A Character Analysis Of Elizabeth Bennett

6 Pages 1521 Words

A Character Analysis of Elizabeth Bennet
By: Megan Songer

Throughout Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice , there are many references to the unusual character of Elizabeth Bennet ; she is seen to be an atypical female during those times. Wit , bravery , independence , and feminist views all describe a most extraordinary model for women. Pride and Prejudice is a humorous novel about the trials of marrying well in the early eighteenth century. It focuses mainly on the actions of two couples – Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy and Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth Bennet is a vibrant, headstrong young woman who is not too keen on the idea of marriage , whereas Mr. Darcy is an egotistical and proud man who improves on closer acquaintance. Mr. Bingley is Mr. Darcy’s closest confidante and is a very good man who is easily persuaded. Jane Bennet is the eldest of the Bennet daughters who is closest to Elizabeth and is also a very good-natured person. All of these characteristics play off of one another throughout the course of events to create many interesting situations. Jane Austen was the daughter of a minister in a small English town. Her observations about irony and hypocrisy in English society drove her to write many stories of such things especially marriage as that was a prime example of such traits. She herself never married. Elizabeth Bennet’s wit is both humorous and intelligent. There are repeated instances within the story in which she proves her cleverness and liveliness. Joel Weinsheimer believes that “ Elizabeth demonstrates her intelligence by acknowledging that marriage does not always bring happiness” ( 16 ) . This would have been a big step for a woman living in a society in which the sole purpose of that particular gender was to marry well. She also had daily proof of how marriage might not bring happiness in her own parent’s relationship. She sees their shortcomings as husband and wife and sees the...