Position of Women in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Abstract

Pride and Prejudice (1813) is considered as one of the renowned novel in British Literature. The novels talks about the challenges faced by women in the patriarchal society of 18^th century. In 18^th century women’s social security and identity were frequently tied to marriage whereas men possessed greater economic independence and mobility. Men used to hold more control, both outside and within the home. Marriage was seen as a social mechanism rather than a purely emotional choice. Women of middle and upper classes rarely had access to professional careers or financial independence. Their education emphasized accomplishments music, drawing, languages and polite conversations rather than practical or intellectual training for public life. This paper provides a critical analysis of challenges faced by women in 18^th century era and how those challenges shaped their lives. Marriage was seen as an oppressive or unfulfilling institution for women, one that conflicts with their inner yearnings.