Reputation shows the social circle of the elite in England. The Bennett family has a reputation for a crazy mother, and undisciplined father which hinders the daughters’ chances at marriage. Austen’s message relating to this theme is that people act accordingly to how they want others to view them. Sometimes this human nature is positive motivation, and other times it may hinder one's ability to look past themselves or focus on anything other than their own image.
First Impressions was the original name of the novel because the effect of judging others based on initial appearances and interactions is the driving force for the hatred between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. First impressions also lead Elizabeth to trust Wickham, and Jane to trust Ms. Bingley. Austen warns her readers through this major theme to allow ample opportunity to get to know someone before trusting or distrusting them.
Class Conflict is another contributing factor to Elizabeth and Darcy’s conflict. Everyone agrees they could never work out because Darcy is much higher in social rankings than the Bennetts. Austen uses this theme as a satirical view of English society. She mocks the false pride of the wealthy, and their ridiculous actions based on fabricated superiority as human beings.
Pride is shown in Elizabeth’s recurrent denial of possibly being wrong. Pride is also the reason Darcy convinces Bingley to abandon Netherfield and Jane, to keep from getting hurt or possibly being embarrassed. Austen challenges that when people release their pride, their eyes may be opened to their own imperfections and inspire compassion for others.
Prejudice relates closely to first impressions. Each involve broken relations due to unfounded conclusions. Prejudice is relevant to society in Austen’s era and not any less so to the society of today. Initial thoughts and opinions on people are generally helpful. However Austen warns to give ample opportunity to know someone before making early judgements concrete.
Family is portrayed in Elizabeth’s relationship to her parents and sisters. Also the Gardiners play a major role in the theme of family, helping the Bennetts out even when they may not deserve it. Austen uses the theme of family in a comical way to highlight the ridiculous antics that sometimes occur within, and the inevitable forgiveness and love families share anyway.
Marriage in Austen’s day was the only chance women had at a successful life. Especially for fathers who had less fortune, the daughters must marry well in order to be taken care of because they would get no inheritance or claim at their father’s household. Marriage was the most important part of raising a child, that is why Mrs. Bennett is obsessive about the issue. The theme of marriage in Pride and Prejudice is in some instances simply an unfortunate fact of life, while other times such as for Jane and Elizabeth, true love becomes their saving grace and source of happiness.
Gender and Women's Roles also relates to the theme of marriage. Women were expected to be in the home, with a proper education of music and art rather than science or math. Austen satirically portrays the ugly view of society in her time: that women should not think or act independently like Elizabeth. They are just silly girls like Kitty, whose purpose in life was to amount to no more than a housewife and men’s entertainment.