Published Paper Details:

Pride and Prejudice, A Novel of Manners by Jane Austen published in 1813 and her second novel, is often examined through various critical lenses, including feminism. Through the character of Elizabeth Bennet, Austen challenges traditional gender roles and redefines the concept of marriage, making Pride and Prejudice a significant feminist text of the 19th century. This research article explores the feminist approach in the novel, focusing on themes of female autonomy, gender roles, marriage, and societal expectations. The analysis highlights Austen's critique of patriarchal norms and her advocacy for women's intellectual and emotional independence. Austen's portrayal of female characters in Pride and Prejudice provides an insightful commentary on the limitations imposed on women in the Regency era. During this period, women were expected to conform to societal expectations, prioritize marriage as a means of financial security, and remain subservient to male authority figures. However, Austen subverts these norms by crafting a heroine who values personal agency, wit, and moral integrity over wealth and social standing. The novel presents multiple perspectives on marriage, ranging from practical unions based on economic necessity to those driven by love and mutual respect. The contrast between Elizabeth Bennet's approach to marriage and that of Charlotte Lucas and Lydia Bennet, underscores the restrictive choices available to women. Charlotte's matrimonial to Mr. Collins highlights the sacrifices women had to make to secure stability, while Lydia's reckless escape with Mr. Wickham exemplifies the susceptibilities faced by women who defied social conventions without considering the consequences. In contrast, Elizabeth's ultimate rejection of societal pressure and insistence on marrying for love makes her a revolutionary character for her time. Austen critiques the patriarchal structures that govern female inheritance and social mobility. The Bennet sisters' financial dependence on marriage is a direct consequence of the entailment of their family estate, which prevents them from inheriting their father's property. This legal constraint underscores the limited options available to women and reinforces the societal expectation that they must seek financial security through marriage. Beyond Elizabeth Bennet, other female characters also serve as reflections of different aspects of womanhood in the Regency period. Jane Bennet represents the idealized, gentlewomanly virtue, while Lydia's character exposes the dangers of female naivety in a male-dominated world. Even Lady Catherine de Bourgh, despite being a wealthy and influential woman, remains constrained by the rigid class and gender expectations of her time. These characters provide a nuanced exploration of the ways in which women navigated societal expectations. While some critics argue that Pride and Prejudice does not fully embrace feminist ideals due to its emphasis on marriage, the novel undeniably presents progressive ideas about female autonomy, self-respect, and the right to choose one's own partner. Austen's work remains a critical text in feminist literary studies, offering a powerful critique of gender roles and advocating for women's independence within the constraints of 19th-century society.