Language: The Key to Elegance

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Jane Austen narrates a typical love story, one that can be read in teen blogs and even a diary. Nevertheless, Pride and Prejudice is known for its language and style, convoking a high class atmosphere during 19th century England. Through the use of eloquent words and structure, readers are exposed to a world of finery and class. 

The cliche yet always romantic love confession strikes attention and acquires life, due to the detail and realism of words. 

For instance: “In such cases as this, it is, I believe the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is the natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now, thank you. But I cannot--I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainty bestowed it most unwillingly.”

When read out loud this text might seem wordy, cluttered and unclear. Nonetheless, it is most concise and formally convoked. Elizabeth declares she is grateful, but is determined to turn this proposal down. Her argument though respectful, is full of power and emotion, unveiling the intensity in her tone. Having rejected such an immense proposal during these times, especially for prideful reasons, was seen as deranged behavior. However, Elizabeth and her strong character are defined by her language. Most importantly, it is safe to say that Darcy fell in love with her for this reason, he states this in this scene quite clearly. Her independent thought and rebellious impulses make this woman be the gorgeous black stallion, who will never be owned by man. Although her clothes might not say “lady,” her words do. (This idea is contradicted at the end of the story) 

Although Elizabeth is identified by her witty and vigorous mind, the use of language in general intends to upscale social conduct. Even in diurnally events, the English direct to one another in such a style that seems too ostentatious for the environment. Are they pretending to be something they’re not, or do they appreciate language and all its richness? Diction and the syntax studied today in poetry came from a culture that nourished it and embraced its beauty. The prior way to achieve elegance and class relied on the use of words. More than clothing, or homes, or skin color, language dictated the era of sophistication. 

Overly Absurd=Fiction

                Absurdity is defined as the quality or state of being, or acting ridicules or utterly unreasonable. We can find absurdity in existentialist novels such as “The Stranger,” or others like “Waiting For Godot.” However, when it comes to speaking of society, most ignore the extremely absurd characteristics it holds. The novel, “Pride and Prejudice,” by Jane Austen, is an exemplary piece of the preposterous social behaviors during the 18th century high class England. A marriage would be based on monetary status, blood purity and education. We are able to observe these absurd requites with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, as well as Lydia Bennet and George Wickham’s. 

                 Absurdity is also intertwined with randomness, in a novel like this one, absurdity are the things that come as a surprise, “the shockers.” Lydia, the youngest Bennet sister, about thirteen of age, run’s away with a Militia Officer named Wickham, who Darcy proclaims as dangerous and immature. When these two “love-birds,” run away, the whole family panics. The Bennet family is much too worried about their reputation (their daughter has run away with someone who is not her husband), rather than the safety of their youngest. Darcy, one who hinder’s his good soul and portrays himself egocentric, secretly marries the couple before the gossipy London becomes aware of the Bennet’s situation. Nonetheless, what makes this situation ridiculously unbearable is the behavior of Ms. Bennet, when the couple returns.

                Overly ecstatic of Lydia’s marriage, Ms. Bennet welcomes this new couple with extended arms. Apathetic of her daughter’s young age, she is prideful of this matrimonial and social “accomplishment.” How can reputation act as a stronger force than motherly love? It is definitely absurd that a thirteen year old runs away and marries a twenty-two year old, and the family’s reaction is gratification and fulfillment. 

               The theme of love is portrayed as one that is both absurd and superficial. The search for this sentimental force lies in the commandments dictated by social institutions. However, Elizabeth and Darcy’s love is intended to act as the pariah’s of an elite group. Their contrasting personalities apply a certain irony to the novel. Nevertheless, the one thing that is absurd is the way in which they fall in love. Discussions, arguments, upheavals and the tension between these two characters make it impossible for them to be lovers. In addition, Lady Catherine de Bourge’s role is quite laughable. This snobbish old woman manipulates her niece’s marriages in order to keep the family name clean. When this lady find’s out of Elizabeth and Darcy’s unusual relationship, Elizabeth is interrogated raucously. Despite this unconventional event (Catherine appearing late at night, aggrandizing the gravity of the problem), it is absurd how Elizabeth defends herself by kicking out this lady from her home. It is also absurd how after this shameful mayhem, Darcy was able to come after Elizabeth with no hesitation. Through Austen's words:  "He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family obstacles which judgment had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit," we are able to see how this conceptual social idol, turned into a non-categorized human being.  

          Would this love story be plausible during these times? Society was described as a rigid circle, one who “dusted away” those who didn’t follow its norms. Mr. Darcy, who is highly praised by the people around him would have been dishonored when marrying Elizabeth. It is absurd how the story ends as the typical “happy every after.” What happens next? Did Jane Austen intend to narrate the utopian-mythical world, in which love overcomes money?  

Fools or Hanging by a Thread?

Claudius and Gertrude (from Shakespeare's "Hamelt"), Tom and Daisy Buchanan (from "The Great Gatsby"), Mersault and Marie Cardona (from "The Stranger") and finally, Charlotte and Mr. Collins (from "Pride and Prejudice") are all relationships characterized as self-absorbed and superficial. It seems rather a stereotypical factor that sweet, naive and obedient ladies are always constrained to marry arrogant and distasteful men. This pattern is drawn intelligibly in Jane Austen’s, “Pride and Prejudice.” Charlotte, only a secondary character, a secondary friend, is intended to comply with the remains of the unwanted bachelors. 

 The title exemplifies and defines the trauma of the novel. Although it is no “Hamlet drama,” it is meant to be portrayed as a greater spectacle. During the late 18th century, wealthy aristocratic Englanders were recognized as predominant beings, one’s who curbed every whit in their social norms. By acquiring a snobbish composure, they conveyed pride, this led this minor group of people to be even more powerful than the kings. High class citizens, although many didn’t have political control over others, had a vaster force within them: they obstructed the mentality and behaviors of the English citizens. However, these social elites didn’t only manipulate the commoners, but a whole race. This race was called: women. 

Charlotte is not like Elizabeth, one who is personified as an absolute idealistic woman of the time. Charlotte although also adheres to all of the social requisites of the ladies, confines to a group of women who have no individual mind; these women who have lost their essence and sanity can be categorized as pleasers. Charlotte, although a particularly educated woman, one who grew up in a high ranked society, does not posses the capital to marry a man like Mr. Bingley. For this reason, she accepts the hand in marriage to a man turned down by her best friend, Elizabeth. 

How does a woman’s pride regress when having to hew to “left overs?” Charlottes self esteem must have gone into a rut, one filled with unpleasing thoughts about her self worth. She was educated, she was witty, and kind and friendly. Charlotte was simply unlucky, she was doomed to marry a sardonic man who represented the pretentiousness and boastful rich community. Women of less means and social stature were cursed to a life pact with a man’s who’s revalues revolve around materialism and conventional customs. Probably, Charlotte will always remorse her destiny, however will lead her daughters into the same deploring life she did. We can even see this in contemporary household values. Poor relationships between the children and one of their parents are usually past on to generations. 

Women have acquired bravery throughout the years. However, like many of the novels mentioned previously, women have stood by a man who’s been criticized and declared cruel and inhumane. Women’s independent thought has been imprisoned, and it is up to people like Jane, Lady Macbeth and Juliet to stand up and show social critiques like Shakespeare that women aren’t fools. Are women capable of remaining spinsters and becoming outcasts in return for their pride? Charlotte is not one of them, this is why she is a minor personage.