Society at the Time

Jane Austen began writing Pride and Prejudice back in 1796 and it was not until 1813 that it got published. She used the way of society at the time and the roles designated to men and women in her novel in a satirical way. During Austen’s time, women behaved in a proper way and were often married by fortune and not love. Jane herself was in love with Mr. Lefroy but the union was terminated as they each did not possess a grand fortune. During this time there is starvation and war going on in England. Even Mrs. Catherine de Bourgh mentions that she must go into town and stop the quarreling of the poor; the militia is also mentioned many times throughout the work. The rich were getting richer. This contrast is seen in the novel, as Mrs. Bingley wants her daughters to marry for money. Everything was about living in a privileged community and having good etiquette. At the time a movement spread of living in high society; to not socialize with the common people. Men had to ask the father for permission to marry their daughters and were expected to provide and protect them. Austen used the cruel realities of life to show the differences in the class of society.

Source: The Scribner Writers Series. TCC Library Database. 16 April 2010. < http://ezp.tccd.edu:2055/servlet/Scribner/form?l=1&o=DocTitle&n=10 >

“Jane Austen Life and Works Timeline History”. 2008-2010. Jane Austen.org. 16 April 2010. < http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-timeline.asp >

Perrineperrine. “Jane Austen”. Photobucket. 16 April 2010. < http://media.photobucket.com/image/jane%20austen/perrineperrine/jane_austen.jpg?o=28 >