Few novels have charmed readers for over two centuries like Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen’s sharp wit and unforgettable characters have made it one of the most quoted books in literary history. These carefully chosen Pride and Prejudice quotes capture the humor, romance, and wisdom that continue to resonate today.
Whether it’s Mr. Darcy’s quiet declarations, Elizabeth Bennet’s quick retorts, or Austen’s clever narration, each line offers insight into love, pride, and human nature.
If you’ve ever smiled, sighed, or paused over a passage, you’ll find a favorite here. And if you’re rediscovering this classic, prepare to be reminded why Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice have stood the test of time.
Table of Contents
Best Pride and Prejudice Quotes About Love
These Pride and Prejudice quotes about love capture romance, vulnerability, and timeless affection between Austen’s most beloved characters.
1. “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” — Mr. Darcy
This heartfelt confession marks Darcy’s first proposal, blending deep emotion with awkward pride. It shows how love can push even the most reserved characters into revealing their vulnerability.
2. “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.” — Mr. Darcy
Darcy’s declaration reveals the power of emotion over reason. Despite his objections, love for Elizabeth breaks through the barriers of class and pride he tried so hard to maintain.
3. “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It was too long ago.” — Mr. Darcy
Darcy reflects on love’s quiet, gradual growth. This moment shows how deep feelings often develop unnoticed, becoming part of us before we realize their full importance.
4. “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love… I love… I love you.” — Adaptation (2005 film)
Though not in Austen’s original text, this cinematic line captures Darcy’s complete surrender to love. It’s raw, unpolished, and all-consuming—a modern romantic favourite rooted in timeless emotion.
5. “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” — Mr. Knightley (Emma)
While from another Austen novel, it’s often quoted alongside Pride and Prejudice. It speaks to how overwhelming love can leave us unable to express the depth of our feelings.
6. “Till this moment, I never knew myself.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth realises the truth about Darcy’s character and her own pride. Love here isn’t just romance—it’s self-discovery, sparked by a willingness to see beyond first impressions.
7. “My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.” — Mr. Darcy
Darcy’s second proposal is respectful, giving Elizabeth full choice. It shows how true love evolves—becoming as much about honoring the other’s will as expressing one’s own desires.
Witty Quotes from Pride and Prejudice
Sharp and clever, these lines reveal Austen’s wit. They’re some of the most entertaining Pride and Prejudice quotes still enjoyed today.
8. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” — Narrator
Austen’s iconic opening sets the novel’s satirical tone. It’s both a playful jab at societal matchmaking and an introduction to the story’s themes of wealth, marriage, and social expectations.
9. “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” — Mr. Darcy
This teasing remark reflects Darcy’s dry wit and hints at societal assumptions about women’s romantic tendencies—delivered with the kind of playful exaggeration Austen often used to critique gender norms.
10. “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth’s humor masks a sting of wounded pride. It’s a sharp observation on how personal offence can color our judgment—and how pride can cut both ways in relationships.
11. “I have not the pleasure of understanding you.” — Mr. Darcy
Polite on the surface, this is Austen’s artful version of “I don’t follow”—used to subtly signal disapproval while maintaining social decorum, a hallmark of her character interactions.
12. “You have delighted us long enough.” — Mr. Bennet
This dry dismissal is aimed at Mr. Collins, whose pompous manners have overstayed their welcome. It’s a masterclass in shutting down conversation with civility and finality.
13. “Obstinate, headstrong girl!” — Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Intended as an insult, this phrase has become a rallying cry for independent women. It underlines Elizabeth’s refusal to be intimidated by wealth or authority.
14. “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?” — Mr. Bennet
Beneath the humour lies an acceptance of human folly. Mr. Bennet recognises that gossip and gentle mockery are part of life—and sometimes even a source of amusement.
Memorable Mr. Darcy Quotes
From guarded pride to heartfelt love, these Pride and Prejudice quotes by Mr. Darcy show his transformation into Austen’s iconic romantic hero.
15. “My good opinion once lost is lost forever.” — Mr. Darcy
Darcy’s statement reveals his stubborn nature and high standards. It foreshadows the tension between him and Elizabeth, where pride and misjudgment must be overcome.
16. “I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding.” — Mr. Darcy
Here Darcy asserts confidence in his intellect, though not without irony. It’s a glimpse into his self-awareness, framed by his belief in reason and judgment.
