Pride
Pride can be both a good thing and a bad thing, it all depends on how you define it.
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Pride comes from the French word, "prud" meaning "excellent, splendid, arrogant, haughty"
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The Webster dictionary defines pride as “A feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by others.” This is the healthy type of pride also known as authentic pride.
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The second definition is closer to what we commonly think of as pride. “A feeling that you are more important or better than other people." This type of pride is also referred to as hubristic pride.
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Many characters in Pride and Prejudice apply have a bit of both types of pride. In my opinion Elizabeth leans more toward positive pride, while Darcy leans toward negative pride.
Positive & Negative
Psychology of Pride
Psychologist John Amodeo states that pride is usually driven by poor self-worth and shame. Prideful people look down on others to mask their own flaws.
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Pride also inhibits human connection. It prevents a person from affirming their own human dignity and the dignity of other people in order to see other people as equals.
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Additionally, pride prevents a person from acknowledging their human vulnerabilities. When someone firmly believes they are always right it makes intimate human relationships nearly impossible.
"I would always rather be happy than dignified."