The Satirization of Society's Flaws in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

In the globe of Pride and Prejudice, a novel written in the early 19th century, written by Jane Austen, folks are demarcated by their marital opportunities and economic holdings. The author satirises societal flaws in the ridiculing and exposing of elements of the novel. The satirical nature in which Austen writes is reflected in elements of society all through the characters. Austen mocks the flaws that characters in the novel portray, and furthermore presents these characters to reflect the broader concepts of society.

All through the novel, Austen poses an essential contention relevant to both contemporary day society, and old English society. She inquiries how people keep their individuality in a world of social pressures and restrictions. The novel primarily explores branches of society, such as the rigid social structure. Elizabeth Bennet, one particular and arguably the most mature of five Bennet sisters, is a victim of the restrictions put on her as a reduced class lady. She is limited by the frequent belief that since you are who you are you should act a certain way. This is clearly portrayed in Mr Collins’ proposal to her, in which he makes it clear to Elizabeth that her family portion is so small that it will probably “undo the effects of her loveliness and amiable qualifications…” and restricts and demeans her according to her low stature. This higher expectation comes by way of in the men’s supposition of what a excellent wife ought to be – one particular that holds wealth. In the novel, it is clear that the wealthy class are allied, as Collins proposal eloquently reflects the opinions of views of Catherine de Bourgh, who Mr Collins pays homage to. Towards the finish of the novel, Lady Catherine makes her opinions recognized to Lizzy (Elizabeth) herself. When Lady Catherine gets word of Darcy’s affection for Elizabeth, she outwardly refuses to believe or accept it. She objects that “… a young lady of inferior birth” could possibly marry a man of such higher repute. It is an not possible concept to a lot of girls in certain in their society that a lady of such low stature could possibly marry a man on the opposite end of the hierarchy. It is much more ridiculous to the individuals that surround the characters than to the characters themselves. Society poses a lot of restrictions on the members of the reduce class and holds a ban of movement of people in this hierarchy.

Most characters in the novel do not reside up to their prejudiced representation, nonetheless numerous continue to treat others according to preconceived opinions. This is a frequently explored topic in the novel, and it becomes clear that men and women are regarded according to their prejudices in order to preserve societal requirements. This is portrayed all through the pride and prejudices characters possess. Miss Bingley is regarded as a lady with too considerably pride, and considers herself of too higher rank to socialise with anybody reduce. She is usually presented as vain. The distinction between pride and vanity is produced early in the novel. Mary comments that “…pride relates a lot more to the opinion of ourselves, vanity to what others think of us,” both these things Miss Bingley is guilty of, specifically towards Elizabeth and her vanity with Darcy. Lizzy, nonetheless, does not give way to the opinions of other folks often. When Jane falls ill at the beginning of the novel, she is forced into the care of the Bingleys and Mr Hurst. Lizzy is determined to see jane, no matter the state she is in when she arrives. It is virtually incredible to Mr Hurst and Miss Bingley “… that she should’ve walked 3 miles so early in the day in such dirty weather, and by herself.” Miss Bingley holds Lizzy in contempt for this, regardless of it only becoming their 1st meeting. Pride and prejudice is generally explored all through all of the novel in exposing the flaws of society and the individuals within it.

The views that characters in the novel hold are of a wide variety and many deride the imperfections of society. Lizzy is arguably the only character that stays correct to herself, her identity and requires pride in her upbringing. Austen’s views are eloquently portrayed by way of Elizabeth as her opinions are more passionate and intelligent than any individual in the novel. As seen in Darcy and Elizabeth’s discussion about achieved girls, it is apparent they hold conflicting views. Darcy states he knows only six accomplished ladies, in which he also provides prominence to his excessive expectations. Lizzy is rightly surprised, saying “… she is no longer shocked at (his) understanding only six accomplished females, (she) rather wonders as (his) knowing any.” By this, Austen is not only mocking unrealistic societal expectations, but reflecting her own opinions by way of Elizabeth. Mr Collins supplies considerably comic relief and is a excellent example of irony for the duration of his appearances. This is since he introduces and additional presents himself as a wealthy man with a lot of companions and connections, but rather pays patronage to Lady

Catherine, contradicting his having much wealth and companionship. Austen makes use of his character to convey the irony and satire of society as Collins feels like he requirements to act like he is extensively admired and of a higher class in order to fit in. His “…pride, obsequiessness, self-significance and humility” instead has the opposite impact and repels most folks he comes across. Mr Darcy lifts himself above other folks (namely, Lizzy) due to his high station. Austen derides him in this instance as Darcy is in no way (apart from his wealth and status) superior to Lizzy as Darcy is intellectually and socially equal to her, if not, inferior. The attitudes that characters in the novel possess ridicule and satirise the expectations and prejudices they hold for others.

Social standings demarcate individuals and judge them primarily based on what they personal and who they know. This is relevant even today, as it becomes clear in the novel that characters are judged primarily based on these criteria. “Pride and Prejudice” calls focus to the flaws in human nature in the pride and prejudice every person, no matter how challenging one may attempt, possesses. In essence, Austen emphasises the essential need to let preconceived opinions one particular places on themselves and other individuals to fall away.