Gender Stereotypes In Pride And Prejudice

Austen's characters challenge the beliefs and expectations about class and gender in her culture thoroughly
Austen uses the actions and words of Elizabeth Bennet to show her opposition of the beliefs and expectations of her time period. After hearing that Jane got sick at Bingley’s property "Elizabeth continued her walk alone, crossing field after field at a quick pace... with weary [ankles], dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise" (33). Women of the time period were supposed to care about their outer appearance in order to make themselves visually appeal. However, Elizabeth doesn't care about her “weary” and “dirty” pearance. Instead, she cares more about being a better person by seeking care for her sister. Also, she is “[walking alone] towards Bingley’s estate, which
During an unexpected appearance at Elizabeth’s house, Lady Catherine has a heated conversation with Elizabeth about Darcy’s relationship with her, and Lady Catherine asks, "And will you promise me never to enter in such an engagement?" Lady Catherine tries to talk Elizabeth out of “[entering] in… an engagement” in a most likely because she wasn’t able to persuade Darcy. Darcy also does not accept the common beliefs of her aunt. He does not want to marry Miss De Bourgh because he has no affection for her, even though their union was already planned. In his proposal to Elizabeth, Darcy states, "My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever" (346). Darcy is also showing his beliefs of marrying for love. He is choosing to be a woman of social inferiority. This did not usually occur back then, as the family’s rank and wealth would not be preserved. He sees Elizabeth’s intelligence and her inner strength, unlike most men. Darcy does not take family opinion, and marries someone with social inferiority, separating him from the other