Social Norms In Pride And Prejudice

Authors throughout history have used their writing to change society. In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, characters are used to criticize social norms. Elizabeth and Lydia Bennet are daughters of a gentleman, and must marry within their social strata. Throughout the novel, Lydia acts like a stereotypical 19th century woman while Elizabeth bucks societal expectations. In Pride and Prejudice, Austen criticizes self-perpetuated gender norms by giving Lydia a sad ending and praises independent women by giving Elizabeth a happy ending.
Many women hoped to gain freedom by marrying well, so they would suppress their true natures to attract a spouse. Because women were viewed as intellectually inferior, most decisions were made for them, with