How Does Austen Show the Position of Women in the Society of Regency England?
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Answer
How does Austen show the position of women in the society of Regency England?
In “Pride and Prejudice,” (1813) Jane Austen (1775-1817) vividly portrays the limited position of women of Regency England through the lives and experiences of her characters. Women had few rights and were often dependent on marriage for social standing and economic security.
The Bennet Family’s Situation: This is evident in the Bennet family’s situation. With no sons, the Bennet estate is entailed to a male relative, Mr. Collins. This issue puts pressure on the Bennet sisters to marry well. Mrs. Bennet is obsessed with finding wealthy husbands for her daughters, knowing that their future security depends on it. In chapter 1, the narrator says:
The business of her [Mrs. Bennet] life was to get her daughters married;
Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley: This is seen in Mrs. Bennet’s eagerness to marry off Jane to Mr. Bingley, a wealthy and amiable bachelor. Jane’s beauty and good nature make her a desirable match. It highlights the societal expectation that women’s value is tied to their attractiveness and behavior.
Charlotte Lucas’s Pragmatic Approach: Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s friend, exemplifies the pragmatic approach to marriage. At 27, she fears becoming a burden to her family and marries Mr. Collins, despite his foolishness, for financial stability. Charlotte Lucas says:
I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’s character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced…
Charlotte’s choice underscores the limited options available to women in the society of Regency England.
Jane Austen challenges these norms with his character Elizabeth Bennet. She values love and respect over wealth and security in marriage. Her initial rejection of Mr. Collins and later, Mr. Darcy, until he proves his character, highlights Austen’s advocacy for marrying for love and compatibility.