Why is the book titled Pride and Prejudice?

The book’s title, Pride and Prejudice, refers to the two flaws that shape Elizabeth Bennet’s and Mr. Darcy’s misunderstandings of each other. Darcy’s pride comes from his wealth, social rank, and belief in his own judgment, while Elizabeth’s prejudice grows from her quick first impressions and wounded feelings after Darcy insults her at the Netherfield ball.

Darcy initially appears “the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world,” and he openly dismisses Elizabeth as not pretty enough for him. His class consciousness makes him look down on the Bennets and interfere with Jane and Bingley’s relationship. Even when he proposes to Elizabeth, he speaks of “her inferiority” and the “family obstacles” he had struggled to overcome. His love is genuine, but his pride still shapes the way he speaks and acts.

Elizabeth’s prejudice develops in response. Because Darcy insults her early on, she becomes eager to believe the worst about him. She accepts Wickham’s story almost immediately because it matches what she already thinks about Darcy. Later, she realizes how badly her judgment failed her. After reading Darcy’s letter, she admits: “I [...] have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away.” She recognizes that her confidence in her own discernment blinded her to the truth.

The novel’s title implies that pride and prejudice are connected. Darcy’s pride encourages Elizabeth’s prejudice, and Elizabeth’s prejudice strengthens Darcy’s defensiveness and reserve. Both characters must confront their own flaws before they can love each other honestly. By the end, Darcy learns humility, while Elizabeth learns to question her assumptions. Their marriage becomes possible only after both abandon the habits of judgment that first kept them apart.