Social standing is a common topic of conversation amongst the books we read especially those set in the 1800s. In the past, what 'class' you came from has determined how fit you are to marry someone or even be in the same room as them respectfully. What I have come to understand is the division of social classes are solely created by those who take pride in what they represent. Within Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, many of the characters' attitudes initially widen the gap between social standings preventing others from being with one another.
Mr. Darcy is the first obvious character that takes pride in knowing he came from a higher class and makes that noticeable during his arrival in the first few chapters. While at the ball, Mr. Darcy "was discovered to be proud, to be above his company," as he stood to the side and hardly interacted with those around him (Austen 7). His standoffish attitude is immediately noticed by those around him and is what draws Elizabeth away from wanting to pursue anything with him later. Darcy soon realizes he may have feelings for Elizabeth and tries what he can to show her, yet he continues to create an even bigger divide between the two of them. Darcy announces that he has tried to repress his feelings for her and persuades Mr. Bingley not to marry Jane because her family is of a lower class. His constant need to establish a difference in their life styles is a large example of how the negative prejudice of being in a lower class is created by those of a higher status.
Miss Bingley is another example of someone who sets the tone for classes to be separate and not intermingle. From early on, Miss Bingley criticizes the Bennets for where they come from and wants no part in their company. Either because she is jealous of not getting the attention or doesn't want her brother to be associated with the lower class, she does all she can to display how much better their side of the fence is. To attract Mr. Darcy to her, she goes as far as prancing around the room with Elizabeth to demonstrate her superiority in looks and dress. Miss Bingley later assists Mr. Darcy in persuading her brother not to marry Jane, and has the family leave town. To ensure that their ties are severed, she writes to Jane announcing their departure and failure to return in the future. Miss Bingley's conniving attitudes stem from her determination to keep social statuses separated.
Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley are two of several characters that use their status as a gateway to establish their power or need for it. Although in the story Mr. Darcy ends up with Lizzy and Mr. Bingley with Jane, their obstacles could have been avoided if they overcame their social differences. If now and then, we allowed ourselves to interact with those different from us, we wouldn't contain as many prejudices that prevent future ties.
Social class is a really big theme in a lot of literature that we've read, from poor Ragged Dick to rich Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. The gaps between social classes in Pride and Prejudice are used as an obstacle to delay the couples from coming together. If Bingley and Jane were of the same social class, they would've been engaged in a heartbeat. But because there is a wealth gap between them, Bingley's friend and sister encourage him to seek out someone else's hand in marriage.
ReplyDeleteYou're right though, Darcy and Elizabeth's differences in social class keep them apart in a very different way. Elizabeth despises Darcy on sight for how pretentious he is and how he acts like he's above her and her family. Darcy thinks Elizabeth is beneath him, and that she can't possibly be a worthy woman to associate with.
It takes a long time (most of the novel, really) for the characters to figure out that social class isn't actually a meaningful barrier and that they shouldn't care about arbitrary obstacles like that. Darcy has to get over his pride about being fabulously wealthy and therefore "better" than other people. Elizabeth, in turn, has to figure out how to give Darcy some grace and allow him to change as a person in the time that they know each other. It's difficult for them at first, but they eventually learn that social status is just a construct and doesn't compare to really knowing a person's soul.
Along with social classes, Jane Austen focuses heavily on one's manners and behaviors, how "well-bred" or aristocratic they are. Austen lets us know immediately which characters are respectable and which are improper. Catherine de Bourgh, for example, though she is of high standing, is portrayed as being rude and obstinate, and Austen uses her character to display the moral downfalls that can accompany too much pride and influence (160).
ReplyDeleteOn the opposite side, Austen portrays the Gardiners, though trade merchants of a lower class, as being "sensible" "amiable" and generally of aristocratic nature (137). This comparison is meant to show that the class system has no effect on one's true disposition, and that manners and good nature are possible, or impossible, no matter one's status in life. As you say, the only way one can find out the true nature of different people is to give them a chance, and reserve judgement until a person is known beyond simply their background.
I completely agree with your statements that Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice highlights the social classes and social reputations that were so prevalent during the time period. Not only is social status highly valued, but Austen demonstrates that people need to look and act a certain way in order to be accepted by society. When Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield, Miss Bingley is quick to call attention to the fact that her “hair [was] so untidy” and she had a “dirty petticoat” (23). When it comes to the socially elite, it is evident that appearance matters and imperfections and flaws are easily pointed out, whether it be justified or not. Since Elizabeth’s appearance made her look unkempt, Miss Bingley jumped at the chance to point out her social mistake. In addition, it is clear that throughout the novel, the social reputation of other characters is valued. Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins for his money rather than out of love, which is yet another common trend for the time period. Since social status was so important, women were willing to give up love for the sake of elevating their social reputation. Both of these examples are evidence to support the idea that social status and the class system were prominent during this era, and people did all that they could to elevate their status, while also acknowledging the social flaws of others.
ReplyDeleteIt is very true that all of the books we have read so far have made social classes extremely prevalent. "Ragged Dick" and "Little Women" especially have these areas locked down. In "Pride and Prejudice" it is apparent that social divides are present. Darcy believes highly in himself and was "discovered to be proud; to be above his company, and above being pleased" (12). This divide can be seen with Miss Bingley as well as she talks down to the Bennett's, believing that her family was above theirs.
ReplyDeleteThis attitude can be seen in numerous novels that are classified as Young Adult Fiction. The reason for this being it is best to teach young men and women early on that wealth does not determine the stature of an individual. It always seems the poorer character in the book ends up being the protagonists, the one we all find ourselves rooting for. Just take a look a Ragged Dick, at the March sisters, and at the Bennett's. Besides Dick, none of these other characters were dirt poor but still could not be considered wealthy. Yet the social classes nonetheless play a large role in the way these novels progress and play out to the audience.
I agree with your statement about the large role that social classes and separation plays in the novel. Even when his friend is very fond of Jane, Mr. Darcy states, "I wish with all my heart she were well settled. But with such a father and mother, and such low connections, I am afraid there is no chance of it" (Austen 22). Since the Bennett family is poor, Mr. Darcy cannot fathom any of the daughters marrying a wealthy man, especially not his friend Mr. Bingley. At the beginning of the novel, social classes even cause Mr. Darcy to hold back his emotions for Elizabeth, as he sees her as not worthy of his affections. He goes so far as to make Bingley leave Netherfield, as he believes him and Jane need to be physically separated to prevent a marriage. Though Jane and Bingley, and Darcy and Elizabeth end up becoming engaged in the end, the social division creates drama that could have been avoided. Plus, while this is a romantic novel, realistically in that time period the social division would have never allowed mixing of the classes. This is one aspect of society that has evolved over time, as less emphasis is placed on class today compared to the early 19th century.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the prejudice between social classes has definitely quelled, it acts as a high barrier of communication in books like Ragged Dick, Little Women, and now Pride and Prejudice. Ego is tied quite closely to class, as seen in the description for Lady Catherine - “ Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved.”
ReplyDeleteThe fragile egos of ‘high-class’ characters is displayed here, as well as when Elizabeth is scolded for her “dirty petticoat” by Miss Bingley after climbing through dirt and mud on foot to get to Netherfield. The nature of such a character certainly derives from their entitlement, which is further evidenced in Mrs. Bingley throughout the chapter. Her offense to Darcy enjoying Elizabeths company is another example of her fragile ego, and is compounded by her entitlement. As more high-class characters are introduced in the book, the positive correlation between prejudice and wealth becomes ever so apparent.