Elizabeth Bennet, though witty and intelligent, would have probably been viewed as an exceptional woman in her time, yet she still conformed to society's expectations of women. How is Elizabeth different from her sister, Lydia, and her mother? Explain.
The regency era. A time when the banner of patriarchy flew over the bonnets of subjugated females. A time when you could choose either to conform, or face social rejection. Some women preferred to rebel in their own graceful ways, but most exacerbated their oppression with frivolous attitudes and behaviors. Beginning with the witty opening phrase, It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife (Austen, 3), the author perpetuates a note on the status of the one track mind held by the female gender of this time. As exemplified in Pride and Prejudice with characters like Mrs. Bennet and her child, Lydia, many ladies put money above love when it came to the subject of marriage.
Perhaps the behavior of women in this time period is a question of nature vs. nurture. For females especially, society dictated class distinctions and parameters for retaliatory ridicule, while bringing emphasis towards honing womanly talents in lieu of formal education and opportunities. If a lady were to step out of the bounds of appropriate behavior, she would disgrace herself and most likely her family, thereby cutting them off from benefits that might otherwise shine upon accomplished personas.
Mrs. Bennets least favorite daughter, Elizabeth, seems to be made of strong moral fiber and respectfully does not sink to the (often) poor matrimonial standards of her peers. She immerses herself in the wisdom and advice of her father, a more natural creature with deep roots in sensibility a relationship which serves to foster her innate grace and levelheadedness. Where her sisters are silly, she is strong. Where Lydia marries for superficial reasons, Elizabeth agrees to a marriage only when love is discovered. But even with the unusual standards she holds for herself, she remains socially decent and acceptable- a finely tempered rogue. There is no desire to bring down ill recompense.
To exemplify the shame young ladies might bring upon themselves, I present a sample from the text. After Lydias elopement and following quick-fix marriage, Mr. Collins sent a rather harsh letter to Mr. Bennet. In it he said: I am truly rejoiced that my cousinLydia'ssad business has been so well hushed up, and am only concerned that their living together before the marriage took place should be so generally known. I must not, however, neglect the duties of my station, or refrain from declaring my amazement at hearing that you received the young couple into your house as soon as they were married.
It was an encouragement of vice; and had I been therectorofLongbourn, I should very strenuously have opposed it.You ought certainly to forgive them as a Christian, but never to admit them in your sight, or allow their names to be mentioned in your hearing (Austen, 237).
So, one can see how Mr. Collins, a complete conformist, cannot fathom accepting a woman who could commit such putrid offences. Mrs. Bennet herself struggles with Lydia at first but as they are of the same ilk in manner and affectation, she hastily makes amends for her daughter and stretches the truth to fit personal notions.
These two are typical women of the regency period. They bring themselves further down the metaphorical food chain, reveling in illogicality and graceless pursuits; all the while under a guise of femininity. On the outside, they may seem pleasantly poised, socially intelligent, and decently prettybut the choices formed by personal character output illustrate the sad truth about their lives. Lydia marries Wickham, a gambler and man of loose morals. Mrs. Bennet is stuck in an unfitting marriage and labors for nothing but others futures.
Like a breath of fresh air, Elizabeth (our exemplar of true womanhood) elegantly overcomes her misguided prejudice and secures a happy and privileged future for herself by marrying the marvelous Mr. Darcy, after a series of misunderstandings and trials are worked through. Her father gives remarks at the end of the book that demonstrate Lizzys nature. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husbandYour lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage
My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life (Austen, 246). Mr. Bennet is knowledgeable of the state of Elizabeths unusual and extraordinary being. She is his favorite, and readers of Pride and Prejudice share in his later relief of the happy ending that results from her spunky and admirable disposition. Elizabeths journey is an inspiration to model oneself in such a fashion, and to avoid, at all costs, dismal futures like those of her mother and sister.
Works Cited
Austen, Jane.Pride and Prejudice. 3rd edition. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company Ltd., 2001. 53. Print.
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