In the novel, social
class and standing play an integral role in the plot development and
relationships. Discuss this notion paying particular attention to Darcy and
Elizabeth's relationship.
Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship is seen as almost an impossible arrangement, and certainly an illogical one. Lady Catherine De Bourgh relentlessly objects and makes several attempts of preventing the union between her nephew and Elizabeth who she refers to as nothing compared to him. When confronting Elizabeth of her disapproval, she says "You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?” This quote gives perfect insight into the root of what navigated the decisions regarding relationships in the novel: social class. Going against this societal law and marrying one another despite their financial positions, the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth develop the theme of selfless love. His altruistic love for Elizabeth causes him to secretly financially enable the marriage of Lydia and Wickham, and continually pursue her after her rejection. Darcy becomes so altered by Elizabeth that he is given a new perspective on the importance of social status, a humility in himself, and a genuine love for her.
I agree very much with what Kailey is saying, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's relationship seems impossible due to their vast difference in social structure. As Kailey mentioned this is demonstrated with Lady Be Bourgh great outward disapproval of their relationship. Elizabeth comes from a middle/lower class family, with a mother that only cares about climbing the social ladder by marrying off her children. While Mr. Darcy is a sophisticated man, with more money than can be described. The social status alone, can be reason that their relationship would not work out. However, Mr. Darcy overcame the fact that Elizabeth was not of worthy social class, because he genuinely loves her. This is precisely what Kailey said and I agree with her completely.
Social class of all the characters in Pride and Prejudice is the basis for the plotline of the novel. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy’s feelings of love toward Jane and Elizabeth are hindered greatly at the beginning of the novel due the sister’s social class. The lesser status of the Bennet sister’s caused doubt in the gentlemen’s heads. Mrs. Bennet was very open about the fact that she wished her children to marry for material wealth and status. Due to that, Jane and Elizabeth were viewed as social climbers, and that greatly affected their chances of finding suitable men to marry. Social classes are the basis of many of the marriages in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, Jane and Mr. Bingley, Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins, and lastly Lydia and Mr. Wickman. Each of those marriages were either a result of the need for social succession, Charlotte and Mr. Collins and Lydia and Mr. Wickman. Or it was in jeopardy because of the difference of social classes, as in Jane and Elizabeth’s relationship.
Throughout the novel of Pride and Prejudice, it’s revealed that Elizabeth’s family comes from a middle-class family. On the contrary, the character of Darcy is a man of high-class and wealth who refuses to associate with people inferior to his position. Between the characters, as their true understanding and feelings for each other become more stronger, their personal pride and prejudices become more weaker. When Darcy and Elizabeth met for the first time, there was an immediate distaste between them as Darcy regarded her as “tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Understandably, Elizabeth forms a negative opinion on him as she believes he prides himself snobbishly and the role he took part in Jane and Bingley’s potential courtship. Later on in the novel, although it becomes apparent that these two characters grow a profound liking for each other, it’s their pride and prejudices along with fully understanding themselves that prevents them from being together. The only thing that is making Darcy hesitant from marrying Elizabeth is her social position, despite her lovable character that Darcy desires. He soon realizes (after getting rejected on the first proposal) that in order to be with Elizabeth, he has to drop his pride in finding that unattainable girl he wants, and settle for a woman that comes from an inferior family position.
Hey Ev- I agree with most of what you said except for the last section. Darcy's proposal to Elizabeth was anything but lowering his standards as you implied in your last sentence. He completely fell in love with her and her ability to make him see the important qualities in people, and the shallowness of the materialism he had been submersed in his whole life. The undoing of his pride wasn't just marrying someone in a lower class, and definitely not "settling" (because he could have attained any woman in the upper class he was in) but also in the transforming of his values the she caused him to undergo. The other part I don’t quite agree with is referring to Elizabeth as having a lovable character. Darcy seemed to be drawn to her tendency to often times offend him and others as she speaks her own opinions, often times at the cost of not coming off as lovable. This leads back to how she ends up changing him as a person. I agree with what you said of how Darcy felt about her initially, but disagree about your apparent impression that he settled for her because his ideal girl was unattainable.
