Jane Austen Sexism

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Jane Austen is widely considered to be one of the best female authors, not only of her time, but in history. Literary critics often view her work as feminist in nature , and make note of her use of irony and juxtaposition to convey feminist ideas. More than just an author, Austen is seen as a revolutionist, and is credited with bringing about a shift in literature, gaining female authors more attention and respect. Three notable examples of her work, which showcase her feminist ideologies are Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Mansfield Park.

Austen herself was an upper-middle class woman, conforming to the gender roles of the day. Experiencing both upper and lower class Britain , Austen had a point of view unavailable to most authors of her …show more content…

certainly," … "no woman can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but …show more content…

Lady Catherine, being in such a high position, speaks of things which most ladies of her station would know nothing of. In that way, Lady Catherine symbolizes the furthering of women, and the knowledge they can acquire. In contrast to her progressiveness, the need of Lady Catherine to tell Charlotte how to live is representative of gender roles and characteristics expected of women. The irony is evident in the fact that Lady Catherine, having presumably never tended to livestock herself, instructs Charlotte on how to do so. Austen seems to have been using Lady Catherine to depict the struggle between progressive women, and the ideas that society pushes onto them. Lady Catherine serves not only to illustrate this point, but later is representative of society that forces itself upon women. Upon visiting the Bennets, the Lady angrily says to Elizabeth, “Miss Bennet I am shocked and astonished. I expected to find a more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away till you have given me the assurance I require.” Not only does Lady Catherine have severe expectations of Elizabeth, but she literally refuses to leave until Elizabeth acts as the woman Lady Catherine wants her to be. Austen uses Lady Catherine to depict a society which will not be pleased until a woman acts properly and in a way which pleases them. Overall, Austen’s use of irony, and the

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