"Sometimes the last person on earth you want to be with is the one person you can't be without."
Pride & Prejudice - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
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.
— Mr. Darcy
Context:
Darcy says this to Elizabeth during their second encounter in the fields at dawn, after Lady Catherine de Bourgh's failed attempt to intimidate Elizabeth. Encouraged by Elizabeth's defiance of his aunt, Darcy approaches her, and in the misty, dreamlike landscape, he finally makes his feelings known with vulnerability and utter devotion, leading to their engagement.
Meaning:
This is the climax of Darcy's transformation. The line, written for the film, encapsulates the depth and sincerity of his love. It is a complete surrender of his former pride, a raw and passionate declaration that stands in stark contrast to his insulting first proposal. It signifies that his love has completely overcome all his rational and social objections.
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.
— Elizabeth Bennet
Context:
Elizabeth delivers this scathing line in the pouring rain at Hunsford Parsonage, immediately after Darcy's arrogant proposal in which he details all the reasons he shouldn't love her. Shocked and insulted by his words and already believing him to be responsible for Jane's unhappiness and Wickham's misfortune, she unleashes her pent-up anger and disdain for him.
Meaning:
This is Elizabeth's powerful and cutting rejection of Darcy's first proposal. It represents the peak of her prejudice against him, as she articulates all the reasons for her animosity. The quote is a pivotal turning point, as its brutal honesty is the catalyst for Darcy's self-examination and change.
Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony, which is why I will end up an old maid.
— Elizabeth Bennet
Context:
Elizabeth says this in a conversation with her sisters and Charlotte Lucas early in the film. While discussing the marriage market and Mr. Bingley's arrival, Elizabeth expresses her firm belief that she will only marry for true, profound love, even if it means never marrying at all.
Meaning:
This quote succinctly establishes Elizabeth's core philosophy regarding marriage. It demonstrates her independent spirit and her romantic idealism, setting her apart from the more pragmatic views of her time, such as Charlotte Lucas's. It foreshadows the high standards she will hold for her future partner.
I'm 27 years old. I've no money and no prospects. I'm already a burden to my parents. And I'm frightened.
— Charlotte Lucas
Context:
Charlotte says this to Elizabeth to explain her shocking decision to accept Mr. Collins' proposal, just after Elizabeth had rejected him. This scene, improvised by Emma Thompson, highlights the different paths available to women and challenges Elizabeth's (and the audience's) judgment of Charlotte's choice.
Meaning:
This quote provides a stark, realistic counterpoint to Elizabeth's romanticism. It reveals the harsh reality for women of the era, for whom marriage was often a matter of survival and economic security rather than love. It is a moment of vulnerability that adds depth to Charlotte's character and justifies her seemingly cynical decision to marry Mr. Collins.