The Social and Economic Conditions of the Victorian Age in “Pride and Prejudice?”
Pride and Prejudice is a notable literary work by Jane Austen. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Pride and Prejudice.
Answer
How does Jane Austen depict the social and economic conditions of the Victorian age in “Pride and Prejudice?”
In “Pride and Prejudice,” published in 1813, Jane Austen (1775-1817) masterfully depicts the social and economic conditions of early 19th-century England, an era that predates the Victorian Age (1832-1901) but shares many similarities in social norms and class structures. Through the lives of the Bennet family and their interactions, Austen offers a keen observation of the societal norms, class distinctions, and economic realities of her time.
Social Class and Hierarchy: Austen’s novel is set in a society that is highly conscious of social class and rank. The story revolves around the middle-class Bennet family and their interactions with wealthier families like the Bingleys and the Darcys. Social class affects relationships, behaviors, and marriage prospects. Characters often judge each other based on their social standing. For instance, Darcy’s initial pride and sense of social superiority lead him to dismiss Elizabeth and her family. Darcy refuses to dance with Elizabeth,
She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me;
This class consciousness highlights the rigid social hierarchy that dictated people’s lives and interactions.
Marriage and Economic Security: Marriage in “Pride and Prejudice” is depicted not just as a union of love but also as an economic necessity, especially for women. The Bennet sisters must marry well to ensure financial stability because their father’s estate is entitled to a male heir, leaving them with no inheritance. Mrs. Bennet is obsessed with marrying off her daughters to wealthy suitors to secure their futures. In Chapter 1, the narrator says:
The business of her life was to get her daughters married;
It illustrates the limited opportunities for women to achieve financial independence. Charlotte Lucas’s pragmatic marriage to Mr. Collins emphasizes this point; she chooses Mr. Collins for economic security and social status, a common practice among women of her time. Charlotte Lucas says:
I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only
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