“Opposites attract” may be a modern adage, but the concept has been in many incarnations throughout history. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are presented as opposite dynamics. To understand one you need to know the other. One of the most eloquent interpretations is the philosophy of "concordia discors", or discordant harmony. According to this philosophy, the universe is made up of opposing entities. The universe, in seeking balance, must therefore pair opposing entities to create balance. In her novel Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen weaves this philosophy into a social commentary in which an entire society suffers from a fixation on mating. Very opposite temperaments exist in its four most important characters, Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley. However, by observing the interactions between these characters, Austen reveals an underlying harmony in their relationships. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Early on, Austen highlights the differences between sisters Jane and Elizabeth through comparisons of temperament. These differences become quite clear when both characters highlight the same event, as their opinions and personalities present strikingly different dynamics. After both attending a ball, Jane and Elizabeth compare impressions of the guests, including Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. A disparity between the two immediately appears. Jane, who "never sees a flaw in anyone", is surprised to have received the compliment of being asked to dance twice by Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth, however, was not surprised. “Compliments always take you by surprise, but never me,” (11) he observes. This is due in part to Elizabeth's "speed" (2), as her father says. The dynamic carried out by Elizabeth is analytical, while Jane's is more receptive and open. “I wish I were not hasty in censoring anyone, but I always say what I think,” (11) says Jane. Yet Elizabeth accuses Jane of "affection of whiteness" (11). Elizabeth immediately notices the "follies and foolishness of others" (11). Elizabeth's personality may seem inquiring and critical. Austen notes that this characteristic is not balanced by "self-attention" (11). Austen understands that a friendship is greater than the sum of its parts. His characters work best when they are in the presence of someone who possesses what they individually lack. Elizabeth thus compensates for Jane's lack of insight. Jane compensates for Elizabeth's overtly analytical mindset. Austen illustrates a parallel relationship in that of Darcy and Bingley. The friendship is strong "despite great opposition of character" (12), just like that between Jane and Elizabeth. Bingley's temperament features "openness" and "ductility of temperament" (12). Shortly after arriving at the ball, "Bingley had made acquaintance with all the principal people, had danced every ball, was angry that the ball had closed so early" (7), and was contemplating residence in the city. “No arrangement could offer greater contrast” (12) than Darcy's, Austen observes. Although "intelligent", Darcy is "haughty, reserved and meticulous". Unlike his friend, he refuses to dance and resigns himself to being a wallpaper. When asked to dance with Elizabeth, he deems her "not beautiful enough" (8). This further illustrates the gap. Darcy pays exactly the opposite of the compliment Bingley pays Jane. Bingley is presented as a social butterfly, who is "sure to be liked wherever he goes" (12), while with Darcy it is the opposite case..