Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice

Great Essays
The novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a social commentary on money, marriage, and rank. Austen juxtaposes multiple characters throughout the novel to comment on human behavior. The author’s employment of diction, dialogue, detail, and omniscient narration highlights significant differences between characters, thus arguing that being overly concerned with beauty and wealth causes people to be proud, vapid, and intimidated by wealth.
Austen employs dialogue, diction, and irony to show that Mr. Collins is too prideful. Collins practically puts all of his self worth into his relationship with Lady Catherine De Bourgh, his wealthy benefactor. Upon first meeting the Bennets, she is practically all he discusses, stating that he had “never
…show more content…
After spending months away from her sisters, Lydia’s primary concerns are her new bonnet and whether her sisters have met any men in their absence. Moments after they reunite she says, “Look here, I have bought this bonnet. I do not think it is very pretty; but I thought I might as well buy it as not” (205). The dialogue here is very important to understanding Lydia’s character. She hasn’t seen or heard from her sisters in months and one of her first topics of conversation is a new hat she doesn’t even like, but that she felt she should have just for the sake of having it. It’s also important to mention that two sentences earlier she told her sisters that they would have to pay for the lunch she herself had “treated” them with because she didn’t have money left. These details suggest that Lydia cares more about material items than her own sisters, and reflect upon her selfish and superficial nature. Additionally, Lydia is excessively proud of her marriage to Wickham, an initial scandal patched up by her husband’s greed and her sister’s fortunate connections. While visiting her family for the first time since running away, Lydia expresses her concern over the community’s knowledge of her nuptials, stating that she was so determined for a neighbor to know that along the way home by carriage, she “let down the side glass next to him, and took off [her] glove and let [her] hand …show more content…
Austen employs omniscient narration to contrast characters and thereby comment on theme. An example of this is the contrast in responses from Sir William, Maria, and Elizabeth to the greatness of Lady Catherine’s home. The narration follows, “Maria’s alarm was every moment increasing, and even Sir William did not look perfectly calm. Elizabeth’s courage did not fail her... the mere stateliness of money and rank she thought she could witness without trepidation” (194). From scenes previous in which Elizabeth was the only character to be found with any reason, the reader can gather that the perspective to trust is the third. This narration illustrates the points of view of three characters when faced with wealthy extravagance- two who believe themselves inferior despite having plenty of reason not to (i.e. Sir William’s title) and one who knows oneself to be inferior in rank, but worth as much as those who are wealthy. Another excerpt states “[Maria], frightened almost out of her senses, sat on the edge of her chair, not knowing which way to look. Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene, and could observe the three ladies before her composedly” (155). The discrepancy in the behavior of the three guests, especially that of the main character, suggests that being overly impressed or intimidated by money and social standing is

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    The hectic and chaotic environments in which Jane Austen’s novels revolved around are believed not to be complete fiction, and are most likely accurate depictions of her true family and social environment. Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 to her parents, Reverend Mr. George Austen and Cassandra Austin, in Hampshire, England. After just turning a few months old, Jane, like all of her siblings, were sent away for a few months to a wet nurse until the mother, Cassandra, had regained her ultimate strength. Although many practices of the Austen family, dealing with the birth of a child, were seemingly obsolete for the time, George and Cassandra continued to perpetuate their traditions and cycles they had enacted for their eight children. Jane Austen had seven siblings, with her being the seventh born of all eight children.…

    • 656 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Fay Weldon’s Letters To Alice on First Reading Jane Austen works through the didactic literary form of epistolary novel to enable the contemporary reader to understand the values found throughout Pride and Prejudice. Weldon innovatively and creatively alludes to the modern day reader’s world through postmodern perspectives; and a blend of fiction and nonfiction to shift their understanding, transform individual perspectives, and encourage a unique yet contemporary appreciation of Austen’s novel. Jane Austen published her regency novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in 1813, a work that critically analyzed the social values and mores of her time, including the marriage and education. Austen explored the significance of characterisation, dialogue, and…

    • 1148 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Superior Essays

    After that “every day she [Penelope] wove on the great loom- / but every night by torchlight she unwove it; / and so for three years she deceived the Akhaians” (Pg. 22). Penelope once again fools the suitors by convincing them she is going to marry, and that any suitor who wants to be considered must shower her with gifts. Penelope calls to the suitors, “Others who go to court a gentlewoman, / daughter of a rich house, if they are rivals, / bring their own bees and sheep along; her friends / ought to be feasted, gifts are due to her; / would any dare to live at her expense?” (pg345). In this way, Penelope convinces the suitors to shower her with gifts and to stop stealing her supplies when she really has no…

    • 1189 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    In her novel, “Pride and Prejudice”, Jane Austen narrates a story of love between a middle class Elizabeth Bennet, and an upper-class Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, their marriage was no consequence of love at first sight, nor an easy journey. It was an uneven road throughout most of the novel—a road with numerous obstacles. Such obstacles that initially prevented a relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy include the latter’s pride, and the former’s prejudice, and the actions of those around them. Darcy’s pride throughout much of the novel was the first factor that prevented an earlier relationship between himself and Elizabeth.…

