Romanticism In Pride And Prejudice Literary Analysis

Whether or not the novel Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen can be labeled as a novel exemplifying romanticism can be argued well either way. There are significant amounts of evidence that can prove it one way or the other, but if one makes a list of every possible example for each argument there is bound to be at least one more in the yes column. Romanticism was a movement in the arts and literature that originated in the eighteenth century, emphasizing inspiration, emotion, subjectivity, and the sublime; all of which are depicted in this novel.
One of the main characters in the novel, Elizabeth Bennett, is by far the one who emphasizes the most inspiration and rebellion. There are many circumstances in which she rebels against the social …show more content…
Throughout Pride and Prejudice there are great instances of romance and emotion. Many times it is one confessing their love for another, or their disapproval of a decision that was made. Elizabeth is often the receiver of both cases, particularly the confession of both Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy 's love for her, and her mother Mrs. Bennett is usually one to express disapproval towards her and her decisions. The uttermost surprising burst of emotion towards Elizabeth came from Mr. Darcy, “‘In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.’” (124) Up until this point, Mr. Darcy is epitomized as a man of very little love in his heart. Not many readers nor characters in the novel expected the feelings that Mr. Darcy developed for Elizabeth or the romantic element in which he expressed them. Romance and emotions play a substantial role in novels that are considered novels of Romanticism; they allow for more spontaneous moments and for readers to better understand what is and has been going on in a character’s