What Is Jane Austen's Use Of The Representation Of Power In Pride And Prejudice
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is a timeless classic that touches all those who read it. Jane Austen conveys a world of propriety where people’s social standing dictate their mannerisms. In the world of “Pride and Prejudice,” your worth is determined by where you stood on the social scale. Jane Austen emphasizes this ideology through the actions of her characters, in a negative representation, such as Mr. Collins; and others who have more of an individual character, such as Elizabeth Bennet. Jane Austen used Elizabeth Bennet as the main representation of her ideals about the way the social hierarchy does not have to dictates the lives of those in the world of “Pride and Prejudice.”
In the 1800’s men and women were expected to marry those …show more content…
She lived her whole life upon a pedestal and expected to be treated as such. In characters such as Mr. Collin’s, Lady Catherine could do no wrong. Then came Elizabeth Bennet, who would not stand for such nonsense. Elizabeth refused to be talked down upon, even from someone as pretentious as Lady Catherine. When Lady Catherine receives word that Elizabeth and Darcy fancy each other, she is quick to make her distaste for the couple clear. Lady Catherine confronts Elizabeth and subtly states that Elizabeth would never be worthy to marry an esteemed gentleman, such as her nephew Mr. Darcy. Most would take Lady Catherine's word as law and back down from the possible engagement, yet Elizabeth is her own character and will not back down. She becomes offended and is one of the only characters to stand up to Lady Catherine, in stating that, "In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal." (56.51). Elizabeth believes they are equal and should be treated as such. This quote shows the complexity of Elizabeth Bennet’s character compared to that of Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine’s entire character is built upon her social standing, and has no real depth. She is simply elegant. While Elizabeth is fiercely independent for her time and has one of the most developed characters in
In the 1800’s men and women were expected to marry those …show more content…
She lived her whole life upon a pedestal and expected to be treated as such. In characters such as Mr. Collin’s, Lady Catherine could do no wrong. Then came Elizabeth Bennet, who would not stand for such nonsense. Elizabeth refused to be talked down upon, even from someone as pretentious as Lady Catherine. When Lady Catherine receives word that Elizabeth and Darcy fancy each other, she is quick to make her distaste for the couple clear. Lady Catherine confronts Elizabeth and subtly states that Elizabeth would never be worthy to marry an esteemed gentleman, such as her nephew Mr. Darcy. Most would take Lady Catherine's word as law and back down from the possible engagement, yet Elizabeth is her own character and will not back down. She becomes offended and is one of the only characters to stand up to Lady Catherine, in stating that, "In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal." (56.51). Elizabeth believes they are equal and should be treated as such. This quote shows the complexity of Elizabeth Bennet’s character compared to that of Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine’s entire character is built upon her social standing, and has no real depth. She is simply elegant. While Elizabeth is fiercely independent for her time and has one of the most developed characters in