The novel Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen are considered to be a significant contributor to the world of literature made in 1813. It is important to stress that Jane Austen finished her work in 1797 when she was only twenty-one. The novel has rich historical value because it underwent two attempts of entering the literature world being named First Impressions. The themes of human social standing and morality being closely interacted with historical factors are the principal elements of the novel; though it was published at the beginning of the 19th century, the novel managed to reflect the influence of 18th-century history and national culture of this period.
The novel Pride and Prejudice is a reflection of time. It touched on the basic problem concepts of morality such as pride, misunderstanding, or misinterpretation. It should be noted that British society of that period faced the impact of proper etiquette formation and social standing. The author could not but reflected these elements in the novel; it is difficult to describe the possible flow of events and characters’ behavior in case the novel was written several years earlier. The features of the 18th century when British society, to be more exact its upper classes faced the process of socializing, were clearly defined in the novel.
Jane Austen tried to show the basic characteristics of the epoch she lived in. The novel states that the upper classes’ way of life was merely focused on the socialization opportunities rather than just working to provide a good level of life for the families. What influenced such a position in society?… The novel managed to disclose that the problem of class discrimination and the development of basic morality problems closely interacted during that period. Pride and Prejudice are considered to be the heritage of 18th-century history and social development faced by the British classes. (Watkin)
Not in vain Austen centralized the concept of pride in the novel; the author tried to show that class consciousness could not exist without misunderstanding and pride. Looking at the previous years when the novel was just in the mind of the author one should underline the fact that the society of Great Britain did not face the problems of extensive prejudice. The author described that pride was regarded as a perfect match for any couple of that period. Thus, the fact that proves this consideration is connected with Mrs. Bennet’s behavior who strived to find the husbands for her daughters who should have been of good social standing. She wanted to be sure of the future of her children, their social stability, and comfort. (Gilman)
Traveling through the time of Pride and Prejudice level of influence it is necessary to compare human qualities and values of the 18-19th century with those of modern society. Class consciousness would not have been the basic element of the novel in case it was written in modern times. The establishment of so-called optimistic and un-aristocratic countries changed the situation rapidly; people are under the influence of industrial and political debates leading to the national rise in any society. Jane Austen tried to illustrate the world with the power of those people who happened to be born with money and wealth. It should be noted that the stress of class significance is the characteristic of the 18-19th century in British society. Jane tried to depict the principle values of the society at that time being concentrating on love and marriage. Compared with the present time the concepts of love and marriage were evaluated through class domination rather than through feelings and desire to live in harmony with one’s family.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” (Austen, chapter 1)
The author wanted to show that the woman had to marry a man of her social position or even a bit higher. This was one side of the pride concept shown in the story. This is the main reason for the pride introduction in the story; this very feature was considered to be the mover of people’s behavior.
The domination of the middle and upper classes in the 18th century appeared in the background of social order in England. In case the novel being written in the USA it would not be based on class reddening and its impact on social behavior. The time before World War II on the territory of the whole of Europe was characterized by the concepts and values described in the novel. People’s actions were prejudiced through the epoch’s peculiarities and established manners in the community.
“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.” (Austen, chapter 20)
The author tried to demonstrate priorities that society followed not only in England but in most countries of Europe. The characters’ behavior was merely shown through the influence of sociological factors dominating in that period. (Stasio)
The analysis of Pride and Prejudice showed that Jane Austen managed to reflect the concept of time related to the 18-19th century. The novel reflected the characteristics of its time which is why it is considered to be unique and magnificent. In case the author created it earlier or later of its real publishing it would be presented in different forms and would underline different values and habits of British society. So, it is necessary to stress that the novel refers to the significant historical values of world literature. Jane Austen successfully reflected the most vivid characteristics of the society of her time.
References
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Bantam Classics. 1983.
Gilman, Priscilla. Disarming Reproof: Pride and Prejudice and the Power of Criticism. The Jane Austen Journal, Vol. 22, 2000.
Stasio, Michael. An Evolutionary Approach to Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice. Studies in the Novel, Vol. 39, 2007.
Watkin, Amy. “Austen, Jane.” In Bloom, Harold, ed. Jane Austen, Classic Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2007. Bloom’s Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. Columbia College Library. 26 Jan. 2009.