Pride and Prejudice Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Their visit did not continue long after the question and answer above mentioned; and while Mr. Darcy was attending them to their carriage Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person, behaviour, and dress. But Georgiana would not join her. Her brother's recommendation was enough to ensure her favour; his judgement could not err. (45.12)

Now, this is how to do family: Georgiana agrees with her brother's every opinion. If only our brother felt the same way. (To be fair, Darcy is actually right about this one.)

Quote #8

"Not so hasty, if you please. I have by no means done. To all the objections I have already urged, I have still another to add. I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all; that the young man's marrying her was a patched-up business, at the expence of your father and uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew's sister? Is her husband, is the son of his late father's steward, to be his brother? Heaven and earth! —of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?" (56.63)

We forgive you for getting a little confused with all these uncles and nephews. We're not saying family doesn't matter, but Lady Catherine really seems to be taking it a step too far. It's like she thinks she's going to be polluted by being very, very, very distantly related to Wickham.

Quote #9

Kitty, to her very material advantage, spent the chief of her time with her two elder sisters. In society so superior to what she had generally known, her improvement was great. She was not of so ungovernable a temper as Lydia; and, removed from the influence of Lydia's example, she became, by proper attention and management, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. From the further disadvantage of Lydia's society she was of course carefully kept, and though Mrs. Wickham frequently invited her to come and stay with her, with the promise of balls and young men, her father would never consent to her going. (61.4)

Family can drag you down, so here's a nice example of it actually lifting someone up. By spending time with the right sisters (Jane and Lizzy), Kitty becomes a little more tolerable. (But notice that she doesn't actually gain any positive character trains—just becomes "less" annoying.)