Elizabeth as a Woman of Independent Mind in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth as a Woman of Independent Mind in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

In Jane Austen's novel 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is

shown to be an opinionated, "headstrong" young woman. Her

unconventional independence challenges the 19th century stereotype of

high society women, who tended to conform to the expectations of

society. Though her prejudiced judgement of others fails her

sometimes, Elizabeth has "a lively, playful disposition, that"

delights "in anything ridiculous".

Although different in character to most women of her society,

Elizabeth still manages to express much propriety in the presence of

company. During the dance she shares with Fitzwilliam Darcy, her

temper is put to the test. His earlier declaration that Elizabeth was

"not handsome enough to tempt" him manages to offend her, though she

is "not formed for ill humour", therefore laughs it off as if she were

telling a tale. Elizabeth displays the same decorum in the presence of

the Bingley sister's. Though she dislikes them, she does not show this

in their presence. During her visit to Rosings, Elizabeth meets with

Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Upon being asked, "what is your age" by Lady

Catherine, Elizabeth replies politely that with "three younger sisters

grown up" she is hardly entitled "to own" it. Elizabeth's indirect

answer is evidence of her taking offence, but also of her ability to

conceal it with much propriety. Elizabeth's refusal to marry Mr.

Collins because her "feelings forbid it", much to the dislike of her

mother, depicts her independence and inability to be intimidated. Mr

Bennet's regard to Elizabeth holding "something more of quicknes...

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with Darcy at Hunsford changes her perception of both men

instantaneously. She feels "absolutely ashamed" of her behaviour

towards Darcy, and concludes that she has been "blind, partial,

prejudiced, absurd" for not realizing Darcy to be the "one with all

the goodness", and Wickham "the other with all the appearance of it".

After reflecting over her prejudice, Elizabeth shows herself to be

more humble than proud by accepting she must personally apologise to

Darcy.

To conclude, Elizabeth is the independent minded heroine of Pride and

Prejudice. Her morals and good sense distinguish her from other women

in society. Able to redefine and challenge gentility, Elizabeth is

Austen's image of a female protagonist who challenges the

conventionality of her day, and stills inspires the admiration of all

readers.