PRIDE AND PREJUDICE PART B: Explain how Elizabeth is presented throughout the rest of the novel
Introduc Elizabeth is the protagonist of pride and prejudice and therefore is a developed and interesting character whose prejudice makes her extremely vulnerable and
tion blind to people’s true characters. Her views are often portrayed through free indirect discourse and due to the relationship the reader builds with Elizabeth
they often take her view in many cases. Austen thus manipulates the protagonist to appeal to the reader and reflect her own views about Regency England that
criticise the unrealistic expectations and fixation on social class/reputation.
point Quotations Explanation
Strong ‘I am no longer Elizabeth is presented in a positive light as a virtuous strong female protagonist. Once Darcy lists his long list of standards, he expects
willed surprised at your an accomplished women to have she unafraid challenges his unrealistic expectations and says that ‘...’. This highlights how she is
female knowing only six wholly assured and strong-willed individual in that she dares to disagree with those of a higher class than herself. Austen thus
protagon accomplished women. manipulates Elizabeth’s genuine disbelief to criticise the standard and expectations that women in Regency England had to conform to
ist I rather wonder now as they were unreasonable and restrictive. Her headstrong and honest response are also presented in her quarrel with lady Catherine
at your knowing any’ de Bourgh in which she does not back down when Lady Catherine demeans her status due to her social inferiority and fights for her
own credibility and status stating that ‘....’ . This depicts that she has does not withdrew easily but rather has a spirit for intricate and
‘He is a gentleman, I
subtle arguments. Furthermore, this highlights that she does not believe that those in higher ranks are superior to herself and thus
am a gentleman’s
daughter, so far we Austen crafts her to be the epitome of a lively female protagonist. Her views on social class are also crafted by Austen to give her own
are equal’ opinion that class although they should be viewed sensibly are no more than meaningless societal constructs.
Initially ‘I could easily forgive This is initial prejudice is due to Darcy’s refusal to dance with her at the assembly despite the fact that gentleman were scarce and
prejudice his pride if he had not many ladies were sitting down. She states that ‘...’. This depicts her resentment towards Darcy’s prideful manner, as she respected
against mortified mine’ Darcy's pride, but he did not respect hers. This highlights how this unpleasant first meeting has given Elizabeth a negative perception
Darcy of Darcy, painting him as a despicable person. Austen draws upon this intense and her somewhat justified bitterness that continues
throughout most of the novel to highlight how first impressions are not always truthful.
Realises ‘Till this moment I This is wholly evidenced by the changing relationship between the heroine and Darcy as she realises and understands his true
Darcy’s never knew myself’ character. Once Darcy gives her an explanatory letter that rebukes many of her claims when she rejected his proposal, she exclaims
true that ‘...’. This illustrates that she has made a huge error of judgment about Mr Darcy and also realises her own flaws in that her
characte ‘Stream of some prejudice has been the root of her unfairness towards Darcy. Another place where there is key progress in their relationship is at
r and her natural importance Pemberly where Elizabeth can crucially see past the façade of arrogance and haughtiness that Darcy socially awkward persona gives.
unjust (that) was swelled into The ‘...’ depicts how Elizabeth is slowly realising how some of Darcy’s pride is justified due to his immense wealth and status.
prejudice a greater (was) Furthermore, it highlights to Elizabeth that Darcy does have some positive characteristics of basic honesty, authenticity and has a
towards without any artificial sincere genteel foundation but her pride makes her blind to this. Austen thus manipulates this situation to showcase that there are
him experience’ flaws on both sides of a relationship that must be outgrown and it is not only Darcy’s pride or Lizzie’s prejudice that form barriers in
their relationship. By the end of the novel however both Darcy and Elizabeth have conquered their reserve and in the final chapter
their humility and expression confirms that their trust, understanding and commitment has allowed them to be truly content.
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