Power and Manipulation

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Recommended: Roles of women in history

Throughout human history’s course, women hardly retained free speech rights. The men possessed an absolute authority over females because they had strength and larger duties. However, women’s low societal position confined them from seeking independence, security, and achievements. The general public’s analysis was strictly constrained to female domestic tasks. If one defied the social structure, the consequences would result condemnation and shame on the entire family. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice contain many underlying information regarding women’s hierarchy status, maintaining social distinctions and obligations, and acquiring power.

Although Jane Austen concentrates on developing the female characters, she also distinctly establishes their social disagreements. For example, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s objection towards Elizabeth and Darcy’s rumored engagement demonstrates the upper and lower class division. Lady Catherine insults the Bennet family saying, “I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all; that the young man's marrying her was a patched-up business, at the expense of your father and uncles.”(Austen Part 3 Chapter 14); this demonstrates the harsh influence high stature possess over the lower classes. Whether the situation favors the middle ranks, those who are superior continue their dominance through attacking dignity and manipulation. For instance, Mr. Collin’s rejected wedding offer causes a rude awakening and says, “My situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in my favour; and you should take it into further consideration, that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by ...

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... happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.” (Austen 1.22.17). Charlotte represents the ideal woman through her actions and thoughts. Her static character remains passive and focuses on her duties as a lady. A person obtaining a good reputation and fortune suppresses the need for individualism.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen provides a deeper female perception. The novel demonstrates an obvious division in the social hierarchy. Despite modern day changes, women struggle finding equality and individualism. Men’s strong control within society prevents female advancement. Females’ domestic duties continue to surpass ambition. However, through manipulation and influence, many break barriers and discover a new found freedom.

Works Cited

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

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