Does Elizabeth make decisions based on logic in Pride and Prejudice?

Answer 1

Elizabeth's tries to make decisions that are rational, or based on logic, but is not always able to do so.

One problem is that the premises she works on are sometimes wrong, and so she does not always reach the proper conclusion. She decides Darcy is arrogant and unkind based partly on her own overhearing him saying that she was not handsome enough to tempt him, and that he would not dance. But she also bases her attitude toward Darcy on lies told by Wickham.

Another problem she has is that her observations are often subjective and wrong. She trusts Wickham because of his appearance. What she should have done was to question his actions. Late in the book, she realizes that Wickham's statements about Darcy were inappropriately told to her, and that many of Wickham's other statements or actions exceeded propriety. She should have been more guarded about judging him, and realizes she had been taken in. In retrospect, she realizes that thoughts she believed were rational were actually not.

Answer 2

Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice often relies on her own judgment and reasoning, which may incorporate elements of both logic and emotion. While she values rational thought, she is also influenced by her feelings and personal experiences when making decisions. Overall, Elizabeth's approach to decision-making is characterized by a combination of logic and emotional intelligence.