The Presence of Pride and Prejudice

When I first decided to read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, I was worried that I might not be able to get into the book. But, to my pleasant surprise, I found myself caught up in the eloquent words. My interest grew with each page. Pride and Prejudice is a classic love story about two people, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, who both have pride and prejudice but somehow are able to look past their social statuses and give in to the love they have for each other.

I first discovered these vices within the pages through the character Mr. Darcy when he showed up at the assemblies in Longbourn where he danced with no one, snubbed his nose at everyone except those of the same social status who accompanied him, and insulted Elizabeth. Then I soon discovered that Elizabeth was prejudiced and prideful herself. She showed her disdain toward Mr. Darcy who was in a higher social class. I also found pride or prejudice in the characters Mrs. Bennet, Caroline Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Wickham, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Today you can still find pride or prejudice in our society. You can find prejudice in the way some people act towards those who have a different social rank or because of their race. You can see people being prideful every day to others not only of a higher social economic status but also to those of the same status. Some develop prejudices when they may think they are being judged by others and become prideful.

Pride and prejudice can always be found in our society, but like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, people can overcome their pride or prejudice. It is up to each individual to decide to rise above these vices.