In this post, I will be discussing how various characters view vanity and pride in the first half of Pride and Prejudice. Please note that my page numbers may be different because I have an ebook version.
Mary defines both qualities during the Bennets' conversation with the Lucases about Mr. Darcy, saying, "Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves;vanity to what we would have others think of us" (Austen 55). Elizabeth seems to judge people whom she thinks as proud very harshly. This is the primary cause for her extreme dislike of Mr. Darcy, who has a persona of being excessively proud. He also insulted her pride She also looks down on vanity with disdain, but doesn't judge vain people too harshly, but rather views them as silly, foolish, or immature (ex: Lydia and Kitty). Mr. Bennet's opinions of these two qualities are almost the opposite of his favorite daughter's. Although it is very hard to tell his true opinions due to his sarcastic/cruelly humorous nature, it has become evident in the first half of the novel that he despises vanity more than pride because vanity is entirely superficial (he is also surrounded by it). Mr. Darcy, a seemingly proud man, has several discussions with Elizabeth about pride, and he argues that pride isn't necessarily a bad thing, but is in fact, a trait of an honest person. He remarks to Elizabeth that "nothing is more deceitful ... than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast" (Austen 82). This point displays his opinion that pride, although probably not the best of virtues, is more honest (and thus more admirable) than being humble. All of these characters have different opinions of pride and vanity, which helps contribute to the dynamic of their interactions and relationships.
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