heard. Perhaps it is her way of protecting her character, dignity, and self-worth? During her first meeting with Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings Park, she has to listen to insults for not coming from a renowned noble family, therefore deemed unworthy of Mr. Darcy. Lady Catherine de Bourgh even belittles the entire Bennets and openly forces Elizabeth to never accept a proposal from Mr. Darcy. In turn, Elizabeth responds frankly: “If I marry your nephew, I believe I would not have to give up my position. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter. So far, we are equal.” Elizabeth protects her values not only in front of an arrogant and critical lady, but in a bigger picture, she also stands up for her own dignity in the face of power and status. Where everything was based on class and societal status, it was Elizabeth who proudly stands up and, at all costs, refuses to let herself be oppressed just to please others. 

Daffodil is considered to be the flower of the self-loving people. Elizabeth is also a daffodil in this aspect: among the countless rigid walls of social prejudice, she is proud to rise as herself. The morning sunlight only graces the petals of flowers that have fully bloomed in their prime, similar to the fact that happiness and joy always return to those who are truly proud and live wholeheartedly. 

QUIET FLAMES

Not only did she depict a witty Elizabth, Jane Austen also showed that pride throughout the entire system of female characters, whether they were young girls like the Bennet sisters, Charlotte Lucas, or ladies like Lady Catherine de Bourgh or Mrs. Bennet.

The eldest Bennet sister, Jane Bennet, is tolerant, intelligent, and knowledgeable, which makes everyone around her deeply love her. Her pride stems from her inner dignity which is gentle yet also firm. When Jane and Mr. Bingley are separated because of class prejudice and pressure from Jane’s family and Bingley’s relatives, she never expresses her hurt or desperately fights for his affection. Instead, she quietly accepts the situation with the belief that true love will eventually find its way to the right person, without the need to lower herself to hold onto it. After all, it is the deeply-rooted pride in her dignity that led Jane to the fulfilling and complete love.

Mary Bennet was the only girl that lacked striking beauty among the five sisters. She lives reticently in the world of books, principles, and knowledge. Although often seen as odd and dull, Mary always strives to acquire more knowledge, perfect herself, and eagerly find ways to express what she has learned. Mary’s pride comes from her deep intellect, wisdom, and morality, rather than from beauty or rebellion. Though Mary’s voice is solitary, the way Austen portrays her clearly brings up strong support for a group of women seeking chances to break free from social constraints through the pursuit of education. 

Opposite to her sisters, Lydia Bennet, the youngest girl, shows her pride by running off with Wickham. Lydia believes that she has the right to love and to choose her own marriage freely, even if it is considered a grave transgression in her time. Although her pride and dignity are immature and impulsive, it is a special kind of pride that only exists in youth: being unafraid of others’ prejudice, carefree, and living fully and enthusiastically every second.

Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s best friend, is rational when she says that she only wants a tranquil home, therefore, she accepts Collins’s proposal. England during the XVIII, XIX century was where women could only ensure their social status and life through men – be it their father or their husband. Consequently, Charlotte is proud when she could be independent and steadfastly decide her life. She is sharp, realistic, never dreaming or looking for an ideal love though her decision is somewhat a little materialistic.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mrs. Bennet are two older characters who also carry a deep sense of pride. However, their pride, perhaps, stems more from social roles than from personal merit. If Lady Catherine is arrogant and powerful, Mrs. Bennet often appears narrow-minded, sometimes even to the point of being irrational. Lady Catherine symbolises the pride of noble lineage, the moral ideal, and the very image of "class”. Is this pride in aristocracy the linchpin holding together a social order on the verge of collapse? As for Mrs. Bennet, she is always proud of her five daughters and is willing to do anything for their bright future. Her pride is the pride of motherhood—pride in her daughters’ beauty and abilities. Even though, at times, she seems to be insane, but when we reflect on it, isn’t being proud of daughters that she gave birth to a simple and heartfelt pride in this challenging world?

