How is hypocrisy shown in Pride and Prejudice?

Answer 1

There are several instances of hypocrisy in Pride and Prejudice, some of which are obvious, and some subtle.

Perhaps the most obvious instances of hypocrisy involve Mr. Collins. When he is not reminding people of his status as a member of the clergy, he is talking admiringly of things that cost a lot of money.

A very good example of hypocrisy that might escape many people is the fun the Bingley sisters make of the Gardners and the Lucas family because their fortunes were made in trade, implying a relatively low status. They are hypocritically ignoring the fact that their own fortune was made in trade.

One of the best examples of hypocrisy is Darcy's attitude toward Elizabeth in the beginning of the book. He regard her as beneath his station, and therefore not eligible even to consider as a mate. This is partly because she has no money. But it is also because her and sister are so ill bred; yet they are no worse than Lady Catherine. One of the things that shakes him loose from this attitude might be that he is forced to review it in light of Lydia's elopement. Some might regard this merely as a scandal, but Darcy knows it was a scandal his own family barely escaped by chance. It would have been very hypocritical if he had held the elopement against Elizabeth, and the fact he did not fall to this feeling speaks highly of his character.

I would also mention Caroline Bingley, who is to me the embodiment of the two-faced false friend. She praises Jane as long as this suits her plans, then she discards (and later coldly ignores) her like a used napkin, sending her an intentionally careless goodbye letter.

Answer 2

Hypocrisy in "Pride and Prejudice" is primarily displayed through characters like Mr. Collins, who pretends to have genuine feelings for Lizzy when proposing to her, but actually seeks social advancement through marriage. Lady Catherine de Bourgh also exemplifies hypocrisy by expecting others to follow societal conventions while not adhering to them herself. This theme exposes the disparity between appearances and reality in the society of the novel.