Pride And Prejudice And A Room Of One's Own

Individuals are born with inherent masculine and feminine sides to their psyche, but over time, one dominates and overpowers the other. Individuals, regardless of gender, are a composite of masculinity and femininity, and a successful writer or artist is able to find a balance between the two. In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf, both recognize the inherent need that to relate to their readers, their characters must be an androgynous reflection of the versatility that exists within society.
Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice displays both masculine and feminine qualities; her andygrony is emphasized by her progressive beliefs and radical actions. At the time in which Pride and
Darcy, while often times the impetus for Elizabeth’s anger and frustrations, also displays a balance between his masculine and feminine sides by defying the gender norms of the time. He is caregiver for his much younger sister, Georgiana, becoming both a father and mother figure in her life. Being a male caregiver defies all preconceived notions about the distinctly separated duties of the two sexes. For instance, women are defined as being inextricably tied to their biology; their capability of bearing and nurturing life has once been a woman’s sole purpose in society. Darcy, despite being a male, proves that biology does not determine one’s ability to care for and nurture others. Darcy also protect his good friend, Mr. Bingley, from the cruelties and harshness of the outside world. Thinking he is acting in Bingley’s best interests, Darcy does not deny that he “did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success” (153). Darcy clearly is relying on his feminine side as he attempts to navigate matters of the heart and play matchmaker, duties that are normally reserved for women in their pastimes. Showing emotions and sentiments as a man, as Darcy is doing, is strongly disapproved of because it conflicts with the strong, controlling, and aggressiveness associated with masculinity. Darcy does not reject his masculinity, but at the same time adopts feminine qualities, representing his inner dichotomies of having both male and female mental spaces. When talking with Elizabeth, he makes his intentions and feelings apparent, while at first because he has no fear of rejection, being a wealthy and handsome bachelor, but over time because he truly wants Elizabeth to understand the way he feels about her. Making no attempts to hide his sentiments, “he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love is supposed to do” (293). The transition from arrogance to unabashed affection symbolizes