Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice Mr. Wickham Quotes
"It has often led him to be liberal and generous, to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride—for he is very proud of what his father was—have done this. Not to appear to disgrace his family, to degenerate from the popular qualities, or lose the influence of the Pemberley House, is a powerful motive. He has also brotherly pride, which, with some brotherly affection, makes him a very kind and careful guardian of his sister, and you will hear him generally cried up as the most attentive and best of brothers." (16.38-40)
Even Wickham admits that Darcy's pride has some good characteristics: he's got family pride, which means that he's careful not to do anything that would disgrace his father. Gee. It's a shame Wickham doesn't have a little bit of that, too.
"His pride never deserts him; but with the rich he is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable—allowing something for fortune and figure." (16.47)
There's that word "liberal" associated with being just, sincere, and rational—all the qualities that are exactly the opposite of being prejudiced and refusing to see the world and people as they actually are.