ThemesLove- The ability of characters to look past societal barriers and overcome them to achieve romantic happiness.
Society & Class- The importance of money and appearance in the way society approaches different characters. Marriage- The importance of marriage in high class society, not necessarily out of romantic love, but to elevate a character and their family. First Impressions- How characters interact with each other on first contact, with preconceived notions of them based on their class. |
Setting & Historical BackgroundPride and Prejudice takes place in Britain during the beginning of the 19th century, known in the UK as the Regency period. This time period is especially lucrative for the aristocracy of Britain, on whom the book focuses on. The main monetary focus of the time is land ownership, which is clearly established in the book, with wealth coming from the plot a person own's. Whether it is Mr. Bennet trying to marry his daughters off before Mr. Collins inherits the land, or Mr. Bingley renting Netherfield, land ownership is the focal point of monetary value in society. This tangible and clearly visible display of wealth determines the characters interactions between each other. Characters within the same class of aristocracy divide themselves into more classes based on their estates and even last names. For example Mrs. Bennet wants Jane to marry Bingley so she can move up from her rural family home, to a luxurious estate in Netherfield.
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