Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is widely regarded as a literary masterpiece, a timeless classic that has captivated readers for generations. But hidden beneath the elegant society and romantic entanglements, Austen sprinkles in some delightful humor and wit. These funny quotes add a touch of light-heartedness to the novel, providing readers with moments of laughter amidst the drama and romance.
One of the most memorable characters in Pride and Prejudice is undoubtedly Mrs. Bennet, the mother of five daughters who is determined to see them all married off to wealthy suitors. Her hilarious and sometimes absurd comments often leave readers in stitches. One such gem is when she exclaims, “A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!” Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with marrying off her daughters is both comical and relatable, as she expresses the universal desire for financial security and social status.
Another source of amusement in the novel is the character of Mr. Collins, a clergyman who is both pompous and oblivious to social cues. His attempts at flattery and self-importance often result in unintentional hilarity. One of his most amusing lines is when he tells Elizabeth Bennet, “I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish.” Mr. Collins’ over-the-top mannerisms and self-aggrandizement make him a comical figure, providing readers with endless amusement.
Funny Quotes from Pride and Prejudice
“I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success.” – Mr. Wickham
“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.” – Mr. Bennet
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” – Caroline Bingley
“I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!” – Elizabeth Bennet
“We are all fools in love.” – Charlotte Lucas
“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.” – Mr. Bennet
“A lady’s imagination is very rapid. It jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” – Mr. Darcy
“It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does.” – Mr. Darcy
“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
“You have no compassion for my poor nerves.” – Mrs. Bennet
“I am excessively diverted.” – Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Witty Remarks and Humorous Dialogue
Pride and Prejudice is not only known for its literary brilliance and romantic plot, but also for its witty dialogue and humorous remarks. Jane Austen was a master of satire and irony, and she effortlessly weaves these elements into the conversations between her characters. Here are some of the most memorable and funny quotes from the novel:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – This iconic opening line sets the tone for the novel and introduces the satirical tone Austen uses throughout.
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” – This quote from Caroline Bingley highlights her pretentiousness and her attempts to impress Mr. Darcy.
“You have delighted us long enough. You have insulted me in every possible method. I must beg to return to the house.” – Mr. Bennet’s sarcastic response to his wife’s constant nagging and complaining.
“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in turn?” – Mr. Bennet’s witty retort to his daughter Elizabeth’s criticism of his actions.
“If a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out.” – Mr. Darcy’s unintentionally humorous remark when trying to convince Elizabeth that he is not interested in her.
“We are all fools in love.” – Charlotte Lucas’ pragmatic and humorous observation about the nature of love and relationships.
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Mr. Darcy’s famous and somewhat awkward proposal to Elizabeth, which is a mixture of sincerity and unintentional humor.
These witty remarks and humorous dialogues are what make Pride and Prejudice such a delight to read. They provide moments of levity amidst the serious themes of class, marriage, and societal expectations, and showcase Austen’s talent for blending comedy with social commentary.
So, the next time you read Pride and Prejudice, keep an eye out for these hilarious lines and enjoy the clever banter between the characters!
Laugh-out-loud Moments from Mr. Collins
Mr. Collins, the pompous and hilariously clueless cousin of Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, provides readers with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Here are some of the most memorable ones:
1. “My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.” – Mr. Collins’s delusion that he and Charlotte are a perfect match is both absurd and comical.
2. “I flatter myself that my present overtures are highly commendable.” – Mr. Collins’s self-importance and belief that his marriage proposal to Elizabeth is a great honor is laughable.
3. “I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of Hunsford.” – Mr. Collins’s constant mentioning of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and his exaggerated gratitude for her patronage is rather ridiculous.
4. “I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home.” – Mr. Collins’s insistence that he is not romantic, while simultaneously proposing to multiple women, is comedic irony at its best.
5. “I hope, my dear, that you have ordered a good dinner today, because I have been brought up to love a good dinner, and I doubt not that it is equally agreeable to her ladyship.” – Mr. Collins’s obliviousness to the fact that his small talk about dinner is not the most appropriate topic of conversation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh is hilarious.
6. “I cannot bear to think that they should have all this estate. If it was not for the entail, I should not mind it.” – Mr. Collins’s selfishness and disregard for the well-being of Elizabeth’s family is both amusing and galling.
7. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” – While not uttered by Mr. Collins himself, his ridiculous adherence to this widely known “truth” perfectly captures his shallow and marriage-obsessed nature.
These laugh-out-loud moments from Mr. Collins and his absurd behavior contribute to the overall humor and satire in Pride and Prejudice, making it a timeless classic filled with comedic moments.
Ridiculous Statements from Mrs. Bennet
Mr. Bennet’s wife, Mrs. Bennet, is known for her frequently outrageous and comical statements. Here are some of her most ridiculous quotes from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice:
| “Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!” |
| “You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves.” |
| “Can you not all imagine, at our time of life, what a complete and delightful existence it must appear?” |
| “To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ancles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! What could she mean by it? It seems to me to shew an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country-town indifference to decorum.” |
| “To think it more probable that Mr. Bingley should have been influenced by a mixture of gratitude and vanity, instead of real regard.” |
| “Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are known, you must be respected and valued.” |
Mrs. Bennet’s ridiculous remarks and exaggerated behavior provide a great deal of amusement throughout the novel, highlighting the comedic aspects of Pride and Prejudice.
