Comparsion Of Pride And Prejudice And Society In The 1800's

The novel Pride & Prejudice can be used as a comparison between how society and class plays a role in the lives of individuals currently and during the 1800's. The protagonist, Elizabeth Bennett, is a charming young lady that is favored by her father due to her natural acumen and ability to defy society. Although she is often described as obstinate, unwilling to change her mind upon another request. With this being sound, it became evident to the audience that her insecurities of wealth made her vulnerable to the upper class. It was as if she despised the upper class with rage full of envy because she knew the convenience and social stability that came along with wealth. “offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance”, This line
With Elizabeth being involved with Mr. Darcy, a man from the upper class, there was condescending criticism that actually made Elizabeth reject Darcy’s proposal. This is an example of society influencing her decision of whether to allow him to take her hand in marriage because she was uncertain if this would generally be accepted for both her and Darcy’s sake. “Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown.” this quote represents the qualities that act as the foundation for a meaningful marriage in the eyes of Elizabeth (Austen). She witnessed her parent, in which were in an unhappy marriage, and this played a role in her decision as well. It validated society’s argument and reestablished her doubts, for she feared the idea of marrying the wrong person and if it was the right time or not. Elizabeth goes through a change once she comes to the realization of her biggest flaws. “How humiliating is this discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation”, most importantly, her ignominy is derived from her own insecurities of dealing with society