Restraints In Pride And Prejudice

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In the 1800’s English society had extremely strict restraints. Due to these restraints, members of society would seldom vary from the norms set forth by society. When an individual would vary from what society had deemed normal and proper it was looked down upon with severe disgust and would hurt your chances of being able to continue being successful in a social environment. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice she depicts two very intriguing and peculiar characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, as individuals that do not conform to society’s whim. It is Through the actions and dialogue of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy that Austen shows they are the only characters with true societal courage. Towards the beginning of the novel, Austen wastes…show more content…
Darcy. Mr. Darcy surprised Elizabeth at the house to confess his love for her, however at this time Elizabeth was sure that the person awaiting at her door would be the Colonel. When Darcy enters the house and is able to get past the initial greetings he says, “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” (185). In the rest of Darcy’s message for Elizabeth, he proposes to her. If these were regular members of society the choice for Elizabeth would be clear and even an exciting one, however, neither Elizabeth or Darcy are regular members of society. Due to the phrasing of the proposal and the current nature of their relationship Elizabeth gives Darcy a rejection that would be considered absolutely ludicrous by any normal member of their society. For Elizabeth to give the answer to Darcy that she did cost her a lot, money, social standing, and security. However, this is to be expected of Elizabeth. There are many reasons to bend to the will of what would be considered favorable by society in this situation, but Elizabeth stays true to her character, gives her answer, and once again takes a bold stand against
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