Introduction:
The novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is an ideal novel digging into the perplexities of
seclusion of class, social hierarchy and the gender roles in regency England. The satirical
intellect and sharp espial of Austen highlight a world in which place things like class distinction
and social behavior is dictated by convention and demonstrate it’s influences in every interaction.
In this assignment, with a special concentration on the female characters and the snobs, how
these social convention and class influence form the conduct and actions of the characters in
“Pride and Prejudice” will be explored. Highlighting both the applesauce and outcome of
adhering to such norm, Austen critiques the starchy social standards of her time through the
interactions of the characters.
Class and Social Conventions in Regency England:
England was distinguished by a keen social hierarchy and stiff class distinction in the era of
Regency. While the lower and middle classes had confined social dynamism, building of the
aristocracy and the landed gentry, the upper class controlled significance power influence. From
marriage and courtship to the day-to-day conduct and manner, social norms commanded
behavior. Such conventions were profoundly installed and sometimes destined one’s fame and
social standing.
Snobs in “Pride and Prejudice”:
Mr. Collins:
Mr. Collins draws an ideal example of fawning and social climbing. His own intention for upper
mobility and his insecurities is revealed by his obsession with Lady Catherine De Bourgh.
Accentuating his faith that aligning himself to the hierarchy will uplift his own standard, Mr.
Collins’ proposition to Elizabeth Bennet is encumbered with reference to Lady Catherine’s aegis.
As he continually looks for acceptance from those he comprehends as superior, his subservience
and servility are highly obvious in his behavior.
The snobbery of Mr. Collins’ character is being developed by his point of view on marriage. He
considers marriage as not only coalescence of a couple but also a way to develop one’s social
standard. For example, it is not his pure affection for Elizabeth to have her as a life partner rather
he is practically focused on the benefits of marrying her and on her social standing that would
help him to achieve some social class. But, when Elizabeth refuses him, he gets a feeling of
incredulity, thinking about Elizabeth’s priority on her on feeling over social advantage. This
situation draws the demonstration of a clash between social anticipation and personal desires.
Lady Catherine De Bourgh:
Lady Catherine De Bourgh manifests the snobbish characteristics by regulating the social status
she her owns. A strong sense of superiority and haughtiness mark her behavior and interactions
with characters of the novel. It can be taken as evidence that her dealing with Elizabeth
demonstrates her expectation about obedience and docility from the characters of lower status.
For example, Lady Catherine’s invasive as well as bossy habit is being showcased by her
uninformed presence to the house of Lady Bennet in the intention of deterring Elizabeth from
marrying Mr. Darcy. Rejecting Elizabeth’s emotion and agency, she thinks that her hierarchic
standard gives her the power to interfere in other’s matter. Lady Catherine’s snobbish behavior is
clearer in her conversation with her clergyman, Mr. Collins. Mr. Collin continuously admires
Lady Catherine, mirroring his illusion on social status, and also feels her as an idol on this
matter.
Female Characters and Social Conventions:
Elizabeth Bennet:
Elizabeth Bennet portrays a significant character who challenges social system of measurement
and objects against the inflexible anticipations that are placed upon women. She sets her
character as different from the contemporaries with her intellect, sagacity and independent
mindset. By refusing the proposal of marrying Mr. Collins, Lady Elizabeth draws a bold
characteristic renouncing social attains as well as personal convenience for prioritizing her own
feelings. Even if it goes against social rules, instead, she gives precedence for mutual
understanding and respect in relationship and individual tenderness.
Furthermore, Elizabeth Bennet’s opposition to social norms is clearly expressed with her
interactions with Mr. Darcy. As she stats knowing about him, though she assumes that Mr. Darcy
would be arrogant and overly proud of his class, her opinion changes. So that, the conventional
passive preamble of women in courtship is in the face of challenge because of her own
willingness changing her judgement about Mr. Darcy. Rather than social influence, her
assertiveness on accepting the marriage proposal of Mr. Darcy depicts a demonstration a pure
compassion and mutual understanding.
Jane Bennet:
Jane Bennet exemplifies the conventional characteristics that are prospective in England
Regency which are typically opposite to Elizabeth Bennet. Her intercommunication with Mr.
Bingley is a demonstrator of her adherence of social norms and conventions. Jane sustains an
ideal and modest mien according to the social aspiration on women despite her strong affection
for him. For this reason, her union with Mr. Bingley is being late due to her unwillingness in
evolving her feeling towards him that directs to misunderstanding. When the softness and
obedience towards kindness of Jane Bennet is appraisable, it also portrays her vulnerability
against manipulation, that is expressed in endeavor of Caroline Bingley separating Mr. Bingley
from her.
Charlotte Lucas:
The character of Charlotte Lucas represents a demonstration of a practical aspect about social
norms and marriage. Her assertiveness on the proposal of Mr. Collins refers a deliberated
decision focused on pragmatic judgement instead of romantic love as being known about the
stress and restrictions on women. Charlotte realizes the practical fact that by marrying someone
rich or of higher class can secure a women’s social and financial convenience. Charlotte’s
practical understanding shows the unableness of women to avoid the societal pressure and the
compromising of their individual delightedness because of social stability.
Lydia Bennet:
Lydia Bennet is the portrayal of the outcome of disobeying social conventions and norms. Her
family is scandalized and in threat of their fame in consequence of her impetuous attitude and
skittish characteristic. The elopement of Lydia Bennet with Mr. Wickham draws a straight
dishonor of social aspiration towards women. Lydia’s nature serves as an awakening message,
depicting the potential threats from dishonoring social conventions.
Conclusion:
The ideal novel, “Pride and Prejudice”, by Jane Austen perfectly demonstrate the influences of
social norms and standards by the portrayal of the conduct of the characters. The power
dynamics and the fawning appeared in Regency England by some snobbish characters such as
Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins. Including Jane, Charlotte, Elizabeth and Lydia Bennet express
the perplex social situations by responding to the norms in their own way. The writer consistently
questions to the unflexible social conventions of her time by portraying both the nonsense and
the outcomes to abiding such conventional classes. Overall, disclosing both the suppression and
the probability in the overstep society, “Pride and Prejudice” gives a pragmatic example about
the way social standard or class as well as conventions form human nature.