I think it is an interesting concept
to examine the purpose of Pride and
Prejudice, and to dig deeper into Austen's motivations for writing the novel. Previous novels we have had, such as Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, taught a moral lesson. However, I believe that Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice to make a statement
on societal expectations.
I believe that Jane Austen wrote
this novel to convey a message on societal standards and norms. This novel especially
targets the topics of marriage and social status. The Bennet sisters continue
to expand beyond their social class, and further, they turn men down in classes
above theirs. This pattern is seen especially in Elizabeth Bennet. First, she
turns down Darcy when he begins to pursue a relationship with her. Then, she
turns down a proposal from Mr. Collins, much to her mother’s dismay. In the
novel, Elizabeth states, “’You are too hasty, Sir,’ she cried. ‘You forget that
I have made no answer…’I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but
it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them’” (Austen 104). As
can be seen in this passage, Elizabeth not only declined his proposal, but she
was very emotional in her denial. However, according to societal norms,
Elizabeth should have been thrilled with this proposal, as Mr. Collins was a
higher status than Elizabeth. Mr. Collins goes on to marry Charlotte, and the
two of them do not have a happy marriage. I believe that all of these romantic scenarios
are created by Austen to make a statement on not following societal standards.
In the novel, Elizabeth had many
opportunities to do what a woman of her class should have been thrilled to do,
according to standards set by society. Even if Elizabeth would not have been
happy, she should have been ecstatic at the chance to marry above her social
class. However, Elizabeth chooses not to marry these men, and she ultimately
ends up happier because of it. I believe that Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice to comment on societal
norms, and how they should be broken.
I agree that Pride and Prejudice serves as a commentary of societal standards and norms, especially when dealing with love and marriage. The novel places romantic relationships at the forefront of the reader’s mind to exhibit the intricacies of these relationships and to display their intentions. Generally, characters in unhappy marriages put societal expectations above their own contentment. For example, Charlotte marries Mr. Collins because she wants to stop burdening her parents by becoming the mistress of her own home (109-110). Charlotte does not display any fondness for Mr. Collins other than the satisfaction he brings her through the settlement her own desires. In contrast, characters in happy relationships refuse to settle for a spouse unworthy of them. In Elizabeth’s case, she rejects Mr. Collins because he is annoying and unimaginative (92-93). Then, she dismisses Darcy’s first proposal because he insults her family and her pride (164-166). Only once Elizabeth discovers Darcy’s attentiveness to her own wants and desires does she accept his proposal. Mr. Darcy comments, ”You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased” (317). Elizabeth does not allow societal expectations to cloud her judgment when choosing a life partner. Instead, she refutes society’s standards and finds a happy fate.
ReplyDeleteIn Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen provides a glimpse of the societal norm in the 1800s. The novel concerns with the struggles of men and women in their quest to find the perfect marriage partner, one with money and prestige. As important and prevalent as these factors are in a marriage in this period of time, Austen claims that these superficial qualities do not necessarily create happy marriages. Therefore, Austen uses Elizabeth Bennet as a proxy to create a character who shuns the societal norms to find her true love.
ReplyDeleteIronically, Elizabeth’s unique views on marriage arises partially from the relationship of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet signify an awkward marriage in which the two characters do not each match each other’s personality. From the introduction of the novel, Austen clearly states that even “the experience of three and twenty years [of marriage] had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character” (7). Austen characterizes the dysfunctional relationship best when she writes, “to his wife he was very little otherwise indebted, than as her ignorance and folly had contributed to his amusement. This is not the sort of happiness which a man would in general wish to owe to his wife” (228). Because Mr. Bennet often uses Mrs. Bennet as his source of amusement, Mrs. Benet focuses “the business of her life to get her daughters married” (7).
From these interactions, “Elizabeth had never been blind to the impropriety of her father’s behaviors as a husband; she had always seen it with pain… she had never felt so strongly as now, the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable marriage” (229). Austen ultimately argues that while marriages based on prestige and money are prevalent, they are not necessarily successful ones.
I agree that Jane Austen wrote this novel to criticize the societal norms involving relationships during the time period. As mentioned in the post, Elizabeth decides to decline the proposal from Mr. Collins in pursuit of love. Unlike many other characters, she values love over wealth, as Mr. Bennett explains Elizabeth “could be neither happy nor respectable unless [she] truly esteemed her husband” (219). On the other hand, Charlotte accepts Mr. Collins “solely from pure and disinterested desire of an establishment” (73). However, in the end, Charlotte Lucas leads an unhappy marriage, while Elizabeth finds love with Mr. Darcy. As you explained, Austen includes this juxtaposition to criticize the marriage ideals of the time period. Additionally, the author portrays Mrs. Bennett as foolish since she devotes her life to finding marriage for her daughters. Furthermore, the Bingley family “[repulses] every attempt of Mrs. Bennett at conversation” (62). Although Mrs. Bennett conforms to society’s expectations, her behavior seems irrational. While Austen conveys Elizabeth’s character as respectable for her life choices, she depicts Mrs. Bennett’s need to marry her daughters as senseless. For the most part, Jane Austen portrays societal norms as obnoxious through these characterizations. Overall, Jane Austen encourages people to prioritize their happiness by breaking these unwritten rules.
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