5 pages in length. The relationship between gender and power is a popular theme in many of Jane Austen's novels, but perhaps nowhere is it a more significant focal point to the story's overall theme than in "Pride and Prejudice." The type of power available to women in late eighteenth century England is quite restrained, to say the least, by oppressive patriarchal influence; that Austen's female characters are allowed to overrule standard social dictate is indicative of the author's trend setting approach to gender issues. As well, the types of limitations women faced more than two hundred years ago – secondary to their male counterparts, prevented from seeking out their own paths in life, powerless against the patriarchal system – are made mockery of in Austen's novel, inasmuch as these particular women are given the literary power to pursue whatever they want. An example of gender and power in "Pride and Prejudice" is examining the interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as Charlotte and Elizabeth's individual views about marriage. No additional sources cited.
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more significant focal point to the storys overall theme than in Pride and Prejudice. The type of power available to women in late eighteenth century England is quite restrained,
to say the least, by oppressive patriarchal influence; that Austens female characters are allowed to overrule standard social dictate is indicative of the authors trend setting approach to gender issues.
As well, the types of limitations women faced more than two hundred years ago - secondary to their male counterparts, prevented from seeking out their own paths in life,
powerless against the patriarchal system - are made mockery of in Austens novel, inasmuch as these particular women are given the literary power to pursue virtually whatever they wanted.
An example of gender and power in Pride and Prejudice is examining the interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as Charlotte and Elizabeths individual views about marriage.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet later on in life and immediately dislike each other, setting the stage for a relationship that begins antagonistically and goes downhill
from there. When they meet, they are both in attendance at the Assembly Ball, heralded as the social event of the season. All the women are intrigued with
Darcy and the potential marriage material he represents, however he is nonplused by what he considers to be "the middle classes at play" (Austen PG). Having overheard Darcys boorish
remark, Elizabeth fumes at the idea of his pompousness, an attitude atypical of what any refined lady would have. When he approaches her for a dance later in the
evening, she sees her chance for vengeance against his ill-mannered comment and turns him down flat. Darcy is flabbergasted at the thought of being refused the attentions of a
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