Pride and Prejudice: AS & A2 York Notes

Both Darcy and Elizabeth make mistakes – judging by appearances either of social status or personal charm. They learn to value qualities beneath the surface.

In "Pride and Prejudice" there is potential tension between economic reality and sexual self-indulgence. Consider Charlotte Lucas versus Lydia Bennet.

Elizabeth demands equal treatment as a ‘rational’ creature. Women are generally disempowered but the novel also includes weak men (Mr Bennet) and powerful women (Lady Catherine).

Everyone is defined by their income. Money from land confers higher status than money from trade (Darcy versus Bingley). Female beauty and virginity are marketable commodities.

Only the rich can behave as they like and the behaviour of each family member affects the others. Should private transgressions be hushed up or revealed?