Pride and Prejudice Hardships of Women in the 19th Century

Women of the 19th century experienced severe hardships. Elizabeth Bennett’s experiences demonstrated the life of women who where pressured to conform to society’s expectations. After breaking down barriers women today have the freedom to express themselves, be educated and prosperous, and most important of all live without restrictions. â€Å"Pride and Prejudice,† written by Jane Austin, portrays the protagonist of the novel through the eyes of the author. Issues of marriage, class mobility, conforming, and restrictions to marrying, only account for some hardships faced by Elizabeth and other characters throughout the novel. Throughout the novel, characters where faced and forced to overcome obstacles of love. Views of marriage differed†¦show more content†¦Times where hard and women relied on men to be the sole provider leaving women to take care of the household, not having the option to ever be successful nor independent. The importance of marrying wealthy was a key factor to women as stated by Colonel Fitzwilliam, â€Å"out habits of expense make us too dependent, and there are not many in my rank of life who can afford to marry without some attention to money† (Austen 158). Although, it was the norm to marry rich Darcy’s’ views also differed from that of the society’s, his true feelings are revealed through a letter he writes to Elizabeth telling him why he separated her sister Jane from Mr. Bingley stating, â€Å"Bingley’s attention to your sister had given rise to a general expectation of their marriage. He spoke of it as a certain event, of which the time alone could be undecided.. your sister also I watched- her look and manners were open, cheerful and engaging as ever, but without symptom of peculiar regard, and I remained convinced from the evening’s scrutiny that though she received his attentions with pleasure, she did not invite them by any participation of sentiment.† Darcy was well aware that love was not a key factor in Jane and Bingley’s relationship therefore; he believed it was the right thing to do to have them separated. Eventually in the novel Jane and Bingley’s relationship is b ased on attraction and love, which leadsShow MoreRelatedJane Austen s Pride And Prejudice1231 Words   |  5 Pagesin a relationship when one concerns over things like: where the other stands in society and their financial stability. 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