Lively Banter between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the lively banter between the two main characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. From their first meeting, their conversations are filled with wit, sarcasm, and quick repartee.
- “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
- “I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
Elizabeth’s quick wit and feisty nature often clash with Darcy’s seriousness and reserved demeanor. Their verbal sparring is both entertaining and indicative of the underlying tension between them.
- “I am determined to hate you for all eternity.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “And I, please you, never resolve to do anything, which I can contrive to do.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
- “You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner.” – Elizabeth Bennet
- “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.” – Fitzwilliam Darcy
Their banter continues throughout the book, reflecting their changing relationship and growing mutual respect. It is through their witty exchanges that we see the true depth of their feelings for each other and the eventual resolution of their pride and prejudices. Austen’s masterful use of dialogue adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the novel, making it a timeless classic filled with unforgettable characters and entertaining interactions.
Entertaining Exchanges at Social Gatherings
Social gatherings in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice are known for their witty and entertaining exchanges. Here are some humorous quotes that highlight the lively conversations that take place.
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“I am excessively diverted.” – Mrs. Bennet |
Upon hearing some gossip about a neighboring family, Mrs. Bennet expresses her delight in a comical manner. |
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“If a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavor to conceal it, he must find it out.” – Mr. Darcy |
Mr. Darcy delivers this sarcastic remark during a conversation about the signals women send to indicate their interest in a man. |
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“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?” – Mr. Bennet |
Mr. Bennet shares this humorous observation on the nature of human entertainment and how it often involves laughing at others. |
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“We are all fools in love.” – Charlotte Lucas |
Charlotte’s remark about the foolishness that can accompany romantic feelings adds a lighthearted touch to a serious topic. |
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“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.” – Mr. Darcy |
Mr. Darcy delivers this witty response to Mr. Bingley’s admiration for a woman’s accomplishments, highlighting his own disdain for superficiality. |
These entertaining exchanges showcase the satirical and humorous elements that Jane Austen infused into her classic novel, providing readers with memorable and enjoyable moments throughout the story.
Amusing Observations from Mr. Bennet
Mr. Bennet, the witty and sarcastic patriarch of the Bennet family, has a knack for making amusing observations that provide comic relief throughout Pride and Prejudice. Here are some of his most memorable and hilarious lines:
- “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”
- “You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.”
- “I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.”
- “She is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else.”
- “An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”
- “I have not the pleasure of understanding you.”
- “So, Lizzy, you are not a bit sorry for not going to London for the season? Just the tiniest bit?”
- “No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I’ve always thought you to be a sensible girl. You really should have gone to London, for how can you acquire a husband if you do not put yourself in the way of meeting one?”
Mr. Bennet’s dry wit and humorous observations not only provide entertainment but also offer insight into the dynamics of the Bennet family. His remarks often highlight the absurdities of society and the eccentricities of its members, making him one of the most memorable characters in the novel.
Comical Misunderstandings and Mistaken Impressions
In Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” comical misunderstandings and mistaken impressions play a significant role in the story. These moments of confusion and misinterpretation often lead to hilarious situations and humorous dialogue. Here are some memorable quotes that highlight these comical misunderstandings:
- “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – This famous opening line sets the stage for many misinterpretations and false assumptions throughout the novel.
- “He had been some days in town before he was able to discover them; but he had something to direct his search, which was more than WE had; and the consciousness of this was another reason for his resolving to follow us.” – Mr. Collins misunderstands the intentions of Mr. Darcy, leading to a comical pursuit.
- “I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding– certainly too little for the convenience of the world.” – Mr. Darcy’s pride and perceived arrogance create a mistaken impression of his character.
- “In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.” – Mr. Collins assumes that marrying a gentleman automatically elevates his social status.
- “The country! I wonder I should ever go back there again! It is a country that I have no longer any ties to.” – Mr. Wickham’s exaggeration and false claims about his attachment to the countryside provide comic relief.
These examples demonstrate how misunderstandings and mistaken impressions can lead to amusing situations and add a touch of humor to the otherwise serious themes in “Pride and Prejudice.” Jane Austen’s wit and ability to portray these comical moments contribute to the enduring popularity of the novel.
Hilarious Narration by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is not only known for its witty dialogue and sharp observations, but also for its hilarious narration. Austen’s clever remarks and ironic tone add humor to the story and make it an enjoyable read for both fans of romance and comedy.
Throughout the novel, Austen uses her unique narrative style to poke fun at the traditions and customs of the time. She often satirizes the social norms and expectations placed on young women, as well as the ridiculous behavior of some of the characters.
One example of Austen’s humorous narration can be seen in the way she describes Mr. Collins, the pompous and obsequious clergyman who proposes to Elizabeth Bennet. Austen writes, “Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society; the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father.” Here, Austen’s use of understatement and irony highlights Mr. Collins’ lack of intelligence and self-awareness.
Another instance of Austen’s comedic narration is when she describes Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with marrying off her daughters. Austen writes, “Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied, and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding-clothes, she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Netherfield in the course of three or four months.” The exaggerated emphasis on materialistic concerns showcases Austen’s humorous critique of society’s focus on wealth and status.
Overall, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is filled with hilarious narration that adds depth and entertainment to the story. Her sharp wit and clever observations make the novel a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by readers today.