Open Prompt Revision #1

Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.

It can easily be said that today’s society has much lower standards than those of generation’s past. With the rise of shows such as Jersey Shore and Keeping up With the Kardashians, one can hardly wonder why. It seems that few topics or behaviors are off limits any more. However, the same thing cannot be said for society in the 1800s. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which is set during this time period, characters abide by a much stricter set of rules. The main character, Elizabeth Bennet, struggles to conform to these strict societal standards as she worries about her family’s reputation.

In the novel, Elizabeth lives in a middle-upper-class household. The family’s mansion is located in the English countryside. Despite the rural setting, there are still distinct societal “rules” by which characters operate throughout the novel. First off, there are clear lines drawn between classes. People are expected to show respect and to honor those who are wealthier than them, and marriage between classes is generally frowned upon. Also, relations between the sexes must be kept extremely formal in public. Women in particular are supposed to be mild-mannered, proper, and to defer to the men. Another important thing to note is that, in this society, the poor choices of one member of a family inevitably bring disgrace to the whole family.

            Elizabeth is obviously greatly affected by these societal norms, but the responses she has to these constraints in the novel are extremely conflicted. She continuously struggles with her desire to rebel and do what she wants, and with her worry for the reputation of her family. This is to say that Elizabeth does not always follow the societal norms. For example, when Elizabeth’s sister, Jane, falls ill at Mr. Bingley’s mansion and is forced to stay there, Elizabeth treks through the mud and the woods to see Jane. She arrives at the mansion dirty and disheveled (which is considered completely inappropriate for calling on someone). However, Elizabeth cared more about seeing her sister so she completely disregarded the societal standards. Another example is when Lady Catherine tells Elizabeth to not marry Darcy, (Lady Catherine's very wealthy nephew), and Elizabeth refuses. Even though Elizabeth should have submitted to her superior’s demands, she does what she wants instead. Despite this, Elizabeth still cares about her and her family’s reputations. The biggest case in point is how she freaks out when her sister Lydia runs away with an officer. She becomes terrified about how this scandal will harm her family’s reputation. While Elizabeth doesn’t follow every standard society expects of her, she remains cognizant of how her actions—and the actions of family members—will affect her family’s reputation.

            Over all, Elizabeth does attempt to follow the standards that society expects her to follow. She also worries about how society views her family. However, Elizabeth is only human, meaning she does slip up and doesn’t always follow the impossible rules and standards. If she did, Pride and Prejudice wouldn’t be a very realistic portrayal of society, would it?