Original artwork, not a still
Pride and Prejudice · 1813
Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is Darcy at his most clinical, taking apart false modesty in front of a roomful of people who would rather be polite. The line shows the habit of judging others that Elizabeth will come to resent, and that Austen will make him unlearn. Quoted today by anyone who spots a humble-brag, long before the word existed.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Pride and PrejudiceShow the scene
Chapter 10 of the first volume of Pride and Prejudice (1813). It is an evening at Netherfield: Darcy is writing to his sister Georgiana while Caroline Bingley hovers and flatters, and Elizabeth Bennet, who has come to nurse her ill sister Jane, sits sewing nearby. Bingley laughs that he writes carelessly, and Elizabeth tells him his humility must disarm reproof. Darcy cuts in with this line, then tells Bingley he is really proud of his haste. Bingley drops the argument, and Darcy soon asks Elizabeth if she would like to dance a reel.
Sources (1)
- Pride and Prejudice, Project Gutenberg textVolume I, Chapter 10 (Netherfield letter-writing scene)Reference checked
Context reviewed
