In “Pride and Prejudice,” Mr. Darcy’s initial arrogance and Elizabeth’s hasty judgments exemplify self-deception. Darcy’s pride blinds him to Elizabeth’s wit and intelligence, leading him to dismiss her based on social standing. Elizabeth, in turn, misinterprets his aloofness as rudeness, overlooking his social awkwardness. Both characters cling to first impressions, hindering genuine connection.

Their evolving understanding challenges societal expectations. Darcy, accustomed to deference, is forced to recognize Elizabeth’s independent spirit. Elizabeth, raised to value social climbing, learns to see beyond Darcy’s wealth to his character. This challenges the rigid social hierarchy and the idea of marriage based solely on status.

Ultimately, their journey from self-deception to understanding reinforces the novel’s themes of self-knowledge, the importance of looking beyond appearances, and the triumph of genuine connection over societal expectations.