Pride and Prejudice: a Novel Where Social Class Played an Enormous Role

Pride and Prejudice a novel by Jane Austen social class played an enormous role. “In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter: so far we are equal”. According to Elizabeth Bennett, she is equal to Mr. Darcy, who is rich (which Elizabeth is not).   She believes it’s acceptable but in reality it’s not.   In mid- 18th century world society England you were supposed to marry within your social class. Mr. Darcy was in the higher class then Elizabeth and that’s why Darcy’s aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh didn’t approve of them getting married. She was bossy and felt like everyone should take her advice and obey her every wishes. “I shall say what I have to say, and then I shall leave immediately. First, I made it pellucidly clear to you, Mrs. Bennet, over my salt, that I considered the brothers Collins an excellent match for your daughters” Lady Catherine feels that’s everyone should just take her advice and listen. She didn’t like Elizabeth or The Bennet’s because they were not in the same social class. "True. You are a gentleman's daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition."

What is social class?   The dictionary meaning of social class is a broad group in society having common economic, cultural, or political status. In Pride and Prejudice, social class was on of the main themes. Social class had an enormous impact on Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship because she was in a much lower class then he was. Since she was in a lower class then Mr. Darcy their love for one another had obstacles. Social class was their one their main obstacle to over come. The obstacle was approval from Mr. Darcy’s aunt. She figured that Darcy was too good for her considering that her family didn’t have any land or money.   Elizabeth didn’t really care what his aunt thought of her or her family or the reason why they shouldn’t be married. “I...