Essay on the Two Types of Pride in Pride and Prejudice -- Pride Prejud

Two Types of Pride in Pride and Prejudice      Ã‚  Ã‚   In the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, there is a stark contrast between the pride displayed by the characters Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Bennet. Austen demonstrates the importance of possesing the "correct" pride and makes this the main theme throughout the novel.    Pride may be considered as either an attribute or flaw. To posses pride as an attribute is to have self-respect, honor, and integrity. To posses pride as a flaw is to demonstrate arrogant or disdainful conduct and haughtiness. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy posses pride as an attribute while Mr. Bennet posses pride as a flaw. Darcy is responsible for his sister, himself, his estate, and his family name. He takes pride in these things and does anything he can in order to protect them. But Mr. Bennet who is responsible as a father of five daughters, a husband, and the holder of reputable conduct in the family, does not take pride in his family or his responsibility; Mr. Bennet instead ridicules the members of his family and in turn does not control their unruly actions.    Mr. Darcy, the leading male character in the novel, possesses an ancient family name, magnificent estate, and a sizable fortune which may seem to contribute to his pride. But later on in the book, we learn that he is a generous master to his servants and tenants and a loving brother to his young sister Georgiana. He is responsible for so much: his sister, his family name, and his estate, Pemberley. Although seen as excessively proud in a negative way, Charlotte Lucas defends Darcy by saying that a man of his wealth and family background has a right to be proud.    Darcy cares dearly for his younger sister, Georgiana. As... ...arcy family name and protects it with a hawk-like manner. He takes his responsibility as the landowner, brother, and master very seriously. On the other hand, Mr. Bennet lets his family do as it pleases and almost does not care. The reputation of the Bennet family is blemished by the behavior of its members because the head of the household, Mr. Bennet, lacks the pride to protect it.    Works Cited and Consulted: Austen, Jane.   Pride and Prejudice.   Ed. Donald Gray.   New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1996. Jane Austen Info Page. Henry Churchyard. U of Texas, Austin. 23 Nov. 2000. <http://www.pemberly.com/janeinfo/janeinfo/html>. Poplawski, Paul.   A Jane Austen Encyclopedia.   Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1998. Reidhead, Julia, ed. Norton Anthology of English Literature vol. 7, 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2000.