Joe Bergeron

AP English Lit.
2/09/2014
Pride and Prejudice Response Paper #1
Theres no question that class distinctions play a huge role in Jane Austens novel Pride
and Prejudice they serve to define interactions between all the characters of the text.
However, Austen does not use contrast between upper and lower classes passively throughout
her work. Rather, class divides and the differences and opinions that arise because of them play
a significant part in relaying Austens theme. The majority of this use of class barriers is evident
through the characters actions with each other. Indeed, it is Austens use of contrast between
social classes through her characters relationships that suggests that a hierarchy of classes is
ultimately doomed to harbor prejudices and impose unnecessary limitations and restrictions.
Much of the conflict that arises through class distinctions exists between Darcy and
Elizabeth and their relationship with each other. It is Darcys role in the upper class that seems
to preclude him from being able to pursue a romantic relationship with Elizabeth, even if he
would like to. This behavior is evident during Elizabeths stay with Jane at the Bingleys place, in
the presence of Mr. Darcy. While Darcy does certainly display some affection for Elizabeth for a
time, he eventually decides it would be wise not to pursue her any longer, simply because she is
of a lower social standing than he is. Indeed, he even makes a note of paying her no attention.
Elizabeth had been at Netherfield long enough. She attracted him more than he liked. . . He
wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him,
nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity (Austen 55). Darcy most
definitely fancies Elizabeth, yet he feels unable to pursue her because of class restrictions the
judgment of his peers. In this way, Austen takes class divides and criticizes them, essentially
suggesting that they impose unnecessary and difficult limitations that are not wholly natural.
Likewise, class barriers prevent people from acting themselves, as is evident again with
Darcy amongst his own class of people. Adhering to a social structure of classes forces one to
speak and act a certain way in order to fit in with other members of ones class. Darcy proves
this when he is describing to Elizabeth what an ideal woman must possess a list of outrageous
expectations. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing,
and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a
certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and
expressions, or the word will be but half deserved (Austen 35-36). While this quote may be
interpreted to be of Darcys genuine opinion, context would suggest otherwise. While Elizabeth
strongly disagrees with Darcys claim, saying that no such woman exists, Hurst and Bingley are
shocked at the idea that no woman could possess all the traits which Darcy speaks of. However,
Darcys very attraction towards Elizabeth herself, certainly an imperfect woman by Darcys own
supposed standards, creates the implication that Darcys own opinions were insincere, and
meant only to appease those around him.
It is again class distinctions that create biased assumptions about others apparent in
Elizabeths behavior towards Darcy. While at Netherfield, on a night when music was being
played, Darcy asks Elizabeth if she wouldnt like to dance a reel, to which she coldly responds to
him, assuming the worst of his intentions. You wanted me, I know, to say Yes, that you might
have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in overthrowing those kind of
schemes, and cheating a person of their premeditated contempt (Austen 47-48). It is
Elizabeths own prejudice that exists as a result of class lines that creates in her such a
contempt and wariness towards Darcys intentions. Indeed, Austen is suggesting that class lines
turn what is innocent into something that can be interpreted as malicious it can refuse a
relationship where one could or should exist.
Ultimately, Austen, through interactions between her characters, namely Elizabeth and
Darcy, suggests that class barriers are not beneficial for either the lower or upper classes they
serve simply to stifle feelings and actions and harbor unjust assumptions about those of other
social standings. Essentially, Austen is offering a criticism of the class system, saying that no one
is truly free from its grip, and that it is, if anything, a destructive system entirely.