Therefore, Pride and prejudice’s brilliance does not come solely from Elizabeth Bennet, but also from a masterful harmony between the pride of different female characters. Not only Elizabeth “knows” how to be proud but Jane, Mary, Lydia, and all the other female characters also “know”. Even the older generation of women possess their own sense of pride. This proves that, no matter what form pride takes, Jane Austen never condemns it. It is her way of showing respect for girls and women, allowing them to live true to their personalities, their dignity, their confidence, and their personal pride.

THE POWER OF PRIDE

In “Pride and Prejudice”, pride is an important quality that helps women withstand and rise above the rigid prejudices of their time. Elizabeth Bennet, the central character of the novel, shows up with strong self-respect: never conforming to empty marital conventions or standards imposed by others. Her pride is not arrogance, but a deep desire to stay true to herself, one who has independent thought, sincere emotions, and a dignity that cannot be compromised. It is this very pride that has asserted her personality, her thoughts and personal opinions, allowing her to be herself in a world burdened by constraints.

In conclusion, pride, though quiet, always burns passionately in every person – not only in women but also in male characters like Darcy, who has to learn to confront and adjust his own pride to reach love and maturity. After being rejected by Elizabeth, Darcy, once an arrogant man who valued noble status and looked down on Elizabeth’s family, gradually changes. He becomes more humble and is willing to help her family in times of hardships. Only when we dare to hold head high, live genuinely and truest to our soul, can we exist in this world as radiant and free beings who dare to break boundaries, rise above judgements, and walk steadily on the journey of being a good person and being our true selves.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR MODERN WOMEN?

Today, women are no longer confined by the boundaries of marriage, family, or societal prejudice. They do not need “permissions” from their father, husband, or anyone to be their true selves. Asserting their values stems naturally from their abilities, passions and personal desires.

However, modern society presents humans with more complex and insidious challenges. In a multidimensional society shaped by overlapping expectations and immense invisible pressure, pride is no longer an assertion for uniqueness – “who I am in the crowd” – but rather it turns into a journey of self-recognition and alignment – “who I am in the life I live”. It is an attempt to integrate without losing yourself: staying close to one’s deeper self, to the rhythm of the surrounding environment, and to the values that we choose to hold onto in the various lifestyles that are clashing with each other. Pride is no longer an outer mask, but an inner core — a strength that allows one not to lose sight of who they are while still staying connected to the world.

The pride of modern women no longer depends on status or gender. It can be the courage to choose a career that truly aligns with their wants, a simple life in a materialistic world, a decision to become a single mother, or a rejection to a safe but unsuitable marriage, and so on. These arise from a clear awareness: “I know what I am”. When women dare to refuse what is undeserving, dare to say “no” to what doesn’t align with their personal values, it is pride. Pride is no longer a tool for opposing society, but a way to live truly, deeply and meaningfully.

A FEW PARTING WORDS

“Proud” but not “arrogant”

Never mistake pride for arrogance. Pride is self-respect, a strong, clear, and confident sense of self, but not being conceited, while arrogance is an inflated ego that lacks humility and is easy to hurt others.

Moreover, pride is not a privilege reserved for women alone. Whether in literature or real life, individuals, regardless of gender, need a strong inner strength to assert themselves in this big world. Therefore, pride is the fire of life—live to be proud, and nurture pride in order to truly live.

A timeless icon

Jane Austen succeeded masterfully in depicting portraits of individuals who are proud enough to live rightly and beautifully. Her brilliance lies not only in portraying an intelligent and strong Elizabeth, but also in placing pride exactly where it belongs—as an element that shapes and completes one’s character. “Pride and Prejudice” is not just a love story; it is a deeply humanistic declaration of the right to live as one's true self, especially for women.

Authors: Nguyễn Thị Minh Tâm, Nguyễn Thu Trang

Translator: Ngô Tâm Đan