Elizabeth Bennet Foil
In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the main character Elizabeth Bennet is exceedingly strong willed, while her sister, Jane Bennet is softer spoken. Jane is a foil to Elizabeth in order to highlight Elizabeth's characteristics.
Elizabeth is a clever and sarcastic young woman. She does not wish to settle for just anyone, even though her mother insisted she get married as soon as possible. Elizabeth has a troublesome time being serious, often making jokes at the expense of others. She makes fun of Mr. Darcy saying “I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.” (8.51) This is one example of the frequent biting comments she makes towards a number of individuals throughout
the book.
Jane, in contrast, is a gentle and good hearted young lady. She is much more calm and quiet than her younger sister Lizzy. She also has more mature approach to life, while Elizabeth tends to be sarcastic and contentious. Jane is much more concerned about finding a husband. She does marry Mr Bingley, and while they are not together for long, even her marriage is a foil to Elizabeth's eventual marriage. Jane and Mr. Bingley fall in love quickly and without difficulty, and their relationship with each other was always loving. However, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy do not even like each other in the beginning, and have a hard time with each other before they finally fall in love.
The relationship between Elizabeth and her sister Jane, is important to the story because of how it emphasizes Elizabeth’s personality. Without Jane as a foil to her, Elizabeth's traits would not stand out as well. Her defiant nature is an important part of the story so it is important to understand and notice the extremes in her personality. It is helpful to the later generation sense now it is not common understand as how women were to act then. Jane is a better example to this because she is quiet and submissive.
The way the two sisters are complete opposite highlights the strengths and weaknesses of either character. The point of Elizabeth, the main character, having her sister Jane as a foil is to really put her personality into perspective. With the stark contrast, her stubborn and sarcastic ways really stand out.
Elizabeth is a clever and sarcastic young woman. She does not wish to settle for just anyone, even though her mother insisted she get married as soon as possible. Elizabeth has a troublesome time being serious, often making jokes at the expense of others. She makes fun of Mr. Darcy saying “I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.” (8.51) This is one example of the frequent biting comments she makes towards a number of individuals throughout
the book.
Jane, in contrast, is a gentle and good hearted young lady. She is much more calm and quiet than her younger sister Lizzy. She also has more mature approach to life, while Elizabeth tends to be sarcastic and contentious. Jane is much more concerned about finding a husband. She does marry Mr Bingley, and while they are not together for long, even her marriage is a foil to Elizabeth's eventual marriage. Jane and Mr. Bingley fall in love quickly and without difficulty, and their relationship with each other was always loving. However, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy do not even like each other in the beginning, and have a hard time with each other before they finally fall in love.
The relationship between Elizabeth and her sister Jane, is important to the story because of how it emphasizes Elizabeth’s personality. Without Jane as a foil to her, Elizabeth's traits would not stand out as well. Her defiant nature is an important part of the story so it is important to understand and notice the extremes in her personality. It is helpful to the later generation sense now it is not common understand as how women were to act then. Jane is a better example to this because she is quiet and submissive.
The way the two sisters are complete opposite highlights the strengths and weaknesses of either character. The point of Elizabeth, the main character, having her sister Jane as a foil is to really put her personality into perspective. With the stark contrast, her stubborn and sarcastic ways really stand out.