Social Norms In Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, written in 1813, follows the story of a young girl named Elizabeth Bennet and her growth as she searches for an eligible partner to marry. Elizabeth’s father, Mr. Bennet, has no eligible male heir to the Bennet estate and will have the estate passed to a clergyman named Mr. Collins. Mrs. Bennett realizes the uncertainty of her daughters’ futures and as a result, is very interested in securing the marriages of her daughters to wealthy men. This showcases the social norms placed on women during the time to marry for money and status, not so much for love. Almost every relationship in Pride and Prejudice is affected by social and gender norms of the time period whether it's the competition between Caroline Bingley

Collins is an example of how social and gender norms of the time period impact relationships. Charlotte Lucas is portrayed in the novel as a woman who is on the verge of being too old to marry as she is twenty-seven years old. She lacks any above-average characteristics, especially wealth and looks, and realizes the reality of her situation. “I am not a romantic, you know, I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’ character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.” (Austen 120) Charlotte openly states that because of her situation, it is advantageous to marry Mr. Collins for his wealth and status while any love is secondary in the marriage. When Elizabeth visits Collins’ house, she notices that Charlotte seems much more comfortable when Mr. Collins is not around, “When Mr. Collins could be forgotten there really was a great air of comfort throughout, and by Charlotte’s evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he must be often forgotten.” (Austen 152) This shows how Charlotte was correct in her assumption that while the marriage with Mr. Collins may not be always happy, she is able to find enjoyment in her life now that she has access to his connections and wealth. Social and gender norms of the time show how relationships like Charlotte and Mr. Collins were common and celebrated as the woman now had her future secured, but was often unhappy or not satisfied in the