“Pride and Prejudice,” Austen’s biting social critique, highlights the follies of vanity through its lead characters, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. At the beginning of the novel, both characters hold themselves in high esteem and believe themselves to be better than their counterparts. Lizzy is proud of her wit and judgment and considers herself above the futile customs of the gentry class. Darcy deems people in society to be one-dimensional, selfish beings functioning solely to climb the hierarchy of class.

As they interact with each other, their existing ideas about themselves and society start being challenged. Elizabeth reconsiders her judgment of Darcy as rude and aloof as she learns more about his shy demeanor and careful character. Darcy is forced to look beyond his idea of a proper, “accomplished” woman as he encounters Elizabeth’s free-spiritedness and original wit. Their characters act as mirrors to each other, reflecting their own self-deception.

In the end, their self-reflection and assessment lead them to overcome their own pride and prejudices, resulting in the ever-beloved romantic union.