Jane Austen has given us some of the best romance literary works of all time, and there is no doubt that Pride and Prejudice is her most iconic piece.
Even though the novel has been adapted into multiple movies and a miniseries, Pride and Prejudice 2005 remain by far the greatest adaptation. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are portrayed by Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen, respectively, who have unmatched chemistry on-screen.
If you are feeling sentimental, you can watch Pride and Prejudice on Netflix today and revisit the classic masterpiece.
The 2005 adaptation was a literary and visual masterpiece with popular quotes that are still remembered today. Here are a few iconic Pride and Prejudice quotes that are unforgettable.
Elizabeth: “Do you dance Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy: “Not if I can help it”
The first conversation that Elizabeth had with Mr. Darcy during the party. It shows how different both are in terms of personalities.
Darcy: So, what do you recommend to encourage affection?
Elizabeth: Dancing. Even if one’s partner is barely tolerable.”
Elizabeth hears Darcy’s comment on her, and when asked what she thinks should be used to encourage affection as opposed to poetry, she comments so Darcy can know that she heard him before.
Darcy: “I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen women in all my acquaintance who are truly accomplished.”
Elizabeth has to stay at Mr. Bingley’s when her sister gets sick. There she gets to talk to Mr. Darcy who gives his ideas on accomplished women, to which Elizabeth says that she wonders if he knows any women who fit his criteria.
Perhaps the funniest scene in the movie was when all the Bennet sisters come to visit Mr. Bingley to ask for their sister.
“A Mrs. Bennet, a Miss Bennet, a Miss Bennet, and a Miss Bennet, sir.”
Caroline Bingley: Oh for heaven’s sake, are we to receive every Bennet in the country.”
The first dinner with Mr. Collins and Bennet was a masterpiece with hilarious quotes. Poor Mr. Collins was met with witty Elizabeth and her remarks about his manner of speech, to which he said he tries to make it as natural as possible.
Elizabeth: “Believe me, no one would suspect your manners to be rehearsed.”
The next day after the ball at Bingley’s, Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth to which she declines politely. However, he does not take her rejection seriously, thinking women are raised like that and saying yes would seem too forwards. Elizabeth sets him straight that her decision is final.
Elizabeth: “You could not make me happy, and I’m convinced I’m the last woman in the world who could make you happy… I am not the sort of female to torment a respectable man.”
Elizabeth goes to meet Charlotte and Mr. Collins where she is introduced to Lady Catherine and encounters Mr. Darcy. Lady Catherine is surprised that she grew up without a governess and inquires about her age.
Elizabeth: “With three younger sisters grown up, Your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own to it.”
Darcy: “I love you. Most ardently.”
Upon seeing Elizabeth again, Mr. Darcy confesses his feelings to Elizabeth. However, upon knowing that he was behind the falling out between Mr. Bingley and her sister, she rejected him.
Elizabeth: “From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry.”
When visiting Pemberly, Mr. Darcy invites Elizabeth and her Aunt and Uncle for dinner. She says to his sister that Darcy had to put up with her playing piano once, to which he says she plays quite well.
Elizabeth: “Oh, “quite well” is not “very well.” I’m satisfied.”
After hearing that Darcy and Bingley are back in the village, Lady Catherine visits Elizabeth and asks her about her relationship with Darcy.
Elizabeth: “You have insulted me in every possible way and can now have nothing further to say.”
Perhaps the best scene in the movie; Darcy visits Elizabeth in the fields to ask her about her feelings, and if they have changed or not.
Darcy: If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I would have to tell you, you have bewitched me body and soul. And I love…I love…I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.”
These are my favorite Pride and Prejudice quotes, what are yours? List your own favorite for comparison and discussion in the comment section here. Make sure to watch Pride and Prejudice and revisit the classic drama. If you like classic movies, you can also watch The Greats Gatsby.
