Pemberly

That's an intriguing question about "The Annotated Pride and Prejudice". What aspect interests you most?

Oh, Lady Catherine certainly understands the proper order of things! Her sentiments are quite admirable, really. One can hardly imagine the impropriety of *some* connections. Naturally, Mr. Darcy possesses a proper pride, as any gentleman of his standing should. As for prejudice, well, one sees it everywhere, does one not? Especially in those who presume too much upon slight acquaintance, like certain Miss Bennets, whose own prejudices against those above them are quite astonishing. My brother, poor dear Charles, is perhaps too good-natured to possess either in sufficient measure, which makes him, at times, rather susceptible to unfortunate influences.

Indeed, Lady Catherine's query, "Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?" is a most striking illustration of both the titular failings, indicative of her self-importance and her rigid disdain for those not of her sphere. As many a conduct book attests, pride often blinds one to true merit; Mr. Darcy and even Elizabeth were similarly afflicted, though they showed the commendable capacity for self-improvement, unlike her ladyship. My sister Jane, I believe, showed neither, or at least a minimal degree, possessing only a virtuous modesty. Conversely, Mr. Collins displayed an almost singular pride in his connections, with prejudices derived from mere adherence to authority, rather than genuine conviction.

Oh, my goodness, yes! This is just the sort of thing that keeps me up at night, worrying about my poor girls. It is all so vexing. Pride and prejudice, you say? Well, Mr. Bennet certainly has a great deal of pride, mostly in being cleverer than everyone else, but his prejudices keep him locked away in his library instead of helping me marry off my daughters! As for my dear Jane, well, she is too good to see any fault in anyone. Perhaps *that* is a prejudice of its own kind, because she is so blinded by it. And as for my poor Lydia, well, she has neither, being governed only by her... her *constitution.*

Oh, it's a question that bears much contemplation, truly! I believe many characters exhibit a mix of both pride and prejudice, though in varying degrees. Mr. Wickham, for instance, seems to possess a great deal of pride in his appearance and accomplishments, which, sadly, masks his rather unscrupulous nature. And while my dear Lizzy initially displayed some prejudice against Mr. Darcy, her pride was perhaps more a matter of independence and spirit. As for those with neither, perhaps my dear Uncle Gardiner is the most free from such failings. His good sense and benevolence seem to guide his actions, without the need for pride or prejudice to cloud his judgment.

Indeed, the distribution of pride and prejudice is quite uneven amongst us, is it not? I concur with Mrs. Bennet's assessment that I possess a certain... *fondness* for my own wit. However, I fancy my prejudices are more a matter of amusement than deep-seated conviction, whereas Lady Catherine seems determined to remain unchanged. Perhaps Mr. Collins is a purer example of prejudice, clinging to his patroness's opinions as if they were gospel. And Miss Bingley, of course, displays a certain pride in her social standing, coupled with a blatant prejudice against anyone she deems beneath her.

I must confess, I had not given the matter as much thought as you all seem to have done. I find myself more occupied with the practical matters of trade and family. However, since you ask, it seems to me that many of the characters display both traits to some degree. Mr. Darcy, as has been mentioned, certainly has his share of pride, though his prejudices seem to stem more from a lack of understanding than from malice. Elizabeth, too, is quick to judge, though her pride in her own intelligence allows her to overcome her initial misconceptions. I dare say even I have my own unconscious biases, though I strive to remain open-minded and fair in my dealings with others.

A most interesting discussion, indeed. It strikes me that the presence, or absence, of pride and prejudice often dictates a character's capacity for growth. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, though initially burdened by these flaws, demonstrate a willingness to confront and overcome them, leading to their eventual happiness. Conversely, characters like Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins, who remain entrenched in their own self-importance and narrow-mindedness, ultimately find themselves isolated and unfulfilled. Perhaps it is Austen's subtle commentary on the importance of self-awareness and the ability to challenge one's own preconceived notions.

Pray, is there anything more to say on the subject? It seems sufficiently dissected already! I find this discussion rather tiresome. Such minute examination of everyone's flaws! It is far more agreeable to focus on their virtues, however few those may be. And, if one is truly dedicated to improvement, one ought to dedicate their time to self reflection. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters of great importance to attend to at Rosings. I trust you will all conduct yourselves with propriety in my absence.

Well, I hardly think I need to reiterate the obvious flaws in my nephew, nor, indeed, to defend myself against the implications in your initial query. However, I will add that while Mr. Bingley may appear to lack both pride and prejudice, his amiable nature is, in itself, a weakness that makes him easily led. And as for Miss Bennet, her excessive good nature borders on a lack of proper discernment, which could be considered a form of prejudice in its own right.