Feminism In Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice

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In 1813 one of Jane Austen’s best works was published called Pride and Prejudice. Pride and Prejudice takes place in England during the early nineteenth century. Austen’s main purpose, while writing Pride and Prejudice was to convey the idea that marriage was not a business but marriage was about love. There are many prominent romance novelists out there but the one difference between them and Jane Austen is their style of writing. "Various critics have consistently noted that the plot development of Pride and Prejudice is determined by character — coincidence exerts a major influence, but turns of action are precipitated by character. Although human weakness is a prominent element, ranging from Miss Bingley's jealousy to Elizabeth's blind …show more content…

Feminist theory is most concerned with giving a voice to women and highlighting the various ways women have contributed to society(about education)." So how is it that Pride and Prejudice approach feminism? Definitely, FairChild feels that the novel favors the feminist theory. I agree with Fairchild based off how the novel portrays women. They are like Austen in that they do not require a man to support them. They are not helpless, rather they are strong and independent. Austen references many of her own struggles in life, especially with marriage. "Jane Austen herself remained single and earned a living by writing novels. She went as far as to advised friends only to marry for love." (Grade saver) Yes, she writes that women such as Charlotte must marry for financial security. However, in Elizabeth she displays that women are just as intelligent and capable.as men. "Elizabeth's story supports Austen's beliefs of independence for women." (Grade saver) Austen proves Elizabeth can be happy by marrying a man she truly loves and esteems an not a man for financial gains. During the era of the novel, it was typical for women's roles were limited. There was little independence. In fact, schooling was only offered to the rich that could afford it or to those that could be schooled on their own. Thus demonstrating that the education of a woman was not of value. So those with no education or means we're forced to marry in order to survive. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" supports this idea. Austen isn't really saying all wealthy bachelors are in need of a wife, rather women always assume a wealthy, single man to need a wife. (Grade saver) It is also a jab at Mrs. Bennet who consistently strives

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