Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer presents a summary and analysis of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". The writer notes that in Jane Austen's society 'marriagableness' was an important part of every woman's existence so that is why it was so important for Elizabeth, the main character in Austen's novel, to struggle for the right kind of marriage. The writer points out that in Elizabeth's society it is rare to find a young women not craving a husband and willing to do anything to reach that goal. The writer also discusses that throughout the novel Elizabeth is determined to choose her own husband but her autonomy and freedom exists only within definitive limits. Austen suggests that true love is a force separate from society and one that can conquer even the most difficult of circumstances. The writer concludes that in the novel Elizabeth learns more about her true values and motives and is united with her true love by ignoring the harsh restrictions society has put on her. Jane Austen truly represents a character that has a unique quality of revolutionary determination.

From the Paper:

"Everyone at Netherfield agrees that Jane Bennet is a sweet girl but the issue of her social position is a big problem and does not make her the ideal wife for Mr Bingley. The Bennet's lower status stands in the way of the sisters finding wealthy husbands. Elizabeth does not have criteria for the man she would be interested in. The Bennet sisters become acquainted with a friendly young soldier, Mr Wickham who had many horrible things to say about Darcy. He supposedly cruelly cheated Wickham out of an inheritance, which added to Elizabeth's dislike for Darcy. Elizabeth showed interest in Wickham even though his status was lower than hers. When a clergyman and cousin to the Bennet's, Mr Collins proposed to Elizabeth she politely declined. Collins pride was hurt, because his complete self-absorption blinds him to any answer except yes. But Elizabeth would not settle for anything less than true love. Her mother was extremely upset that Elizabeth turned down Mr Collins. Elizabeth's mother believes that she should take what she can get. Mr Collins suddenly marries Charlotte Lucas, who because of her age has to marry to secure social and financial status which disgusts Jane immensely but when Wicham goes after Miss Kings money she is not as horrified with his situation. Her fond feelings towards Wickham clouds her judgement, it seems that at this point in the novel Elizabeth's values are a bit skewed."

Sample of Sources Used:

• http://www.sparknotes.com
• Jane Austen, first published 1813,Penguin classics introduced by Tony Tanner 2003,Pride and Prejudice, London.
• Michael Williams, Gwen Kane, Stella Prozesky, Christine Marshall, 2002 One Writers Vision Jane Austen, University of Pretoria.

More papers on Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice:

• Book Review # 93711 : "Pride and Prejudice"--an Analysis"
• Book Review # 97319 : "Pride and Prejudice"--A Review"
• Book Review # 96478 : "Pride and Prejudice"
• Analytical Essay # 143139 : "Irony in "Pride and Prejudice"

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