“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” (Austen, 1813, p. 1). Pride and Prejudice is English Author Jane Austen’s second book, first published in 1813. Over 200 years later, this book on the social life and practices in early 19th century England still holds a strong relevance in our lives. The book revolves around the everyday antics of the Bennet family’s five daughters, hilariously foot-in-mouth mother and slightly oblivious father. Jane Bennet is the oldest daughter, shy, soft-spoken and beautiful, she is the object of Mr. Charles Bingley’s affections. Elizabeth Bennet is the protagonist and the second eldest daughter of the family known for her wit, stubbornness
…show more content…
to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family…. Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy?” (Austen, 1813, p. 369)
The theme of classism was seamlessly adapted to the modern version. Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s general interactions shows her self appointed importance in everyone’s lives as can be seen when she confronts Elizabeth about her rumoured engagement to Mr. Darcy. In the series she is Darcy’s wealthy venture capitalist aunt who passes judgement on Lizzie’s social status and wealth due to her choice to continue studying as opposed to working in her firm.
And the final theme that was discussed was the theme of morality highlighted by Lydia running away with George Wickham and their subsequent elopement bringing ‘disgrace’ to her family. The societal sense of morality depended on various things but in this particular situation it was Lydia who brought disgrace and not Wickham even though he was much older than her and therefore his words would hold more importance in their relationship than her’s. Lydia was the target of what is known today as victim blaming/shaming, where she was the one blamed for the elopement because she was a girl even though the man was easily 10 years her senior and had the upper hand in their relationship. In the series, Lydia is the victim of sexual harassment while being subsequently blamed for decisions she was pressured into making by Wickham. Just like the character from the book, Lydia was shamed instead of Wickham simply because she was the girl in the relationship even though she was also the
to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family…. Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy?” (Austen, 1813, p. 369)
The theme of classism was seamlessly adapted to the modern version. Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s general interactions shows her self appointed importance in everyone’s lives as can be seen when she confronts Elizabeth about her rumoured engagement to Mr. Darcy. In the series she is Darcy’s wealthy venture capitalist aunt who passes judgement on Lizzie’s social status and wealth due to her choice to continue studying as opposed to working in her firm.
And the final theme that was discussed was the theme of morality highlighted by Lydia running away with George Wickham and their subsequent elopement bringing ‘disgrace’ to her family. The societal sense of morality depended on various things but in this particular situation it was Lydia who brought disgrace and not Wickham even though he was much older than her and therefore his words would hold more importance in their relationship than her’s. Lydia was the target of what is known today as victim blaming/shaming, where she was the one blamed for the elopement because she was a girl even though the man was easily 10 years her senior and had the upper hand in their relationship. In the series, Lydia is the victim of sexual harassment while being subsequently blamed for decisions she was pressured into making by Wickham. Just like the character from the book, Lydia was shamed instead of Wickham simply because she was the girl in the relationship even though she was also the