Jane Austen's Enduring Values

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The enduring value of Pride and Prejudice within society today. Reading Pride and Prejudice (1813) in the 21st century encourages reflection on modern life’s satisfactions and dissatisfactions, much like what Ruth Wilson stated in “The Jane Austen Remedy.” Austen’s ideas of first impressions, social classes, and expectations for women during the Regency era highlights a time where strict class structures and gender roles often restricted individual freedom and happiness. Today, we can appreciate the significant progress society has made, allowing for freedom and opportunities that were once unimaginable. After rereading Pride and Prejudice, I noticed more often than not, I too, am left to ponder on the satisfactions and dissatisfactions of …show more content…

Take Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, for instance, whose relationship was initially strained due to their social statuses. Their love story isn’t just about romance, as Darcy’s wealth and Elizabeth’s lower social class create all sorts of misunderstandings. Austen uses dialogue to highlight the impact of social class on relationships at the time, when Mr Darcy states, "Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us," suggesting how Darcy's pride, that exists deep down from within, initially blinds him to realise Elizabeth's worth. This resonates with me, not in terms of the strict social hierarchy of Austen's time, but in the subtle ways social background influences my interactions today. I find myself, like Elizabeth, wary of those who seem overly concerned with appearances or those who prioritise social connections purely for personal gain. I remember when I interviewed Elizabeth at the Regency afternoon tea, and she said something about how “in our world, true connections can crumple under the weight of societal expectations, however, when you recognise the individual beyond their social standing, that is when real relationships flourish”, which made me realise the true impact of social class on personal relationships. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's relationship ends up offering readers satisfaction, as love triumphs over social constraints. This theme remains relevant today, as seen in the relationship between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Despite facing massive public hate and judgment due to their differences, their relationship thrived, overcoming social constraints, much like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy's. This modern example of a healthy relationship between individuals from different social classes allows readers to find satisfaction in the idea that true love can

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