As one could probably deduce from the title; Pride and Prejudice reflects on two major character traits (and possibly flaws). In the previous post I commented on Pride, particularly its manifestation in the character of Mr. Darcy.
While Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet both display pride and prejudice, in the first volume of the novel Elizabeth is far more prejudiced than Darcy seems to be.
While there are several examples of Elizabeth's prejudice there is one key example of being blinded by her prejudice. Her inability to listen to what Miss Caroline Bingley, Mr Bingley (indirectly through Jane), and Jane had to say about how trustworthy Wickham really is.
She goes to such lengths as to hold Wickham's word so close to truth, that not only did she dislike Darcy because of it, but disliked Mr. Bingley by association (89).
I admire how delicately Austen set up the situation. The reader is set up to trust Wickham and despise Darcy. However, once the reader knows the conclusions there are hints even in these early encounter's that point to Wickham's true character.
Elizabeth is prejudiced throughout the novel. Prejudiced against Darcy's pride, Darcy's wealth, and Darcy's quiet demeanour. All of these prejudices lead Elizabeth to be blind to the flaws of others, and even the flaw of her own prejudice.
