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?
No comments:
Post a Comment