Defining and criticizing women’s status in society has long been a fight carried by inspiring feminists through the ages. However, the points of view on that specific concern differ from one another, as individuals adopt particular perspectives based on their actual society and their own judgment. Hence, the evolution of feminist ideas illustrates various opinions on which the modern society relies. Jane Austen, the author of the novel Pride and Prejudice, suggests that the role of women in the early 19th century England was to develop a certain independence regarding their own happiness, as to emancipate from the influence of the society’s customs and of men’s tutelage. A woman was to build her future well-being …show more content…
Determination regarding decision-making certainly helped a woman to appeal to her own good sense regardless of any social pressure. As an instance, Elizabeth’s firm refusal to Lady Catherine’s orders depicts her sharpened conscience. She defines her personal concerns as a matter of her own “happiness, without reference to [Lady Catherine]” (Austen 338). Indeed, Lady De Bourgh’s intrusive interference regarding Darcy’s potential proposal to Elizabeth exerts a social pressure on the latter to ensure that such proposal was to be certainly refused by Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth acknowledges her feelings towards Darcy and strongly defends them, regardless of Lady Catherine’s superior status. She proves her tenacity of mind and protects her complete responsibility for her own future from any stranger sources of influence. Elizabeth’s marriage to Darcy brings them both happiness and complies with Elizabeth’s will, which supports Austen’s view on women’s determination and independence. In addition, by taking note of her personal objectives, a woman favors practical decisions to attain a satisfactory life. In fact, the character of Charlotte Lucas is married to Mr. Collins based on her own will (120), as she uses a strategic plan to charm Mr. Collins and accepts his expected proposal afterwards.. She thus recognizes her major desire of finding a rich and stable husband and “consider[s] Mr. Collins’s character, connections, and situation in life” to determine whether a union would be satisfactory on her side (123). By effectively setting and pursuing her objective, Charlotte has been happily living with Mr. Collins. Jane Austen respects more practical minds due to the strict aristocratic society in which the story takes