Decorum In Pride And Prejudice Gender Analysis

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Gender decorum is one more form of decorum that has played a crucial role in this novel. In the midst of this era women were expected to be very reserved and well-mannered. In the beginning of the novel during a conversation between the Bingley’s, Mr. Darcy, and Elizabeth, the gender roles of women are discussed. The expectations of women are plainly exerted by Miss Bingley:
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 half-deserved (Austen 38).
Though this statement is refuted by many in the room, what is expected from women of higher class is quite indisputable. However, Jane and Elizabeth’s younger sister’s consistently displayed themselves as imprudent through the entirety of the novel. Lydia, in particular, was as stated in the book as, “untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless” (Austen 284). Women were to be presented in the open for marriage around the age of 18, but Lydia was merely 15. Due to her young age, she is naïve which explains her imprudent behavior and violation of decorum by running away with the first man who is willing (Mr. Wickham). The Bennet’s actions were criticized by …show more content…

This is shown through the violations of voicing opinions, physical appearance, social reputations, as well as gender roles. Jane Austen reiterates the importance of decorum and highlights its permissibility. By emphasizing decorum, Austen displayed how majority of people viewed the world during this time which lead to a more controversial, daring way of living that was not widely accepted. In general, she seems to oppose upholding decorum and supports a more modern means of

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