Oppression Of Women In Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

Misogyny and female oppression are vile practices that can be seen all throughout time even to this day. Thankfully, society has evolved to such a point that the male and female gender can be seen as equals. While society still holds onto some of the once oppressive ways of its past, it can be agreed upon that our society has become a more free and open version than its former self. Once such example of a time in which women were held more so as objects than as people is in the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Throughout the course of the novel, Elizabeth is the main source of feminism as she rarely acts in accordance with society’s rules. Rather, her demeanor is more commonly related to that of men in the regency period. In the

During the ball, Elizabeth distances herself from the rest of the society and finds herself alone on the sideline. This shows how anyone who challenges the social norms becomes a social outcast. This mentality is even more prevalent towards women than it is towards men. “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” (Austen 9). Mr. Darcy’s statement demonstrates similar behavior to Elizabeth’s, if not worse, during the event, yet he receives no such treatment. Misogynist thoughts such as these were common practices of the regency period. Regardless of the occasion, women were always to be engaged in social activities regardless of whether or not they desired so (Kloester 1). Men, on the other hand, did not have to follow such rules; at least not to the extent women did. Despite her alienation at the ball, however, Elizabeth does act in a vague compliance of the social code for women by not reacting to the insults from Mr. Darcy as a proper woman of the time period would know better than to start or perpetuate an argument. While she challenges the social order, even Elizabeth cannot help but comply with

A lady of the time who once rejected a proposal would undoubtedly force herself to accept the next such offer, should one arise. Elizabeth, on the other hand, goes against this idea and is contented with the possibility that she may not be married. Instead, Elizabeth represents the growing mentality of marriage for love rather than social status or wealth. This practice is what later helps Elizabeth to find love, and consequently marriage, with Mr. Darcy at the end of the novel. Mr. Darcy’s proposal was vastly distinct from the social norms for a variety of reasons. Even though Mr. Darcy is portrayed as and portrays himself as someone who is above the social level of those around him, he finds himself as a representation of the crumbling wall of society’s strict constructs when he marries someone of a significantly lower social level than himself. In terms of this novel, it is the final straw that finally breaks the back of society. However, by marrying at all, Elizabeth does happen to take a step back in her message of feminism and misogynistic removal with her inadvertent compliance with society. While the effect is negligible in the grand scope of the novel’s theme, it is still a notable event as it allows for scrutiny of the novel’s message by means of