Elizabeth Bennet is a strong-willed young woman utilized throughout the novel to portray Austen’s satirical perspective of society to the reader. Through Elizabeth’s eyes and chastising attitude, the reader sees the characters as Austen creates them to be perceived. For example, Elizabeth treats William Collins as a dumbfounded, awkward, coward to satirize the control the wealthy, in this case the Bennet family, established over weak religious leaders who insisted in their false hopes becoming a reality. After his obstinate attempt to persuade Elizabeth to accept his hand in marriage, Elizabeth interrupts Mr. Collins, chastising him for his insolence. She proclaims, “…your hope sir is rather an extraordinary one after my declaration…I am not…so
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Austen further creates Elizabeth’s independent behavior to set her apart from the traditional characteristics of women during the Georgian Era. During an encounter with Lady Catherine, she established that Elizabeth was seen to never betray her emotions or opinions in order to appease other people (Austen, 2005). Furthermore, Elizabeth’s assertion of her opinion without regard for social repercussions dictates a quality that intrigues Fitzwilliam Darcy. His reaction to Elizabeth’s refusal to dance at Netherfield is a prime example of how her innate wit entrances him. Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance. However, she only replies after he requests her hand a second time, stating that she heard him the first time, however, she was unable to form a response that would deny him the pleasure of dancing with her (Austen, 2005). Her refusal to dance with an elitist male shows her independence, illustrating her departure from the conventions of social
Austen further creates Elizabeth’s independent behavior to set her apart from the traditional characteristics of women during the Georgian Era. During an encounter with Lady Catherine, she established that Elizabeth was seen to never betray her emotions or opinions in order to appease other people (Austen, 2005). Furthermore, Elizabeth’s assertion of her opinion without regard for social repercussions dictates a quality that intrigues Fitzwilliam Darcy. His reaction to Elizabeth’s refusal to dance at Netherfield is a prime example of how her innate wit entrances him. Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance. However, she only replies after he requests her hand a second time, stating that she heard him the first time, however, she was unable to form a response that would deny him the pleasure of dancing with her (Austen, 2005). Her refusal to dance with an elitist male shows her independence, illustrating her departure from the conventions of social