In accordance with the time period in which the novel was written, divides between social classes play a major role in Pride and Prejudice. The conflict between social classes is best displayed in the relationships between Mr. Bingley and Jane, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. In both situation, the men are of higher social standing than the women, causing some serious issues. In the case of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, their social divide is what Mr. Darcy originally uses to discourage himself from courting Elizabeth, but he eventually takes a liking to her and attempt to find a way to conquer the social barrier. When Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are finally together, it is as if Mr. Darcy forfeited his social status in the eyes of some of his friends and family, while Elizabeth ascended to a wealthier social class like Mrs. Bennet wanted her to. So in the end, the idea of social classes is somewhat abandoned by select characters, but it remains a defining theme of the novel.
Without the barrier of social classes that is eventually broken down by Elizabeth and Darcy this book would really not have that interesting of a plot. The whole basis behind Darcy and Elizabeth's unlikely love story is that Darcy is incredibly rich and Elizabeth isn't. During the time when this novel was set in that usually meant that those two people wouldn't even interact, let alone fall in love. The same applies for Bingley and Jane. The rudeness and close-mindedness of the upper class is best seen in Darcy's aunt: Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She is extremely against the partnership of Darcy and Elizabeth and says to Elizabeth when confronting her about their love, "You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?" This shows how the upper classes' opinion for those lower on the social ladder and how marriage to one of these people is very disgraceful, even if there is love between them. Without the divide of social classes in this novel, the forbidden fruit of Elizabeth and Darcy's love would not be nearly as tasty. :)
Sup Mr. Mich- I agree with your statement about how the novel would not have much of a plot if it weren't for social classes and barriers. Without social classes, there would not be anything preventing Mr. Bingley from immediately marrying Jane, or Mr. Darcy from marrying Elizabeth. Everything would have run smoothly and there would not have been any conflict in the novel. However, I believe Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship would not have been smooth sailing because Mr. Darcy didn't initially view Elizabeth as a prospect for him based purely on her looks. Even though social class was the main force behind the problems hindering their relationship, there were some other factors involved. Other than that, I concur with how you view the opinions of the upper class towards the lower class. The plot of Pride and Prejudice was comprised of characters either overcoming or disregarding social classes, and without that, the novel wouldn't be anything to write home about.
Hello again, Casey! The first sentence was probably the best thing I read today (behind Harry Potter) :) Anyways, I believe the social classes Jane Austen created in the novel was the major force behind the characters and story line. Without Darcy's affluence and condescending stereotypical 'standoff' personality, Elizabeth wouldn't have had formed her prejudice in the first place on his pretentious demeanor and without Elizabeth and the Bennett's middle-class family, Darcy wouldn't have looked down upon her as a social inferior in the first place. I also agree that Lady Catherine de Bourgh epitomizes the closed-mindedness of the upper class as she treats Elizabeth in a severe contemptuous manner simply because of her middle-class family. The separation of Darcy and Elizabeth's social classes was what made their love so profound and meaningful which is why I believe Austen utilized the theme of social class and marriage, emphasizing how true love works in many ways. <3
As said many times by my peers, the strict social structure of this time period is crucial to this novel being its main cause of trials and in the end tribulations. Elizabeth is in no way close to Darcy in terms of social rank or wealth, she’s far below. This distance, naturally at this time period, causes a lot of doubt and pushes Lady Catherine De Bourgh to harshly object even the idea of their union. Darcy wishes that he didn’t love Elizabeth so but he loves her because of her quick brain and her fiery and honest personality. His feelings towards her overrides any rules or wishes and even drives him to help Lydia and Mr. Wickham, one of the people he hates most. Elizabeth’s decision to marry Darcy is purely based on her genuine love for Darcy himself and is not influenced by a longing to climb the social ladder in the least. This idea that love can conquer all drives this book and has influenced many novels and movies since.
Lillie I completely agree with what you have here. The entire theme of the story exists in the idea that this deep connection and love can truly break down any wall in its path. Even in the harsh and complicated marrying process of the time period the book is set in, the love that Darcy and Elizabeth share banishes any kind of monetary of class difference that may have previously prohibited their happiness.
Whenever the subject of love, romance or marriage is brought up between two characters in Pride and Prejudice, the main concern for the success of marriage is the social class of those involved. In those times, keeping a noble blood line was very important, as it would keep property, money, and other assets with like families, sometimes even the same family. Who you would marry was already predetermined by whichever social class you existed in. In regard to the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, it is a very rare and unlikely occurrence that one of the wealthiest men in England would marry such a woman from the Bennet family. To begin with, Darcy did not even consider anyone under his class close to anything he would want. This was of course until he met Elizabeth, who taught him that love could transcend the already set expectations for his matrimony. However, in the conclusion, they do get married, much to the discomfort of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy's very wealthy aunt.
I agree with everything you said Ol. Social class and its structures had been going on for a very long time. Marrying within the family to keep strong bloodlines going and to keep property and money in one place is what was normal, unlike today when those things mean very little to us. Because of marriage’s long history being based on class and wealth it is pretty crazy that the wealthiest man in England would marry Elizabeth, who had pretty much nothing to offer in the sense of commodities in comparison to what he already had. With family and society’s norms going against him, his love for Elizabeth’s natural character overrides it all. Like you said, Darcy's love for Elizabeth changes everything and shifts all norms.
Oliver my friend! Great stuff out there. I think you hit the nail right on the head with that post. As I stated in my comment the plot of this novel would be pretty much non-existent without the separation of social classes. Darcy pretty much goes against everything he was raised to believe by marrying Elizabeth and disappoints his aunt in the process. He shatters every social norm by being with Elizabeth and grows as a person when he looks at Elizabeth not in a condescending way, but as someone that he truly loves no matter what her financial status is. This was a truly inspiring love story that up until page 200 I thought was written by Nicholas Sparks.
Throughout the novel, the character’s family and financial standing have played a very important role in how they interact with other characters in the book. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship begins at a ball when he declines asking her to dance because of her lack of beauty and presence. As the book goes on, Elizabeth begins to see him as an arrogant jerk who is out of her league due to his extravagant fortune and Darcy sees her as someone who is undesirable due to her lack of fortune and social class. However, as the novel proceeds, Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship flourishes when love overcomes their own standings in society. Even as Darcy’s relative rejects and discourages their marriage because of her social class and threatens to treat both of them poorly, they still choose to be with each other rather than to conform to the standards society had laid for them.
Throughout the novel, the character’s family and financial standing have played a very important role in how they interact with other characters in the book. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship begins at a ball when he declines asking her to dance because of her lack of beauty and presence. As the book goes on, Elizabeth begins to see him as an arrogant jerk who is out of her league due to his extravagant fortune and Darcy sees her as someone who is undesirable due to her lack of fortune and social class. However, as the novel proceeds, Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship flourishes when love overcomes their own standings in society. Even as Darcy’s relative rejects and discourages their marriage because of her social class and threatens to treat both of them poorly, they still choose to be with each other rather than to conform to the standards society had laid for them.
Social class and wealth are central to the plot of pride and prejudice simply because they cause the main faults of each character. While Mr.Darcy feels pride for his wealth and suspects bad intentions by the Bennets for simply speaking to him, Elizabeth assumes him to be a cruel and malicious man for not speaking to them. This is another way of saying she is prejudiced against him because of his wealth. What's interesting though is how the story would play out with an absence of this wealth. Had no one known of Mr.Darcy's wealth, it is likely he'd be much more outgoing. Indeed if the Bennet's had been able to step into Mr.Darcy's shoes, they might have realized sooner that his motivation are just. More to that point, if either character had been more readily empathetic, the entire story might not have existed. Chocking this up to faults in character would be missing the point though, as financial situations were much more important in those times. The entire Bennet family risks bankruptcy if they cannot marry off one of their daughters to someone wealthy, so they cannot exactly afford to not focus on this issue. Meanwhile, Mr.Darcy, and arguably the rest of the upper class, bases his entire identity on his vast fortune. So if wealth distribution were to be taken out of the story, not only the conflict, but some characters would have to be removed.
Social class and wealth are central to the plot of pride and prejudice simply because they cause the main faults of each character. While Mr.Darcy feels pride for his wealth and suspects bad intentions by the Bennets for simply speaking to him, Elizabeth assumes him to be a cruel and malicious man for not speaking to them. This is another way of saying she is prejudiced against him because of his wealth. What's interesting though is how the story would play out with an absence of this wealth. Had no one known of Mr.Darcy's wealth, it is likely he'd be much more outgoing. Indeed if the Bennet's had been able to step into Mr.Darcy's shoes, they might have realized sooner that his motivation are just. More to that point, if either character had been more readily empathetic, the entire story might not have existed. Chocking this up to faults in character would be missing the point though, as financial situations were much more important in those times. The entire Bennet family risks bankruptcy if they cannot marry off one of their daughters to someone wealthy, so they cannot exactly afford to not focus on this issue. Meanwhile, Mr.Darcy, and arguably the rest of the upper class, bases his entire identity on his vast fortune. So if wealth distribution were to be taken out of the story, not only the conflict, but some characters would have to be removed.
I like that you pointed out the fact that the entirety and bulk of the novel wouldn't exist without the trivialities of social class. From an outliers perspective, the Bennets may appear superficial in their quest for social climbing (which may very well be true) but under the circumstances of that time period, the obsession was vital in preventing the risk of bankruptcy. Marrying someone of wealth secured their futures, making the menial balls and small talk extremely crucial factors in capturing a mate. Wealth = identity and safety.
It is plainly obvious from the beginning that Darcy is of much higher status than the Bennets could ever dream of reaching. This difference seems to have a rather small effect on the relationship that ensues between Darcy and Elizabeth, but is much more apparent when the families of the couple are taken into account. Aunt of Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s surprise visit to the Bennet’s modest household was purely an attempt to preserve the family name that stood upon pillars of class and wealth (and the subsequent inbreeding). The very thought of Darcy stooping down to the level of the Bennets could do nothing but damage the reputation of the family. On the other side, Mrs. Bennet’s reaction to the news of the impending marriage could not have more perfectly shown just how much the difference in status would help to elevate the lives of all of the Bennets. Just by looking at the reactions of those around them, it is evident as to how exactly an inter-class marriage would be impacted by societal norms.
During the time period in which Pride & Prejudice takes place, anxieties of social standing and class predominately invade each character's motives, hindering the love between Darcy and Elizabeth. But as it inevitably seems to clichely do, love conquers all. It seems Austen intended to use the act of love as its own force separate from social class.
Characters like Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh act as caricatures to the extremities social standings play in relationships. It seems Collins' main incentives as person lie in the realm of toting to Lady Catherine and acting as a personal lap dog. His reputation and the importance of class dominate his life.
When Elizabeth and Darcy evade the barriers of social class, Lady Catherine makes a dire visit in order to directly tell Elizabeth she cannot possibly marry Darcy as she is from an inferior social standing and would ultimately tarnish the family name. In her mindset and the majority of other characters, the unbridled force of love is superfluous and should by no means interrupt the rules of society.
Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet have similar ideas on the basis social standing. Instead of marrying to please other's they believe that they should marry to please themselves. Mr. Darcy's society says that it would be impractical for him to marry Elizabeth due to the lack of family propriety, wealth, and talent. Miss Elizabeth is seen lowly in the society and is deemed unfit to be part of the upper class. Miss Elizabeth's society and family say that it is quite unlikely for her to marry Mr. Darcy. First being he is quite an unpleasing, selfish, snooty type of man just from his stature and way of talking. But her society would say that if possible do marry this man because of the future wealth and prosperity. The letter that Elizabeth receives from him and information about his involvement in Lydia's wedding proves that his character is quite contradictory to the assumed notions. Because of preconceived notions from false sources there are conflicts. Miss Elizabeth actually isn't at all displeasing to Lady Catherine, Darcy's Aunt who wants Darcy to marry her daughter, other than that she isn't of upper society. And Mr. Darcy isn't what Elizabeth had conceived at first. These developments of the character's knowledge of each other develops their relationship as well.
Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship is seen as almost an impossible arrangement, and certainly an illogical one. Lady Catherine De Bourgh relentlessly objects and makes several attempts of preventing the union between her nephew and Elizabeth who she refers to as nothing compared to him. When confronting Elizabeth of her disapproval, she says "You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?” This quote gives perfect insight into the root of what navigated the decisions regarding relationships in the novel: social class. Going against this societal law and marrying one another despite their financial positions, the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth develop the theme of selfless love. His altruistic love for Elizabeth causes him to secretly financially enable the marriage of Lydia and Wickham, and continually pursue her after her rejection. Darcy becomes so altered by Elizabeth that he is given a new perspective on the importance of social status, a humility in himself, and a genuine love for her.
ReplyDeleteI agree very much with what Kailey is saying, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's relationship seems impossible due to their vast difference in social structure. As Kailey mentioned this is demonstrated with Lady Be Bourgh great outward disapproval of their relationship. Elizabeth comes from a middle/lower class family, with a mother that only cares about climbing the social ladder by marrying off her children. While Mr. Darcy is a sophisticated man, with more money than can be described. The social status alone, can be reason that their relationship would not work out. However, Mr. Darcy overcame the fact that Elizabeth was not of worthy social class, because he genuinely loves her. This is precisely what Kailey said and I agree with her completely.
DeleteSocial class of all the characters in Pride and Prejudice is the basis for the plotline of the novel. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy’s feelings of love toward Jane and Elizabeth are hindered greatly at the beginning of the novel due the sister’s social class. The lesser status of the Bennet sister’s caused doubt in the gentlemen’s heads. Mrs. Bennet was very open about the fact that she wished her children to marry for material wealth and status. Due to that, Jane and Elizabeth were viewed as social climbers, and that greatly affected their chances of finding suitable men to marry. Social classes are the basis of many of the marriages in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, Jane and Mr. Bingley, Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins, and lastly Lydia and Mr. Wickman. Each of those marriages were either a result of the need for social succession, Charlotte and Mr. Collins and Lydia and Mr. Wickman. Or it was in jeopardy because of the difference of social classes, as in Jane and Elizabeth’s relationship.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel of Pride and Prejudice, it’s revealed that Elizabeth’s family comes from a middle-class family. On the contrary, the character of Darcy is a man of high-class and wealth who refuses to associate with people inferior to his position. Between the characters, as their true understanding and feelings for each other become more stronger, their personal pride and prejudices become more weaker. When Darcy and Elizabeth met for the first time, there was an immediate distaste between them as Darcy regarded her as “tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Understandably, Elizabeth forms a negative opinion on him as she believes he prides himself snobbishly and the role he took part in Jane and Bingley’s potential courtship. Later on in the novel, although it becomes apparent that these two characters grow a profound liking for each other, it’s their pride and prejudices along with fully understanding themselves that prevents them from being together. The only thing that is making Darcy hesitant from marrying Elizabeth is her social position, despite her lovable character that Darcy desires. He soon realizes (after getting rejected on the first proposal) that in order to be with Elizabeth, he has to drop his pride in finding that unattainable girl he wants, and settle for a woman that comes from an inferior family position.
ReplyDeleteHey Ev- I agree with most of what you said except for the last section. Darcy's proposal to Elizabeth was anything but lowering his standards as you implied in your last sentence. He completely fell in love with her and her ability to make him see the important qualities in people, and the shallowness of the materialism he had been submersed in his whole life. The undoing of his pride wasn't just marrying someone in a lower class, and definitely not "settling" (because he could have attained any woman in the upper class he was in) but also in the transforming of his values the she caused him to undergo. The other part I don’t quite agree with is referring to Elizabeth as having a lovable character. Darcy seemed to be drawn to her tendency to often times offend him and others as she speaks her own opinions, often times at the cost of not coming off as lovable. This leads back to how she ends up changing him as a person. I agree with what you said of how Darcy felt about her initially, but disagree about your apparent impression that he settled for her because his ideal girl was unattainable.
DeleteIn accordance with the time period in which the novel was written, divides between social classes play a major role in Pride and Prejudice. The conflict between social classes is best displayed in the relationships between Mr. Bingley and Jane, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. In both situation, the men are of higher social standing than the women, causing some serious issues. In the case of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, their social divide is what Mr. Darcy originally uses to discourage himself from courting Elizabeth, but he eventually takes a liking to her and attempt to find a way to conquer the social barrier. When Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are finally together, it is as if Mr. Darcy forfeited his social status in the eyes of some of his friends and family, while Elizabeth ascended to a wealthier social class like Mrs. Bennet wanted her to. So in the end, the idea of social classes is somewhat abandoned by select characters, but it remains a defining theme of the novel.
ReplyDeleteWithout the barrier of social classes that is eventually broken down by Elizabeth and Darcy this book would really not have that interesting of a plot. The whole basis behind Darcy and Elizabeth's unlikely love story is that Darcy is incredibly rich and Elizabeth isn't. During the time when this novel was set in that usually meant that those two people wouldn't even interact, let alone fall in love. The same applies for Bingley and Jane. The rudeness and close-mindedness of the upper class is best seen in Darcy's aunt: Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She is extremely against the partnership of Darcy and Elizabeth and says to Elizabeth when confronting her about their love, "You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?" This shows how the upper classes' opinion for those lower on the social ladder and how marriage to one of these people is very disgraceful, even if there is love between them. Without the divide of social classes in this novel, the forbidden fruit of Elizabeth and Darcy's love would not be nearly as tasty. :)
ReplyDeleteSup Mr. Mich-
DeleteI agree with your statement about how the novel would not have much of a plot if it weren't for social classes and barriers. Without social classes, there would not be anything preventing Mr. Bingley from immediately marrying Jane, or Mr. Darcy from marrying Elizabeth. Everything would have run smoothly and there would not have been any conflict in the novel. However, I believe Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship would not have been smooth sailing because Mr. Darcy didn't initially view Elizabeth as a prospect for him based purely on her looks. Even though social class was the main force behind the problems hindering their relationship, there were some other factors involved. Other than that, I concur with how you view the opinions of the upper class towards the lower class. The plot of Pride and Prejudice was comprised of characters either overcoming or disregarding social classes, and without that, the novel wouldn't be anything to write home about.
Hello again, Casey!
ReplyDeleteThe first sentence was probably the best thing I read today (behind Harry Potter) :) Anyways, I believe the social classes Jane Austen created in the novel was the major force behind the characters and story line. Without Darcy's affluence and condescending stereotypical 'standoff' personality, Elizabeth wouldn't have had formed her prejudice in the first place on his pretentious demeanor and without Elizabeth and the Bennett's middle-class family, Darcy wouldn't have looked down upon her as a social inferior in the first place. I also agree that Lady Catherine de Bourgh epitomizes the closed-mindedness of the upper class as she treats Elizabeth in a severe contemptuous manner simply because of her middle-class family. The separation of Darcy and Elizabeth's social classes was what made their love so profound and meaningful which is why I believe Austen utilized the theme of social class and marriage, emphasizing how true love works in many ways. <3
As said many times by my peers, the strict social structure of this time period is crucial to this novel being its main cause of trials and in the end tribulations. Elizabeth is in no way close to Darcy in terms of social rank or wealth, she’s far below. This distance, naturally at this time period, causes a lot of doubt and pushes Lady Catherine De Bourgh to harshly object even the idea of their union. Darcy wishes that he didn’t love Elizabeth so but he loves her because of her quick brain and her fiery and honest personality. His feelings towards her overrides any rules or wishes and even drives him to help Lydia and Mr. Wickham, one of the people he hates most. Elizabeth’s decision to marry Darcy is purely based on her genuine love for Darcy himself and is not influenced by a longing to climb the social ladder in the least. This idea that love can conquer all drives this book and has influenced many novels and movies since.
ReplyDeleteLillie I completely agree with what you have here. The entire theme of the story exists in the idea that this deep connection and love can truly break down any wall in its path. Even in the harsh and complicated marrying process of the time period the book is set in, the love that Darcy and Elizabeth share banishes any kind of monetary of class difference that may have previously prohibited their happiness.
DeleteWhenever the subject of love, romance or marriage is brought up between two characters in Pride and Prejudice, the main concern for the success of marriage is the social class of those involved. In those times, keeping a noble blood line was very important, as it would keep property, money, and other assets with like families, sometimes even the same family. Who you would marry was already predetermined by whichever social class you existed in. In regard to the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, it is a very rare and unlikely occurrence that one of the wealthiest men in England would marry such a woman from the Bennet family. To begin with, Darcy did not even consider anyone under his class close to anything he would want. This was of course until he met Elizabeth, who taught him that love could transcend the already set expectations for his matrimony. However, in the conclusion, they do get married, much to the discomfort of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy's very wealthy aunt.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said Ol. Social class and its structures had been going on for a very long time. Marrying within the family to keep strong bloodlines going and to keep property and money in one place is what was normal, unlike today when those things mean very little to us. Because of marriage’s long history being based on class and wealth it is pretty crazy that the wealthiest man in England would marry Elizabeth, who had pretty much nothing to offer in the sense of commodities in comparison to what he already had. With family and society’s norms going against him, his love for Elizabeth’s natural character overrides it all. Like you said, Darcy's love for Elizabeth changes everything and shifts all norms.
DeleteOliver my friend! Great stuff out there. I think you hit the nail right on the head with that post. As I stated in my comment the plot of this novel would be pretty much non-existent without the separation of social classes. Darcy pretty much goes against everything he was raised to believe by marrying Elizabeth and disappoints his aunt in the process. He shatters every social norm by being with Elizabeth and grows as a person when he looks at Elizabeth not in a condescending way, but as someone that he truly loves no matter what her financial status is. This was a truly inspiring love story that up until page 200 I thought was written by Nicholas Sparks.
DeleteThroughout the novel, the character’s family and financial standing have played a very important role in how they interact with other characters in the book. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship begins at a ball when he declines asking her to dance because of her lack of beauty and presence. As the book goes on, Elizabeth begins to see him as an arrogant jerk who is out of her league due to his extravagant fortune and Darcy sees her as someone who is undesirable due to her lack of fortune and social class. However, as the novel proceeds, Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship flourishes when love overcomes their own standings in society. Even as Darcy’s relative rejects and discourages their marriage because of her social class and threatens to treat both of them poorly, they still choose to be with each other rather than to conform to the standards society had laid for them.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, the character’s family and financial standing have played a very important role in how they interact with other characters in the book. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship begins at a ball when he declines asking her to dance because of her lack of beauty and presence. As the book goes on, Elizabeth begins to see him as an arrogant jerk who is out of her league due to his extravagant fortune and Darcy sees her as someone who is undesirable due to her lack of fortune and social class. However, as the novel proceeds, Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship flourishes when love overcomes their own standings in society. Even as Darcy’s relative rejects and discourages their marriage because of her social class and threatens to treat both of them poorly, they still choose to be with each other rather than to conform to the standards society had laid for them.
ReplyDeleteSocial class and wealth are central to the plot of pride and prejudice simply because they cause the main faults of each character. While Mr.Darcy feels pride for his wealth and suspects bad intentions by the Bennets for simply speaking to him, Elizabeth assumes him to be a cruel and malicious man for not speaking to them. This is another way of saying she is prejudiced against him because of his wealth. What's interesting though is how the story would play out with an absence of this wealth. Had no one known of Mr.Darcy's wealth, it is likely he'd be much more outgoing. Indeed if the Bennet's had been able to step into Mr.Darcy's shoes, they might have realized sooner that his motivation are just. More to that point, if either character had been more readily empathetic, the entire story might not have existed. Chocking this up to faults in character would be missing the point though, as financial situations were much more important in those times. The entire Bennet family risks bankruptcy if they cannot marry off one of their daughters to someone wealthy, so they cannot exactly afford to not focus on this issue. Meanwhile, Mr.Darcy, and arguably the rest of the upper class, bases his entire identity on his vast fortune. So if wealth distribution were to be taken out of the story, not only the conflict, but some characters would have to be removed.
