Jane Austen, master of love language, queen of character development, and genius of the slight shade, is the subject of our podcast. Here are 20+ Pride And Prejudice Quotes That We Love.
Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 1-4
On our podcast: Exemplary Vegetables, we pick out our favorite quotes in a section called, “I Thought I Might Read to You from Fordyce’s Sermons.” Some of these Jane Austen Pride And Prejudice quotes are well known, and some are more obscure. Our favorite Pride And Prejudice quotes are either the Mr. Darcy quotes as he’s trying to figure out what love means, and Elizabeth Bennet quotes that throw a little shade.
You can listen to our podcast here, or read the recap for chapters 1-4 here.
Elizabeth's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 1-4
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” –Pride and Prejudice begins with, possibly, the most famous first line in English literature, at least of this period.
“Mary wished to say something sensible, but knew not how.” -Austen with the burn!!!! Mary is certainly not my favorite sister, but really? She doesn’t know how to say anything sensible? Or just on this topic?
“Bingley was sure of being liked wherever he appeared, Darcy was continually giving offense.” -I like this. Bingley’s the guy everyone wants to hang out with and Darcy’s the office jerk.
Rachael's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 1-4
The first quote. Obviously. I know Moby Dick has “Call me Ishmael”… but I’m a sucker for the rom-com.
“When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters married: it’s solace was visiting and news.” In 25 words, Jane Austen described both Mrs. Bennet and the plot of Pride And Prejudice.
When Mr. Bingley finds the Meryton dance delightful, the ladies were hopeful he’d marry ALL the daughters. Because, after all, “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” Elizabeth and I had to take square dancing in gym class. We are sad to say that while this Pride And Prejudice love quote is endearing, it is not factual. We had no proposals of marriage during the do-si-do or allemande left.
Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 5-8
In Chapters 5-8 The Bennets and their friends the Lucasses replay the Meryton ball. The Bingleys visit the local society and spend lots of time with the Bennets. It’s suspected that Mr. Bingley and Jane are becoming an item. Jane goes to visit the Bingley sisters and catches a cold, requiring her to remain at Netherfield Hall. Elizabeth goes to support her in her illness. Over the course of the chapters, we learn more about the Bingley sisters and find out Mr. Darcy is crushing on Elizabeth.
You can listen to our podcast here, or read the recap for chapters 5-8 here.
Rachael's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 5-8
“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” Elizabeth admits that Darcy has cut her, but allows that his wealth gives him a little leeway to be entitled.
“There are very few of us who have heart enough to really be in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.” Charlotte points out that playing hard-to-get never did get the job done.
Elizabeth's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 5-8
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” Charlotte, again, with the relationship advice. From a historical perspective, I can see her point. However, in modern times, I’m not sure happiness in marriage is entirely fortuitous.
“Every savage can dance.” I’m a teacher. I’ve chaperoned Homecoming and Prom. I entirely agree with Darcy.
“I never saw such a woman.” Elizabeth doesn’t disagree that women can be accomplished. She disagrees that the list of requirements compiled by Caroline and Darcy is a prerequisite for the label.
Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 9-12
Chapters 9-12 cover the end of Jane and Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield Park. The other Bennet women visit. Caroline and Louisa, Bingley’s sisters continue to be mean girls. Mr. Hurst continues to complain that no one plays cards. Mr. Bingley continues to be the nice guy. And Mr. Darcy writes a letter and realizes he’s paid too much attention to Elizabeth.
You can listen to our podcast here, or read the recap for chapters 9-12 here.
Rachael's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 9-12
“To remember at night all the foolish things that were said in the morning” -Bingley. Have you ever thought of a great comeback in the shower the next day after a confrontation? Bingley has not, and we’re jealous.
“Take a turn about the room. I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.” -Caroline Bingley The line that started it all. This is why we have a podcast.
Elizabeth's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 9-12
“He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger” Mr. Darcy. He truly thinks he can conquer his love of Elizabeth Bennet by using his mind. As OUR Elizabeth says, “Imma beat my heart by using my smart.”
“Miss Bingley, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy in anything.” Oh honey…watch yourself.
“I dearly love a laugh.” -Elizabeth Bennet, someone should put this on a tshirt. Oh wait… I have a shirt that says this! You can get it here.
Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 13-17
In Chapters 13-17 we meet two new bachelors: Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham. There’s bad blood between Wickham and Darcy and we hear Wickham’s side of the drama. Mr. Collins is looking for a wife and has his eye on Elizabeth.
Rachael's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 13-17
“Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to the ladies.” Thank Goodness Mr. Collins is around to praise the gals. Whatever would we do without delicate compliments?
“They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.” The craft of complimenting is one that should be honed and practiced.
“This gallntry was not much to the taste of some of his hearers; but Mrs. Bennet, who quarreled with no compliments answered most readily.” We KNOW, Mrs. Bennet. You’ll listen to anyone as long as they compliment you!
Elizabeth's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 13-17
“I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourge.” and just like that, hoity toity exploded on the page.
“Their eyes were immediately wandering up the street in quest of officers, and nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window , could recall them.” Nothing stops Kitty and Lydia when they’re on the prowl for officers…except a new dress!
Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 18-23
In Chapters 18-23 Bingley holds the ball at Netherfield Park. Mr. Wickham is absent, and Mr. Darcy dances with Elizabeth. Mr. Collins proposes to and is rejected by Elizabeth. Charlotte plots and becomes engaged to Mr. Collins instead. Also, the Bingleys leave Netherfield Park, never to return, much to the dismay of Jane.
Rachael's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 18-23
“Mr. Collins without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple dances can give.” Girl, we’ve all been there.
“People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no great inclination for talking. Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.” -Mrs. Bennet suffers so, and in silence. Except when she doesn’t.
Elizabeth's Pride And Prejudice Quotes From Chapters 18-23
“That would be the greatest misfortune of all! To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate!” -Elizabeth doesn’t want to enjoy dancing with Darcy.
“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.” He saves Elizabeth from Mr. Collins (Yay! Daddy to the rescue.)
