Fatima Idriss

AP Lit prd.3
Page 1

In the novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, the author uses social classes to signify the
Bennet family’s afflictions and insignificance compared to others around them. The use of social classes
by Austen shows that it was prevalent in their society and also it shows how everyone was treated
according to their social status. “Pride and Prejudice” focuses on Elizabeth Bennet who has to overcome
immense obstacles because of her family’s mediocre social standing. This novel shows where ever you
are and whatever you are you will never escape the stigma of social classes.

In very beginning of the novel, the Bennets find their new neighbors to be extremely wealthy and
unconcerned with the day to day troubles of life. Although the Bennets look up to their neighbors and
wish to get to know them well; the Bingleys and Darcys want nothing to do with the Bennets. Because
of the differing social class between the two neighbors getting acquainted with each other was an ordeal
for the Bennets. Although later on Mr. Bingley falls in love with Jane, Elizabeth’s sister, they encounter
trouble because of Jane’s social class.

Another example of how Austen insinuates the effect of the social class in her novel is when Mr.
Darcy gives Elizabeth the cold shoulder at the dance. This act was done as snobbery of the Bennets such
low status in their circle of families. If Elizabeth was same class as Mr. Darcy, there is no way he would
act in such ungentlemanly way towards a lady. There is a certain level of respect everyone exonerates
according to their class and Mr. Darcy thought that that was the amount of respect Elizabeth deserved
from him.

A final example of humiliation because of one’s social class is when Mr. Darcy’s aunt Lady
Catherine de Bourgh travels a long distance from her estate to come and try to convince Elizabeth not to
marry Mr. Darcy. Lady Catherine did not consider Elizabeth as an equal for Mr. Darcy because her
family didn’t have that much money. Another reason was because Lady Catherine wanting her daughter
to be better off with a rich husband. Elizabeth was humiliated and ashamed because Mr. Darcy’s aunt
didn’t want her nephew was such a low class as Elizabeth. It truly didn’t matter what ones moral
character

And finally this leads back to the conclusion that social classes are humiliating and degrading.
For millions of years humanity put up with hindering of social classes and for many more years
humanity still must deal with the tyranny of social classes. Social classes are meant to oppress others
while freeing and empowering a small fraction of people.