    • 1009 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    This sentence takes on the immediate point of view of Mrs. Bennet who afterwards states her plan of marrying off one of her daughters to Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet’s perspective is further shown through narration as it is explained that “this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that [Mr. Bingley] is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters” (I.1). The ironic distance in which the novel starts shrinks throughout the course of the novel as all the eligible bachelors marry. Mr. Collins furthermore brings truth to this fact by use of indirect thought, “having now a good house and a very sufficient income, he intended to marry” (XV.47). Through indirect discourse Mr. Collins is characterized by over the top…

    • 986 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Superior Essays

    For centuries, women have been viewed as unequal to men, resulting in the further demotion of women and forcing them into abiding by stereotypical gender roles. In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the Miss Bennets are a variety of girls that portray the tone and theme of the poem, “Women” by May Swenson. In Swenson’s poem, the tone, theme, and literary devices utilized in the work convey the expectation of women in the 1970s in America as well as coincide with role of women in 1800s England. May Swenson was born in the United States in 1913. She was a well known poet who was highly praised by other poets as well (poemhunter.com).…

    • 879 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Laura Gonzalez Professor William Marquat III British Literature 2323 Pride and Prejudice: The Importance of Marriage In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen it talks about the struggles of a young women living in the early 19th century. The novel is about the point of view in the story is Elizabeth Bennet and how her daily life about social classes and the limit power of woman in England. This novel explains the obstacles and the need for a young woman in England to marry. Jane Austen, the author of the novel explain the obstacles that the story describes it.…

    • 1787 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Great Essays

    I. Trying to keep up appearances and her treatment towards her husband A. Manipulation of her husband over wanting to look richer 1. Acquiring the dress, her husband’s part 2. The borrowing of her friend’s necklace, her thoughts B. Unhappy with “mediocre” lifestyle, importance of her appearance 1. Only having what she needed not what she wanted, daydreams 2. Discontent with life, husband, “comfortable lifestyle” before necklace goes missing II.…

    • 707 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Great Essays

    "Pride and prejudice" by Jane Austen Jane Austen’s valuable treatise Pride and Prejudice exemplifies various kinds of marriages; however, leaves the readers with the impression that marriages of suitability and love are the ones to be wished for. Pride and Prejudice falls in the genre of romantic and sentimental novels of the eighteenth century. In the first three chapters of the novel, every situation and incident of the plot advances the progress of the story. The chapters contain gentle and subtle irony and satire. While the style employed by Jane Austen is transparent and simple, the language used by the characters of the story often reveals their personalities.…

    • 1181 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Most significantly, through Austen’s use of the character Lydia, readers are aware that women who break social norms are the subject to ridicule as their impulsive, passionate behaviour conflicts with Regency etiquette and are therefore frowned upon. Although Austen does include the reaction of Lydia’s family, it is the reaction of Mr Collins that best embodies a Regency response. In chapter 48, Mr Collins sends a letter to Mr Bennet addressing Lydia’s disappearance with Mr Wickham to Gretna Green. Mr Collins writes, “The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison to this”. In particular, the use of the noun “blessing” is usually associated with the religious connotation of a gift from God, however the juxtaposition between…

    • 357 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Jane Austen 's novels usually focus around women’s social status. The time period in which she lived was about change. Thus, it is no surprise that she used her talent as a writer to highlight social issues. Jane Austen released Pride and Prejudice in 1813. The novel’s protagonist is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.…

    • 1586 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Theme Of Satire In Pride And Prejudice

    • 894 Words
    • 4 Pages
    • 7 Works Cited

    The highest person on the social ladder mentioned in Pride and Prejudice is Lady Catherine De Bourgh and also has satire used against her. She possesses wealth and social standing, is haughty, domineering and condescending. Jane Austen also disapproves of her. Lady Catherine is demanding and thinks that she can order whomever she wants around. An example of this is when she visits Elizabeth after hearing the rumor that Mr. Darcy was to propose to her.…

    • 894 Words
    • 4 Pages
    • 7 Works Cited
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is classified, by many, as a classic that still holds up as a memorable form of literature. It deals with the social norm and the social class divide that, argued by others, still remains to this day. Austen’s novel also deals with the idea of love and relationships, as well as what certain characters would do in order to fulfill their desires. The central focus of this novel derives from two themes, prejudice and misjudgement.…

    • 1079 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Jane Austen’s is an influential, powerful writer and her unique style is one that is recognizable. Her two comedy of manners novels, Pride and Prejudice and Emma, reveal Austen’s personal views and opinions of the mid eighteenth century society while she makes the reader laugh at the witty truths in her writing. The styles of the novels reflect one another through the use of irony, characterization and theme. Jane Austen uses irony to get her point across in a comedic manner. The opening line of Pride and Prejudice starts with a form of verbal irony.…

    • 1499 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    This analysis becomes the most apparent through the multiple proposals of the novel, specifically, Mr Collins ' proposal to Elizabeth. Drawn out in a very staged and unromantic fashion, Mr. Collins speech emulated the idea that all women at the time were only looking for a man with wealth and looks, so that 's all he advertised. When Elizabeth, the black sheep of the novel, denies his marriage proposal Mr. Collins then blames the entire female gender for playing hard to get, rather than just accepting her answer Unfortunately, the satire of the novel never changed society 's way of thinking, because even in today 's society this behavior is still seen and practiced, only now with more violent…

    • 1069 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays