Pride and Prejudice a novel by Jane Austen social class played an enormous role. “In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter: so far we are equal”. According to Elizabeth Bennett, she is equal to Mr. Darcy, who is rich (which Elizabeth is not).
She believes it’s acceptable but in reality it’s not. In mid- 18th century world society England you were supposed to marry within your social class. Mr. Darcy was in the higher class then Elizabeth and that’s why Darcy’s aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh didn’t approve of them getting married. She was bossy and felt like everyone should take her advice and obey her every wishes. “I shall say what I have to say, and then I shall leave immediately. First, I made it pellucidly clear to you, Mrs. Bennet, over my salt, that I considered the brothers Collins an excellent match for your daughters” Lady Catherine feels that’s everyone should just take her advice and listen. She didn’t like Elizabeth or The Bennet’s because they were not in the same social class. “True. You are a gentleman’s daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.”
What is social class? The dictionary meaning of social class is a broad group in society having common economic, cultural, or political status. In Pride and Prejudice, social class was on of the main themes. Social class had an enormous impact on Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship because she was in a much lower class then he was. Since she was in a lower class then Mr. Darcy their love for one another had obstacles. Social class was their one their main obstacle to over come. The obstacle was approval from Mr. Darcy’s aunt. She figured that Darcy was too good for her considering that her family didn’t have any land or money. Elizabeth didn’t really care what his aunt thought of her or her family or the reason why they shouldn’t be married. “I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended, on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father’s, from respectable, honourable, and ancient though untitled families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses; and what is to divide them”? This was Lady Catherine de Bourgh explaining why her daughter and her nephew should be married and not Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. “It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me. You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude. You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world.” Lady Catherine also felt that Elizabeth coming from a lower social class Mr. Darcy friends would reject him because he was married to someone who was in the same social class.
The Essay on Pride And Prejudice Darcy Elizabeth Bennet
... the book when Mr. Darcy insults Elizabeth at the ball, is another example of pride and prejudice, in social classes. Mr. Darcy felt he was ... surviving male relative, this is an example of prejudice. The daughters had no chance of supporting themselves unless the married well ... de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's aunt. While this is going on, Mr. Darcy realizes he has feelings for Elizabeth and proposes to her, ...
