Where is the symbolism?

At the beginning of the novel, Mary describes "pride" as "our opinion of ourselves" (14). Elizabeth, however, is now "proud that in a cause of compassion and honour, [Darcy] had been able to get the better of himself" (243-244). I think "pride" in another is different than the "pride" that Mary describes. Pride in another has a positive connotation, but pride in oneself has a negative connotation. I think the difference is the reason for the pride. One would probably not be proud of someone else for his or her high social class. I think that pride in oneself and prejudice often go hand in hand, while pride in another and prejudice do not. I am trying to decide if Elizabeth is either proud, prejudiced, or both. I could argue that her prejudice against Darcy's higher social class created her dislike of him. On the other hand, her pride prevented her from marrying Darcy and Mr. Collins.

For my paper: Darcy treated the Gardiners with respect, which he might not have done before he fell in love Elizabeth. Love transcends both pride in one's own social class and prejudice against others in lower classes. I have been trying to look for symbols throughout Pride and Prejudice, but I just cannot find any. I cannot think of any recurring objects besides a horse and carriage and the estates. My only idea is that people's estates could reflect the people that own them. Darcy is a great person, and he has a grea house. The Bennet's have a crappy house, but Mr. Bennet is not really a crappy person. Also, Lady Catherine has a magnificent house, but her personality is terrible. Elizabeth did comment that Darcy's furniture was neither "gaudy nor uselessly fine," implying that Lady Catherine's furniture was both. Maybe her personality is "gaudy." Lady Catherine is not as great as she appears.

Austen does a great job creating emotions in the reader, or at least in me. Mrs. Bennet greets Bingley with a "degree of civility which made her daughters ashamed" (250). Elizabeth is "in such misery of shame" that the "first wish of [her] heart...is never more to be in company with" her mother (251-252). I was actually getting annoyed with Mrs. Bennet as I read about her overzealous treatment of Mr. Bingley. Does she think she is helping Jane's relationship by acting so obnoxiously? Probably, but she drives me crazy.