Social Classes In The 19th Century

In the 19th century the lower class, middle class, upper class did not frequently associate with each other. Classes during this time clearly had a separation between them. In the way in which they are looked upon. In Pride and Prejudice if the middle class did associate with the upper class they treated as lesser than them. Their was a divide of the lower, middle and upper class in the 19th century. The attitudes of the classes also varies. The people in the higher class are much more stuck up than others. Many of the Upper class act superior to others and do not always associate with the lower class citizens. “Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good humored as Lydia” (“Pride and Prejudice” 13) The Bennets were middle class people, although still
Mrs. Hurst is a judgmental character in Pride and Prejudice. She is Bingley's sister who spends most of her time gossiping with Caroline, they are part of the upper class nevertheless criticize many of the lower class citizens. She criticizes Elizabeth's appearance also awareness. Mrs. Hurst does not think Elizabeth is good for Darcy because of her family's status. Therefore she was judged by her family status in the world not by how she acted and behaved. Darcy is confused by his liking for Elizabeth because of her family and their social status. Even though some of the family members of Darcy judged Elizabeth for having been of a lower class and discouraged him from marrying her, he eventually married her despite others views. Social status and Class are a big theme in Pride and Prejudice. When you are born into a class it is hard to move up in society. People whose family is middle class such as the Bennets have a harder time moving up into higher class. The Upper class rarely marries a person in the middle