Known as the classic in modern literature, Jane Austen’s novel of manners Pride and Prejudice follows the character development of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, who learns about the consequences of judgements and preconceived notions in her pursuit of love and marriage. Throughout Elizabeth’s journey, Austen skillfully depicts the life of a middle class woman in the Victorian era and how she navigates societal norms and expectations. Beginning with the ever known conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Austen immediately sets the tone of the novel by highlighting the stark contrast between their different views on marriage. Throughout the novel, contradictory perspectives on marriage and love are presented, further shaping the growth of Elizabeth as she questions her own beliefs. Set in early 19th century England, the story delves into the societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly concerning marriage, love, social status, manners, and the role of women in society.
Some people are born rich, some are born poor, and in the early 19th century, social status was largely determined by one’s birth and inheritance. Those from higher social class, like the Darcy and the De Bourgh families, are often given more respect and opportunities. The Bennet and Collins families, on the other hand, who are in the middle class, face more challenges and limited options, while undoubtedly, the Long and the Lucas families, and George Wickham, encounter more troubles. This social hierarchy heavily influenced the choices and opportunities available to individuals, especially when it comes to marriage. The Bennet family and the Collins family, for instance, face pressure to secure marriages for their five daughters in order to stabilize their financial future. The Darcy family, conversely, has little pressure on finance and has more choices on marriage. This difference in social class directly influences the dynamics and interactions between the families in that time, highlighting the stark contrast in their values, priorities, and expectations for their daughters’ futures. This social class divide not only affects the characters but also shapes the overall plot and themes of the story, emphasizing the complexities and challenges of handling societal expectations and class distinctions.
People were known as social climbers, they climb and reach higher social classes, and the easiest and best way to achieve this goal? —Through marriage. Marriage was seen as a strategic tool for families to elevate their social status and secure a better future. However, this pursuit of upward mobility through marriage also exposes tensions and power dynamics within society. Marriage normally happens in the same class, yet in this story, the characters find themselves entangled in a web of cross-class relationships. For example, many social climbers like Charlotte and Wickham change from lower to higher classes through marriage. The clash between their social backgrounds adds an additional layer of conflict to the narrative, as they struggle to confront the prejudices that come from interclass relationships. Set against the backdrop of the Victorian era, Pride and Prejudice illustrates marriage as a way to provide financial stability; some characters reflect the Victorian era's values at that time. For instance, Mrs. Bennet is obsessed with marrying her daughters to wealthy men to secure their financial futures by constantly pressuring them to find men with high status. This reflects the Victorian era's belief that a woman should marry a wealthy husband, rather than following her own individual happiness. Elizabeth Bennet’s courage to seek love herself, therefore, was rare at that time. She prioritizes her personal feelings above social status and financial security, which is against societal expectations.
Love in the Victorian era was characterized by strict societal norms and romanticism, shaping the way characters navigated relationships. By portraying the struggles of the characters like Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Austen highlights the restrictive nature of 19th century society and its impact on their understandings of love. Elizabeth, for instance, when faced the proposal from Mr. Collins, a financially stable yet appealing suitor, refused his offer despite societal expectations. Her decision demonstrates her determination to prioritize personal happiness over financial security. Furthermore, Jane, encountered similar troubles in her relationship with Mr. Bingley. Despite their mutual affection, Jane’s reserved nature and fear that openly expressing her emotions could be perceived as improper was a barrier to the relationship with her beloved Mr. Bingley. Moreover, Elizabeth’s rejection of Mr. Darcy’s first proposal also reflected her principal attitude against marrying merely for social status. She sought for a partner who respects her independence and intelligence, rather than one who solely values wealth and social standing. Through these actions, Elizabeth exemplifies a progressive approach to love, emphasizing the importance of respect, genuine support, and understanding in relationships—a perspective that was unconventional in the nineteenth century.
The role of women was constrained and defined by societal expectations and centered on domesticity and motherhood, as the writer examines the constraints and expectations placed on women in the nineteenth century, particularly in manners of marriage and domestic responsibilities. The female characters, such as Elizabeth and her sisters, handle these constraints while striving for personal autonomy and happiness. The societal pressure on women to marry for financial security, as seen through Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with finding suitable husbands for her daughters is one example of the barriers they encountered. They challenge traditional stereotypes by seeking love based on respect rather than social status or financial security. The protagonist, Elizabeth, for example, challenges gender norms by being outspoken, independent, and unwilling to obey stereotypes regarding marriage. Through their actions and decisions, they demonstrate the need for women to be seen as individuals rather than objects of domesticity. By defying societal expectations, these women strive to break free from the restrictions of their time and proclaim their power; they prove that they are capable of making their own choices and determining their own future. Ultimately, Austen’s depiction of these strong independent female characters encourages readers to question the stereotypes and emphasize the importance of gender equality.
As Pride and Prejudice is often referred to as “a novel of manners”. Manners, encompassing etiquette and social conduct, hold significant relevance throughout the novel, illuminating the societal emphasis on class distinctions and the complexities of human behavior. The characters’ adherence to proper behavior and elegant manners underscores the importance placed on maintaining polite and respectful behavior. Austen’s vivid illustrations of ballroom scenes, formal introductions, letters, and everyday interactions serve to highlight the importance of sticking to proper manners, reflecting the societal expectations of interpersonal behavior. Moreover, manners also serve as an indication of class variations. Characters’ behaviors and speeches often reveal their social standing and upbringing, showcasing the relation between manners and one’s position in society. Mr. Bingley, for instance, exemplifies amiable and affable manners, presenting himself with sincerity and warmth. His politeness and amiability align with genuine kindness and consideration of others, reflecting an authentic expression of manners. Mr. Collins, on the other hand, embodies affected and obsequious manners. His behavior often involves insincere flattery, reflecting him with a lack of genuine understanding of proper conduct. Moreover, the portrayal of manners becomes a vehicle through which readers can perceive the nature of characters, shedding light on their virtues and underlying motivations.
Pride and Prejudice, presenting itself as a romance novel, not only paints the love of the protagonists, but also explores complexities of human relationships and marriage, societal expectations, and the power of females. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of intrigue and romance. Through the story of Elizabeth Bennet, Austen skillfully weaves a narrative that challenges societal norms, especially for the topic of females. The character's refusal and confrontation to societal expectations placed upon them in 19th century England showcase Austen’s feminist ideals and encourages the readers to question the limitations imposed by the society. The novel’s enduring appeal consists in its exploration of timeless questions on love, marriage, social class, female, and personal growth. Additionally, Austen’s elegant pose and portrayal of memorable characters secures Pride and Prejudice a lasting place in literary works, continuing to inspire adaptations across the world.
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