Pride and Prejudice
Max Railing
Mr. Shanahan
British Literature Honors
December 11, 2012 Social class within Pride and Prejudice plays a key role throughout the novel. Social class not only determines where one is placed in the class structure, but also the amount of land, money, and potential suitor candidates. Where one is placed within the social hierarchy is based on what one does for a living and their social status as well. For instance, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are considered ‘landed gentry,’ meaning they do not have to work for their income, much like Mr. Collins and many of the other characters mentioned within the novel. Social class also determines who one may marry, and this plays an extremely significant role within the lives of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Jane Bennet is a crucial character within Pride and Prejudice. She portrays the role of Elizabeth Bennet’s one and only older sister. Jane is considered to be “… the only handsome girl in the room,” by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and this occurs at the ball which is held in Netherfield. At this ball, she dances with a man by the name of Mr. Bingley, a man of large fortune who is described as being “…good looking and gentlemanlike; …pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners” (Austen 6). As a result of the ball, Mr. Bingley and Jane spend more time together, and it is assumed that they are together, as a couple. Mr. Bingley has two sisters who act all sisterly-like towards Jane, and then crush her heart by saying that Bingley will not return to Netherfield, and will most likely find Mr. Darcy’s sister more handsome and agreeable than Jane. This is done by the Bingley sisters most likely because of Jane’s lower social status, and they would not want their brother marrying a sort of peasant girl, or a girl who is of a much lower status than himself. Due to social class in society at this time, Jane ends up getting her heart crushed, which is sad and tragic for a woman during this time period, especially when the woman
Mr. Shanahan
British Literature Honors
December 11, 2012 Social class within Pride and Prejudice plays a key role throughout the novel. Social class not only determines where one is placed in the class structure, but also the amount of land, money, and potential suitor candidates. Where one is placed within the social hierarchy is based on what one does for a living and their social status as well. For instance, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are considered ‘landed gentry,’ meaning they do not have to work for their income, much like Mr. Collins and many of the other characters mentioned within the novel. Social class also determines who one may marry, and this plays an extremely significant role within the lives of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Jane Bennet is a crucial character within Pride and Prejudice. She portrays the role of Elizabeth Bennet’s one and only older sister. Jane is considered to be “… the only handsome girl in the room,” by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and this occurs at the ball which is held in Netherfield. At this ball, she dances with a man by the name of Mr. Bingley, a man of large fortune who is described as being “…good looking and gentlemanlike; …pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners” (Austen 6). As a result of the ball, Mr. Bingley and Jane spend more time together, and it is assumed that they are together, as a couple. Mr. Bingley has two sisters who act all sisterly-like towards Jane, and then crush her heart by saying that Bingley will not return to Netherfield, and will most likely find Mr. Darcy’s sister more handsome and agreeable than Jane. This is done by the Bingley sisters most likely because of Jane’s lower social status, and they would not want their brother marrying a sort of peasant girl, or a girl who is of a much lower status than himself. Due to social class in society at this time, Jane ends up getting her heart crushed, which is sad and tragic for a woman during this time period, especially when the woman