In Jane
Austen’s work Pride and Prejudice, she reveals herself to be in
contrast with societal norms. Critics describe her as an “unfeminine”
woman due to her pursuit of literary excellence. She emphasizes her
feelings of independence and self confidence through the character of Elizabeth,
who never gives up her resolution to be a unique woman with individual
interests unrelated to those of a suitor. Elizabeth wants to maintain
her identity instead of recreating herself for her husband.
Austen also addresses issues
about marriage and society’s viewpoint of it. With the outrageous
behavior of Mrs. Bennet, she emphasizes that a marriage based on convenience,
status, or financial stability is absurd. By making Elizabeth the
heroine of the novel, Austen is able to poke fun at the conventions of
marriage while expressing her own perspective.