ReplyDeleteSocial class and wealth are central to the plot of pride and prejudice simply because they cause the main faults of each character. While Mr.Darcy feels pride for his wealth and suspects bad intentions by the Bennets for simply speaking to him, Elizabeth assumes him to be a cruel and malicious man for not speaking to them. This is another way of saying she is prejudiced against him because of his wealth. What's interesting though is how the story would play out with an absence of this wealth. Had no one known of Mr.Darcy's wealth, it is likely he'd be much more outgoing. Indeed if the Bennet's had been able to step into Mr.Darcy's shoes, they might have realized sooner that his motivation are just. More to that point, if either character had been more readily empathetic, the entire story might not have existed. Chocking this up to faults in character would be missing the point though, as financial situations were much more important in those times. The entire Bennet family risks bankruptcy if they cannot marry off one of their daughters to someone wealthy, so they cannot exactly afford to not focus on this issue. Meanwhile, Mr.Darcy, and arguably the rest of the upper class, bases his entire identity on his vast fortune. So if wealth distribution were to be taken out of the story, not only the conflict, but some characters would have to be removed.
ReplyDeleteI like that you pointed out the fact that the entirety and bulk of the novel wouldn't exist without the trivialities of social class. From an outliers perspective, the Bennets may appear superficial in their quest for social climbing (which may very well be true) but under the circumstances of that time period, the obsession was vital in preventing the risk of bankruptcy. Marrying someone of wealth secured their futures, making the menial balls and small talk extremely crucial factors in capturing a mate. Wealth = identity and safety.
DeleteIt is plainly obvious from the beginning that Darcy is of much higher status than the Bennets could ever dream of reaching. This difference seems to have a rather small effect on the relationship that ensues between Darcy and Elizabeth, but is much more apparent when the families of the couple are taken into account. Aunt of Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s surprise visit to the Bennet’s modest household was purely an attempt to preserve the family name that stood upon pillars of class and wealth (and the subsequent inbreeding). The very thought of Darcy stooping down to the level of the Bennets could do nothing but damage the reputation of the family. On the other side, Mrs. Bennet’s reaction to the news of the impending marriage could not have more perfectly shown just how much the difference in status would help to elevate the lives of all of the Bennets. Just by looking at the reactions of those around them, it is evident as to how exactly an inter-class marriage would be impacted by societal norms.
ReplyDeleteDuring the time period in which Pride & Prejudice takes place, anxieties of social standing and class predominately invade each character's motives, hindering the love between Darcy and Elizabeth. But as it inevitably seems to clichely do, love conquers all. It seems Austen intended to use the act of love as its own force separate from social class.
ReplyDeleteCharacters like Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh act as caricatures to the extremities social standings play in relationships. It seems Collins' main incentives as person lie in the realm of toting to Lady Catherine and acting as a personal lap dog. His reputation and the importance of class dominate his life.
When Elizabeth and Darcy evade the barriers of social class, Lady Catherine makes a dire visit in order to directly tell Elizabeth she cannot possibly marry Darcy as she is from an inferior social standing and would ultimately tarnish the family name. In her mindset and the majority of other characters, the unbridled force of love is superfluous and should by no means interrupt the rules of society.
Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet have similar ideas on the basis social standing. Instead of marrying to please other's they believe that they should marry to please themselves. Mr. Darcy's society says that it would be impractical for him to marry Elizabeth due to the lack of family propriety, wealth, and talent. Miss Elizabeth is seen lowly in the society and is deemed unfit to be part of the upper class. Miss Elizabeth's society and family say that it is quite unlikely for her to marry Mr. Darcy. First being he is quite an unpleasing, selfish, snooty type of man just from his stature and way of talking. But her society would say that if possible do marry this man because of the future wealth and prosperity. The letter that Elizabeth receives from him and information about his involvement in Lydia's wedding proves that his character is quite contradictory to the assumed notions. Because of preconceived notions from false sources there are conflicts. Miss Elizabeth actually isn't at all displeasing to Lady Catherine, Darcy's Aunt who wants Darcy to marry her daughter, other than that she isn't of upper society. And Mr. Darcy isn't what Elizabeth had conceived at first. These developments of the character's knowledge of each other develops their relationship as well.
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