"In Jane Austen's world, human worth is to be judged by standards better and more enduring than social status; but social status is always relevant," (129).
Juliet McMaster, “Class,” Cambridge
Comp. to Austen
"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," (162).
Jane Austen, "Pride and Prejudice"
How does Jane Austen exemplify the notion that human worth is judged by more than social status with her character Elizabeth?
Not only does Elizabeth justify her choice in marrying William Darcy by telling Lady Catherine that she is a gentleman's daughter, but the reader by the end of the novel already receives the sense that Elizabeth's demeanor is much above that of her social status. Here, we see Elizabeth still caught between a rock and a hard place per her social situation in the eyes of Lady Catherine. However, despite her higher class level, Lady Catherine is easily portrayed as the most detestable character in the novel with her relentless attention to class. Throughout Pride and Prejudice, however, Elizabeth Bennet is painted as of high human worth by the way she expresses herself throughout. She is prized by the reader for her sharp wit and disregard for marriage for positon as opposed to marriage for true love. Austen's portrayal of Elizabeth as a strong female protagonist who seeks love outside of social class is truly meaningful. In the selected quote, we can tell that Lady Catherine's opinion of Elizabeth is due to her perceptions that Elizabeth is unworthy. However, in Elizabeth's response to Lady Catherine she speaks, "He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal," and at that point the reader can tell that Austen wants the reader to view Elizabeth as possessing a higher moral character of sorts.
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