Starting Fresh with History

Sexism and feminism are themes often emphasized in Jane Austen's novels. In Pride and Prejudice, she confronts two categorizations of women: perfection versus non-conformist. Miss Bingley is seen as the well-accomplished woman and represents this type of perfect women. Elizabeth is the non-conformist with strong opinions and feminist notions. This confrontation brings the reader to realize the sexism present in the novel, restricting women's free will and applying to women a generalization by which the only way to be distinguished is to be either rich, pretty, or successful: "Her manners were pronounced to be very bad indeed, a mixture of pride and impertinence; she had no conversation, no stile, no taste, no beauty" (Austen 35). The contrast can be seen also with the notion of the successful man, polite and rich; this vague idea of a perfect man that has no actual importance in the end. For Wollstonecraft, it is a state of weakness to be subordinated, at this point, to men in specific scenarios and reputations of rank and accomplishments. Jane Austen makes the reader think the same way in showing that, even though there are accomplishments happening, a woman can be truly happy by simply behaving the way she wants and choosing a companion with whom she will have a happy married life with. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy represent this mutual and loving marriage. If it is not the case, it will result in a marriage like Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's, lack of intimacy and profound relationship, in which people can't grow. Austen shows the absurdity of the marriage throughout the different relationships in the book, and thus, she makes the reader feel that marriage is only a thing of money and status, according to the characters. Women are to choose men according to their status and rank. This does not make sense and Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect example for women by introducing the need to shift values.

Regrouping all these perspectives, Austen has properly established her thoughts and her views regarding women's roles in Pride and Prejudice. Before the coming of new ideologies concerning property, the right to vote, and egalitarian values, she puts in place elements that make the reader realize the importance of women in the society and how they should be perceived. Elizabeth embodies this new genre of women in the way she thinks and speaks, and thus, enhances the moral autonomy of women of this genre. It gives power to women, letting their true thoughts out. The situation around the Bennet's estate is ironic and absurd for Austen. She lets the reader realize how illogical it is to have a number of daughters, but none of them can inherit the house if the man of the house dies. This results often in the quest for husbands, which is again completely humorous and insensible to women's needs for Austen. Wollstonecraft's publication A Vindication of the Rights of Woman strengthens Austen's discourse

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