Themes and Tone
Love stands as a central theme, especially through the relationships of Darcy and Lizzy, and Jane and Bingley. The novel showcases what successful marriages look like compared to problematic ones like Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's. You can also compare these relationships to the Gardiners, who represent a healthy partnership.
Reputation drives much of the story's conflict. Characters judge each other based on reputation alone, creating the main tension between Wickham, Lizzy, and Darcy. Social class works alongside reputation, dictating behavior and marriage expectations throughout the novel.
The higher a character's social standing, the more judgmental they tend to be. Lady Catherine and the early version of Darcy exemplify this, while the Gardiners (Mrs. Bennet's sister and her husband) represent more open-minded attitudes despite their lower social position.
Quick insight: The novel's comic, light tone provides a clever disguise for its serious social commentary. Austen uses humor to make her criticisms of society more palatable!