How Prejudice Drives the Plot

It is not a surprise that the concept of prejudice is a central theme, given the title of this novel. What is interesting, though, is how the theme of prejudice is a main driving force for the plot of the novel as a whole. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, prejudice is classically defined as a preconceived judgment without ample information. This definition of prejudice can be applied throughout the novel in order to show how the prejudice of certain characters moves the plot. 

The most notably prejudiced character in this novel is Elizabeth Bennet. From the very beginning, she has shown actions and sentiments of judging someone based upon their external impressions instead of judging them based on their actions and getting to know them further. A prime example of this is her quick judgment of Wickham. Externally, Wickham was described as a very handsome, endearing, and mostly agreeable person. Elizabeth is prejudiced by these favorable traits and this blinds her from the real, deceiving qualities that Wickham possesses in reality. She is fooled by his seemingly trusting nature, inevitably allowing her to take his word. Elizabeth’s willingness to believe Wickham without any real reason develops the conflict between Elizabeth and Darcy even further, which in turn helps develop the plot. Interestingly, Elizabeth even acknowledges her misconceptions concerning Wickham as she says, “As to his real character, had information been in her power, she had never felt a wish of enquiring. His countenance, voice, and manner, had established him at once in the possession of every virtue. She tried to recollect some instance of goodness, some distinguished trait of integrity or benevolence, that might rescue him from the attacks of Mr. Darcy; or at least, by the predominance of virtue, atone for those casual errors, under which she would endeavor to class, what Mr. Darcy had described as the idleness and vice of many years' continuance. But no such recollection befriended her” (Austen 180). 

Elizabeth is shocked to discover that she had been deceived by someone that she considered very trustworthy and honest. This shows that both her initial prejudices concerning Wickham and the realization that she was indeed being prejudiced against Wickham serve as catalysts for the continuation of the novel and plot as a whole. Without these two vital details, there would have been no ending to Darcy and Elizabeth’s story. It is at this point that she begins to see Darcy in a not-so-negative light and begins to become less prejudiced towards him, even if this change is very gradual and small. It still prompts readers to understand the role of prejudice in the novel and how it is important for the development of the story as a whole.