How Does Elizabeth Bennet Present The Character Of Women In Pride And Prejudice

In the 21st century, one could say the typical female has many different traits and characteristics than the young women of the 19th century. In Jane Austen’s popular novel Pride and Prejudice the main character, Elizabeth Bennet is absolutely nothing like the typical 19th-century female. During the 19th century, young women who were single and becoming of the ages 20 and above had a certain attitude to uphold and a certain way to behave around others. They were to have perfect manners at all times and to have a sweet, charming, and innocent ora to portray to everyone. Elizabeth, however, was one to speak her mind and was a little more blunt than most people liked. In the novel Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth’s fate depends on her attitude and …show more content…
With this being said, Elizabeth’s mother was pushing all of her daughters to attend the ball to make acquaintances with the special guests. That night, Elizabeth and all of her sisters also including Elizabeth’s best friend, Charlotte, were all personally introduced to the unknown guests Miss Bingley, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth came to notice the man who had seemed to be prideful and reserved in his own thoughts. She noticed he did not talk to very many people, but he was not shy. Mr. Darcy seemed to be only acquainted with people he felt he could be associated with such as, other wealthy educated individuals. She noticed he certainly did not acknowledge the ones who he thought were beneath him. Once when Mr. Darcy was asked to dance his response was, “I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable” (Austen 13). Elizabeth immediately notices his actions and judges Mr. Darcy for being so uptight and prideful in himself. Later on in the night, again she notices Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley talking, overhearing their conversation she heard Mr. Darcy say, “ She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me, and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men” (Austen 13-14). The two …show more content…
Darcy again, or be in a situation where she would have to talk to him; however Elizabeth’s eldest sister Jane and Mr. Bingley became very acquainted at the ball, and unfortunately Mr. Bingley is good friends with Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley was enchanted by Jane’s beauty and called her “the most beautiful creature I ever beheld” (Austen 13). Elizabeth secretly knew she would have to see Mr. Darcy but it did not phase her. For the sake of Jane’s happiness, Elizabeth realized she would have to be polite and careful about what she says to Mr. Darcy. A few days after the ball a letter came in the mail addressed to Jane from the housing of Netherfield. It was a small invitation for lunch from Miss Bingley. It was an opportunity Jane just could not miss, but she would have to ride on horseback the way there due to Mrs. Bennet refusing Jane the liberty of riding in their carriage, and unfortunately it was raining. The next morning after Jane’s arrival to Netherfield the Bennets receive a message. Elizabeth was the first to read the letter which said, “ I find myself very unwell this morning, which, I suppose, is to be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday” (Austen 32). Once Elizabeth read Jane’s letter she was so concerned that she instantly decided to go to Netherfield to visit her sister, on foot. As Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield she was greeted by Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, and Mr. Darcy. She