Loading…
GCSE English Literature · key term
A high opinion of oneself, which may become an exaggerated sense of superiority over others.
Used by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas
Paper 1
An excessively high opinion of oneself. In Darcy’s case, pride in his family, wealth and judgement initially encourages contempt for others.
Revise: Mr DarcyAusten places tenderness and pride together to expose the contradiction: he wants her love while telling her that she ought to be beneath his notice.
A high opinion of oneself, which may become an exaggerated belief in one’s importance, abilities or superiority.
Treat pride and prejudice as faults shared by Elizabeth and Darcy, rather than assigning one fault to each.
Either question: distinguish a character’s claim from Austen’s judgement. Test Darcy’s early defence of pride against his later admission of selfishness.
Distinguish a character’s opinion from Austen’s presentation of it: Charlotte’s defence of Darcy’s pride is not automatically Austen’s verdict.
Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.
Paper 2
Revise: Pride and prejudiceIn Pride and Prejudice, Austen explores how people’s opinions of themselves affect their judgements of others. Pride is a high opinion of oneself; prejudice is a judgement formed before sufficient evidence has been considered. They become connected when someone is too proud of their judgement to recognise that it might be wrong.
Paper 1
A high opinion of oneself or one’s importance; it can mean justified self-respect or an exaggerated sense of superiority.
Revise: Pride and prejudiceIn Pride and Prejudice, Austen explores how people mistake their feelings and assumptions for reliable knowledge. Darcy initially takes his wealth and family standing as grounds for superiority. Elizabeth trusts her intelligence and ability to read character.
Component 2
An exaggerated sense of personal importance or superiority. In Pride and Prejudice, Darcy’s pride initially leads him to undervalue people outside his wealthy family circle.
Revise: Mr DarcyMr Fitzwilliam Darcy’s development connects the novel’s love story with its examination of pride, prejudice and moral responsibility. Initially, he behaves as though his wealth and family background entitle him to look down on others. Elizabeth’s rejection forces him to reconsider that assumption.
A person’s high opinion of their own qualities or importance. In Austen’s novel, pride can become harmful when it prevents self-examination or respect for others.
A high opinion of one's own worth or importance, which can become an unwillingness to acknowledge faults or respect others.
