Theme

A major theme of Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the separation of social class. Analyzing the characters, one can clearly distinguish between the classes of the families. In general, the more wealthy characters act more aloof, while the middle class or poorer characters seem more down to earth. Take, for instance, Jane and Miss Bingley. Jane is clearly one of the nicest and most well-regarded women in the story, while Miss Bingley is more conceited and less tolerable of other people. She is also more engulfed in drama, often gossiping about Jane and her family. Mrs. Bennet, however, is increasingly concerned with the status of her family and the quality of the husbands that her daughters end up with. For instance, Mrs. Bennet noticed the difference between Collins and Bingley and their wealth saying that the worth of Collins, who was poorer and less known, was "eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield" (Austen, 82).
In addition to characterization, class is also defined by the location of each family's home.  For instance, the poorer Bennets live in the city while the more wealthy Bingley family resides in the country. At times, even, Miss Bingley makes comments about how Elizabeth and her sisters don't belong in the country because of their lack of sophistication. This distinguishing between class is present throughout the novel.