Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice - 1061 Words

To Be or Not to Be People are often seen basing their lives off of society’s standards. Many writers criticizes the influence that society has over its members. The romantic novelist Jane Austen satirizes her society and those who follow it. One of her most famous works, Pride and Prejudice, is a great example of this satire. Throughout the novel she explores the effects of society through her characters. In Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, she divulges the central theme of society and social class through the characters Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and Lady Catherine. The first character that Austen uses to analyze this theme is Elizabeth Bennet. Austen describes Elizabeth as â€Å"uncommonly intelligent† (qtd. in Auerbach 135).†¦show more content†¦She speaks in a peremptory voice because of her place in society. Austen mocks the â€Å"hyper- class-conscious† aristocracy through Lady Catherine’s character (1). Lady Catherine depends on social status order for a sense of security and self-worth. Lady Catherine refuses to tolerate Elizabeth’s stubbornness, independent thoughts, and desire to marry Darcy (Auerbach 140). She feels that a union formed between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy threatens the security that her status provides. Lady Catherine exclaims, â€Å"[F]or do not expect to be noticed by his family and friends, if you wilfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never be mentio ned by any of us (Austen 305). She refuses to recognize the individuality and expects everyone to follow the mold created by the society. Seth Cassel explains that â€Å"Lady Catherine’s proud status- oriented character primarily helps establish Elizabeth as a strong-willed individual†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1). Elizabeth does not let Lady Catherine’s prejudice destroy her pride or happiness. In summary, Jane Austen explores the theme of society and social class in Pride and Prejudice. Critics claim: Pride and Prejudice contains many elements of social realism, and it focuses on the merging of the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy during the era of the Napoleonic wars and at the beginningShow MoreRelatedJane Austens Pride and Prejudice2020 Words   |  9 PagesJane Austens Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 to the Reverend George Austen and his wife in Hampshire, England. The sixth child out of the seven, Jane was educated mostly at her home although she and her sister, Cassandra, were sent away to school for several years when they were young. Austen wrote several novels when she was in her teens, but her major works were written later on in her life. Pride and Prejudice, was first publishedRead MorePride and Vanity in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice814 Words   |  4 PagesPride and Vanity in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice      Ã‚   Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us. In her novel, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen makes the point that an excess of pride or vanity is indeed a failing. Pride, observed Mary, . . . is a very common failing, I believe. By all that I have ever readRead MoreEssay on Jane Austens Pride And Prejudice1580 Words   |  7 Pagesabove him. On the other hand, an individual with too little pride has an attitude of mediocrity and this hinders self-realization. Disproportionate pride blinds moral judgment, creates intolerance and deters relationships. 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Jane Austen constantly paintsRead More Views on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice5150 Words   |  21 PagesViews on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Pride pride n., v., 1. high (or too high) opinion of ones own dignity, importance, worth, etc. 2. the condition or feeling of being proud. 3. a noble sense of what is due to oneself or ones position or character; self respect; self esteem. prejudice n., v., 1. an opinion In the novel by Jane Austen, displays a severe contrast between Elizabeth and Darcy in the story. Jane Austen does thisRead MoreJane Austen’s Novel Pride and Prejudice Essay874 Words   |  4 Pagesadvantageous marriage for the English novelist, Jane Austen. Her realism, biting irony and social commentary have gained her historical importance among scholars and critics (Southam). Austen’s major novels, including Pride and Prejudice, were composed between the years 1795-1815. During those twenty years England was at the height of its power facing many historical landmarks (Thomson). It is no coincidence that Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, coincides directly with the historical eventsRead More An Analysis of Characters in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice1662 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of Characters in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice An author will often give his or her work a title that reflects the overall theme or meaning of the piece-this is certainly the case in Jane Austens novel Pride and Prejudice. A title may set the mood or describe a situation which otherwise might require several paragraphs to develop. Pride and Prejudice is a combination of humor, irony, and twists of events. Austen entitles her work Pride and Prejudice to emphasize subtly the fact