A Genuineness in Humans

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Recommended: Jane Austen's influence on later English literature

Individuals like the feeling that they belong. Sometimes people believe they are alone in the world and no one else faces similar issues.

Susan Morgan starts her literacy criticism by talking about Elizabeth Bennet's character. She mentions that Elizabeth is flawed which is why she is well liked by readers. Her flaws show the genuineness of her character and allow readers to make a connection to her. The connection is easily made because the way that Austen created Elizabeth made her appear to be a real person. Elizabeth is often boldly rude and disrespectful, yet at the same time she is self confident and an independent young woman. Rather than a perfect character in a perfect world, Elizabeth is realistic as she is an imperfect character in a far from perfect world.

In a recent study of Jane Austen's language done by Stuart Tave he states, "She knows, and she shows us in her novels, messy lives, and most people are leading them, even when the surface of life seems proper." Austen wrote in a way that assured readers to connect to her novel. Even if the time period is different, the themes of the novel will always be relate-able to people, as she does not focus on the standards of society, but the reality of human nature. As well as a focus on human nature, Austen focuses on freedom, intelligence, and nontraditional romance.

“When Elizabeth does come to have some feelings for Mr. Darcy she understands her change as above all, 'a motive within her of good will which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude- Gratitude, not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough, to forgive all the petulance and acrimony of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations accompanyi...

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...rself, knows what she is capable of, and because of that never sells herself short. Even as she does give into society by accepting a new freedom, boundaries, uncertainties, and hope, her authenticity while doing so is why she is admired by many readers.

Austen creates Elizabeth as a genuine, yet bold character whom readers can easily connect with. This gives readers a sense of security as they understand the frequency of imperfections of others like themselves in society. This awareness that one can be accepted in society, while being genuine is an important message that Austen sends to readers.

Works Cited

Austen, Jane. Pride And Prejudice. New York, NY: Tribeca Books, 2011. Print.

Morgan, Susan. “Intelligence in “Pride and Prejudice”.” Chicago Journals. 73.1 (1975): 54-68.

Web. 5 Sep. 2011. .

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