How Does Jane Austen Present Mr Wickham In Pride And Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is set in the country in early 19th century England. During this time the Enlightenment period was at an end. Therefore society was governed by the idea of democracy and the rights of men. The rise of secularism and scientific theory also shaped beliefs during the time. During this period in England the Prince Regent is spending frivolously and the aristocracy is indulging more than ever in luxuries. This is in part why Jane Austen emphasizes money. In Pride and Prejudice, Austen constantly tracks the flow of money. For example one of the first questions asked about Mr. Darcy was his income, which was 10,000 pounds a year. Since Pride and Prejudice is a satire on marriage during the time, Austen takes care to emphasize
…show more content…
Wickham first appears to be a charming, handsome, and chivalrous soldier. “His appearance was greatly in his favor; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming” (Chapter 15, Volume I). All of Meryton sees Wickham as a charming young man at first and take a liking to him. It is not until he leaves through that people begin to see the truth. Wickham has a gambling problem and left many depts. He also tries to seduce and underage girl her fortune more than once for. Elizabeth comes to see that even she was too blinded by his charm to see how bad his manners were. “She was now struck with the impropriety of such communications to a stranger… She saw the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he had done, and the inconsistency of his professions with his conduct. She remembered that he had boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr. Darcy—that Mr. Darcy might leave the country, but that he should stand his ground; yet he had avoided the Netherfield ball the very next week. She remembered also that, till the Netherfield family had quitted the country, he had told his story to no one but herself; but that after their removal it had been everywhere discussed; that he had then no reserves, no scruples in sinking Mr. Darcy's character, though he had assured her that respect for the father would always prevent his exposing the son” (Chapter 17, Volume
Wickham first appears to be a charming, handsome, and chivalrous soldier. “His appearance was greatly in his favor; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming” (Chapter 15, Volume I). All of Meryton sees Wickham as a charming young man at first and take a liking to him. It is not until he leaves through that people begin to see the truth. Wickham has a gambling problem and left many depts. He also tries to seduce and underage girl her fortune more than once for. Elizabeth comes to see that even she was too blinded by his charm to see how bad his manners were. “She was now struck with the impropriety of such communications to a stranger… She saw the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he had done, and the inconsistency of his professions with his conduct. She remembered that he had boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr. Darcy—that Mr. Darcy might leave the country, but that he should stand his ground; yet he had avoided the Netherfield ball the very next week. She remembered also that, till the Netherfield family had quitted the country, he had told his story to no one but herself; but that after their removal it had been everywhere discussed; that he had then no reserves, no scruples in sinking Mr. Darcy's character, though he had assured her that respect for the father would always prevent his exposing the son” (Chapter 17, Volume