17. “I am not such a fool as to ignore the worth of a woman of sense and worth.” — Mr. Darcy
Darcy acknowledges qualities in Elizabeth beyond beauty. This moment affirms Austen’s belief in valuing women for intelligence, wit, and moral strength over mere social advantages.
18. “I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.” — Mr. Darcy
A turning point for Darcy, this admission marks his growth. He recognises the gap between his intentions and actions—a step toward humility and change.
19. “Your reproof, so well applied, I shall never forget.” — Mr. Darcy
Darcy admits Elizabeth’s critique made a lasting impression. It’s proof that constructive criticism, when delivered honestly, can inspire even the proudest person to improve.
20. “I thought only of you.” — Mr. Darcy
A simple declaration, yet powerful. In a world of formal manners, Darcy’s focus on Elizabeth alone underscores the sincerity and singular depth of his affection.
Iconic Elizabeth Bennet Quotes
Elizabeth’s words reflect independence, intelligence, and humour, proving why she remains one of literature’s most admired heroines.
21. “I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth uses wit to challenge unrealistic societal standards for women’s accomplishments, turning Darcy’s comment into a sharp critique of such narrow definitions of worth.
22. “I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth asserts her right to choose her own path, rejecting the pressure to marry purely for wealth or status—a bold stance in her time.
23. “Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth insists on being treated as an equal, showing her belief in honest conversation over empty politeness, especially in matters that deeply affect her life.
24. “I could easily forgive your pride, if you had not mortified mine.” — Elizabeth Bennet
This retort shows Elizabeth’s blend of honesty and humour. She addresses both Darcy’s behaviour and her own wounded pride without shying away from the truth.
25. “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth values her independence fiercely, making it clear that fear of disapproval will never dictate her choices or beliefs.
26. “I dearly love a laugh.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Austen captures Elizabeth’s joy in simple pleasures, reminding us that a love of humour often signals resilience and an ability to see light in difficult times.
Famous Pride and Prejudice Quotes on Life and Society
These quotes explore society, manners, and life lessons, showcasing Austen’s sharp eye for human nature and social commentary.
27. “Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth advises focusing on positive memories, offering a gentle philosophy for happiness rooted in choosing what we hold onto from the past.
28. “A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.” — Caroline Bingley
This line pokes fun at letter-writing as a measure of skill, highlighting the social importance of correspondence in Austen’s world.
29. “There is nothing so bad as parting with one’s friends. One seems so forlorn without them.” — Mrs. Bennet
Even amid her dramatics, Mrs. Bennet captures a universal truth about the loneliness of separation from close companions.
30. “Loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable.” — Narrator
A sharp critique of the harsh moral double standards women faced, where reputation was often valued above truth or fairness.
31. “We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room.” — Mr. Darcy
Darcy’s self-deprecating honesty here is disarming. It also reveals how he and Elizabeth share a preference for meaningful over shallow conversation.
32. “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends.” — Mr. Darcy
This commitment to loyalty is one of Darcy’s most admirable qualities, contrasting his reputation for aloofness with genuine devotion to those he values.
33. “Do not be in a hurry, the right man will come at last.” — Jane Bennet
Jane’s gentle optimism offers reassurance against the rush to settle, echoing Austen’s theme of marrying for love rather than convenience.
34. “Selfishness must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure.” — Narrator
Austen’s wit shines in this humorous observation, balancing cynicism with a kind of resigned acceptance of human flaws.
35. “It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.” — Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth warns against stubbornness without careful judgment—a reminder to think deeply before forming unshakable opinions.
Why These Pride and Prejudice Quotes Still Resonate
The magic of Pride and Prejudice quotes lies in their timeless blend of insight, humor, and heart. Jane Austen’s characters wrestle with pride, prejudice, and vulnerability in ways that still feel relevant today.
Whether it’s the thrill of romance, the sting of witty banter, or the quiet wisdom tucked between the lines, these passages remind us that human nature hasn’t changed much in 200 years.
For more enduring literary works that have stood the test of time, explore our list of bestselling books of all time.
Final Thoughts
From declarations of love to clever put-downs, these Pride and Prejudice quotes prove why Austen’s work continues to inspire, entertain, and resonate. Her words invite us to laugh, think, and maybe even fall in love again. Which quotes are you favorites?
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