Introduction
Pride can be defined as an unreasonable and excessive estimation of one’s prowess or dominance in aspects such as wealth, talents, and beauty. On the other hand, prejudice, in this context, refers to a nonsensical and unfriendly attitude, hostile judgment, or strong aversion towards a particular gender or ethnic group. In the early 19th century, an English novelist identified as Jane Austen penned “Pride and Prejudice” based on the way society viewed women in the native England at that time. Using Elizabeth Bennett as the main character, Austen probed the deeper aspects relating to sexism, linking it with key issues affecting women and the society at large.
Additionally, the author establishes the position and role of cohabitation among women. She narrates how the protagonist tries to strike a balance between morality, enlightenment, personal virtues, and mannerism while dealing with chauvinistic societal pressures at that time. Drawing references directly from the novel and other secondary sources, various ways in which pride and prejudice reinforces and erodes sexist stereotypes of women, the reader’s understanding of the novel as a whole and a factual-based conclusion on the topic form the basis of discussion for this paper.
How pride and prejudice reinforces sexist stereotypes of women
Sexism, commonly referred to as gender-based chauvinism, can be defined as a preferential treatment that a particular gender receives due to being perceived as inherently superior to the other. This treatment is usually promoted by society through aspects such as marriage and family (Tiffany and Lin 490). Ideally, the man is projected as a dominant entity, from which a woman is supposed to obtain all her requirements while continuously remaining submissive to him. Based on the romantic novel Pride and Prejudice, the idea of sexist stereotypes of women is postulated through nuptial themes.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” (Austen 3). Female characters in the novel, such as Bennett’s daughters, are deemed to have no major roles to play beyond getting married. It is evident that marriage is portrayed as a crucial stage in the life of a woman since that is the only way through which she can acquire essential resources for a better life. On the same note, the novel emphasizes that the image projected by a woman to society is predominantly determined by her choice of a marriage partner. Bad choices lead to regrets, whereas good choices help a woman establish a solid reputation around her name.
Austen uses Lydia and Darcy as examples of women who recklessly picked unfit partners. Similarly, when Lydia gets married to Wickham in a quick and private fashion after escaping from home, Lizzy comments that, “She is lost forever” (Austen 42). This implies that if Lydia eventually decides to live with him without officiating their marriage, her elopement may become detrimental. However, Austen uses some of the female characters to perpetuate feminism and independence, as discussed in the section below.
How pride and prejudice erodes sexist stereotypes of women
Although many authors in recent times argue that Pride and Prejudice emphasize sexism, there are several elements of the novel which portray women as strong and courageous.
“Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennett got rid of her two most deserving daughters” (Austin 263). Mrs. Bennett, according to this statement, is a strong woman who is not afraid to express her personal feelings about her daughters. She wants to see them prosper, and her husband fully respects that opinion. On the same note, Austen uses Elizabeth to showcase the potential that can be unleashed from a woman who chooses to ignore societal pressures that suppress feminism.
Self-confidence, wit, and integrity are some of the strong character traits upheld by the protagonist. Additionally, the author erodes sexism by crafting Elizabeth into a courageous woman who adamantly maintained her stand, being defined by intelligence rather than countenance. It is therefore evident that Austen presents Bennett as a perfect example of how women can overcome prejudice by boldly upholding their virtues despite the pre-existing societal suppression. The section below gives a brief summary of the overall plot upon which the novel has been drafted, which can be used to help readers attain a clear understanding of it.
Contribution to reader’s understanding of the novel
The author addresses the position of women in rural English society in the 19th century, using facets such as marriage and family as key determinants of the fate of a woman. Austen emphasizes that a woman can only attain decorum and social acceptance under the aegis of a man (Hilola 44). Despite the fact that the protagonist attempts to preserve her self-respect and integrity, society puts a lot of pressure on her to get married and attain economic stability. A woman is considered weak and stubborn if she chooses to live by her own standards, and her value is only noticeable when a man is in the picture (Tiffany 44). Austen plots the novel in such a way that the man is always dominant in society, while any woman who attempts to pursue life independently is either directly or indirectly discredited. However, the fact that Elizabeth Bennett continuously upholds the idea of feminism cannot be overlooked.
Conclusion
It is evident that pride and prejudice reinforces sexist stereotypes of women, as elaborated in the previous sections of this paper. Although the author uses Elizabeth to ascertain the possibility of a woman remaining unmarried while maintaining her standards, she primarily emphasizes male dominance and supremacy in society through themes such as marriage and family. These two concepts have been widely embedded in the plot to perpetuate sexist stereotypes of women through characters like Darcy and Lizzy. This article can be used by students pursuing gender-based studies to challenge their understanding and beliefs about the position and role played by women in the 21st century.
Work cited
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice (International Student Edition) (Norton Critical Editions). WW Norton & Company, (2016), pp 3-264.
Brannon, Tiffany N., and Andy Lin. ““Pride and Prejudice” pathways to belonging: Implications for inclusive diversity practices within mainstream institutions.” American Psychologist 76.3 (2021), pp. 488-500.
Li, Tiffany. “Pride and Prejudice.” Perceptions 7.1 (2022), pp. 37-53.
Shavkatovna, AkhmedovaHilola. “Depicting a National Calorie and a Female Image in the Translation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, ” International Journal on Integrated Education 2.6 (2019), pp. 42-46.