Theme Of Gender In Pride And Prejudice

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Elizabeth is not the average girl of her time, she could not care less about breaking societal gender roles. In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Elizabeth asserts herself to many people to show her inner strength regardless of her being a woman. Rejecting marriage was almost unheard of for her time, but Elizabeth rejects Mr.Collins without hesitation. Elizabeth also speaks out to members of society that are of a higher rank than she is, which was not tolerated. Elizabeth 's search for love and a true connection with Mr.Darcy is not was most girls of her time look for in marriage. Elizabeth is a strong-willed individual that is not held back by her gender; she instead goes against society 's expectations of a woman and stands up for herself as she sees fit for her desires.
In his first proposal, Mr.Darcy says “In vain I have struggled . It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you (Austen 128-129).” Mr.Darcy is telling Elizabeth he likes her against his will, she explains in her rejection that “he chose to tell her that he liked her against his will, against his reason, and even against his character (Austen 130).” Elizabeth sees herself as deserving more than someone loving her just because they cannot train themselves not to. Although she likes Mr.Darcy and she would be well taken care of if she married him, Elizabeth blames him for Mr.Bingley leaving her sister and says she cannot marry him. Elizabeth valuing her sisters feelings like that over her feelings for Mr.Darcy is also against social norms because if Elizabeth does not marry she will be nothing to society. Elizabeth is unlike most women of her time because she values herself more than she values what others will think of her for rejecting marriage a second

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