A Study of Social Class Conflict in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
This study examined Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813) with a focus on its portrayal of social class conflict and its implications for relationships and personal growth. The novel, set in early 19th-century England, presents a critical view of the social hierarchy through the interactions and...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Kabale University
2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/2341 |
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| Summary: | This study examined Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813) with a focus on its portrayal of social class conflict and its implications for relationships and personal growth. The novel, set in early 19th-century England, presents a critical view of the social hierarchy through the interactions and development of its characters. This research employs Marxist literary criticism, feminist theory, and sociological theories of social stratification to analyze how Austen’s depiction of class influences characters' choices, marriage prospects, and social mobility. Austen’s narrative, centered around the Bennet family’s struggles with economic pressures and societal expectations, reveals the complexities of class dynamics and gender roles. Key characters, such as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, challenge and subvert class norms, illustrating Austen’s critique of superficial social distinctions and her advocacy for personal merit over inherited status. The study highlights how Austen uses satire and irony to address the moral limitations of the class system and to propose a more flexible social order. By exploring critical scenes and character developments, the research underscores the novel’s relevance in contemporary discussions of social justice and equality. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of Austen’s social commentary, enriching the discourse on literature and its reflection of societal values and conflicts. |
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