Pride and Prejudice
" 'Eliza Bennet,' said Miss Bingley, when the door was closed on her, 'is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own,' " (Austen 29). In Pride and Prejudice, author Jane Austen criticizes and ridicules traditional female roles and attitudes through the main character, Elizabeth Bennet. She challenges the contemporary society's expectations for her as a woman and is self-reliant and rebellious. Elizabeth's lack of an intimate role model drives her to be morally autonomous while virtually ignoring the standards that a woman in her position is to abide by. Her apathy for acquiring the usual skills that are necessary to be known as an "accomplished" woman as well as her opinions and conduct concerning marriage prove that Elizabeth is a feminist heroine. Pride and Prejudice demonstrates feminist tendencies through Elizabeth's apparent lack of a close confidante, her admitted shortage of female accomplishment and her relative indifference to marriage pressure. Elizabeth's individuality is partly a result of the absence a trusted friend to advise her. When she is first introduced, Charlotte Lucas is described as an intimate friend of Elizabeth and yet later in the novel
Elizabeth's assertions of her independence are most evident in her convictions and actions concerning marriage. Elizabeth maintains her independence by quite clearly not making it a priority to be married. Her behavior and personality are not influenced or restricted by men or what might make her appear more attractive to them; she acts entirely in accordance to what she feels like or feels is right. Miss Bingley mistakes Elizabeth as active competition. She assumes Elizabeth's independence is a ploy to attract a future husband, namely Mr. Darcy. More than simply not arduously pursuing men, Elizabeth turns down two marriage proposals that, by all practical measures, could provide more than adequate financial security. Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins marriage offer because she recognizes that the marriage would be purely mercenary. She explicitly relates her certainty of the marriage's success to Collins, "You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so," (Austen 82). Mrs. Bennet is shocked and demands that Elizabeth reconsider. Even disregarding her father's approval, Elizabeth does not remotely consider gratifying her mother's wishes. Despite being faced with limited opportunities as a woman and the understanding that marriage is her only real option, Elizabeth is unwilling to sacrifice her happiness. Besides being Austen's observations on prudence in marriage, this reluctance expresses a feminist notion that the woman's opinions and values should be taken into account. Elizabeth does not allow society or even her family to decide her fate, and she has not doubt that she is morally right in doing so. Elizabeth further defies expectations by neglecting to develop the talents t
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Approximate Word count = 1188
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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