“Pride and Prejudice,” overcame some of the boundaries that constrained the lower class women of her day. Elizabeth was a women of resource and intellect. She was different from her class, especially from her mother and sister, Lydia. Elizabeth differed from them in three ways: in her mannerism, communication, and perspective on life.
Although described as lively and playful, Elizabeth knew to behave well in different societal situations. She spoke in a manner that was polite but keen. For instance, she used her wit and keen observation to paint a person’s character. When she was dancing with Mr. Darcy, she painted his character right before him, but …show more content…
Moreover, the only communication style Lydia knows is flirting. As Austen writes, when there was an officer in
Meryton, Lydia and Catherine would flirt with him, and spend as long as they can there.
(Austen, 2005) In same, Mrs. Bennet can only communicate her desire and pleasure to see her daughters married well. Thus she plagues her husband to visit any noble gentlemen of the country. Elizabeth’s perspective on life is to find a suitable match—not one that society forms for her, but one that she finds for herself. She sees life as a puzzle that needs to be analyzed and thought out. Elizabeth cherishes painting character sketches of others, observing, and forming opinions. She desires to think intellectually.
Her mother and sister, on the other hand, do not see this. Their perspective is to pass their time in hourly pleasure, not at all desirous to use their intellect in lively discussion or debate. Lydia only sees life only meant for pleasure. Consequently, she foolishly elopes with
Mr. Wickham, causing shame and humiliation for her family. In the same, Mrs. Bennet only sees life as an opportunity, especially for her daughters. She cares for nothing else than for her daughters to marry and marry