The moral of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice is multifaceted, encompassing themes of self-awareness, empathy, and societal harmony. The novel traces the moral development of its main characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, who initially struggle with pride and prejudice respectively. Austen uses these characters to illustrate the importance of self-reflection and empathy in achieving moral maturity. As Austen writes, Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.
Austen also emphasizes the importance of societal harmony over individual desires. This is evident in the contrasting outcomes of the marriages in the novel. The elopement of Lydia and Wickham, driven by passion and irresponsibility, disrupts societal harmony and ruins others’ lives. On the other hand, the marriages of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Jane and Bingley, bring happiness and stability to everyone, not just themselves. This is reflected in Elizabeth’s realization: How despicable have I acted! I, who have pride myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities.
Lastly, Austen underscores the importance of overcoming pride and prejudice through humility, compassion, and self-reflection. Both Elizabeth and Darcy must overcome their initial judgments of each other to find true love. This is encapsulated in Darcy’s confession to Elizabeth: You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever. Thus, the moral of Pride and Prejudice is a complex interplay of self-awareness, empathy, societal harmony, and the overcoming of personal flaws.
