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Pride and Prejudice: context
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Austen wrote about the world she knew: the landed gentry of Regency England.
Jane Austen
Austen (1775 to 1817) was the daughter of a clergyman. She never married.
Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813, without her name; the title page said it was by the author of *Sense and Sensibility*. An early version was called *First Impressions*.
Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813, without her name; the title page said it was by the author of *Sense and Sensibility*. An early version was called *First Impressions*.
Women, money and the entail
Women of the gentry could not have professions; a good marriage was the main route to security.
The Longbourn estate is entailed: it must pass to a male heir, so the Bennet girls will lose their home when their father dies.
The Longbourn estate is entailed: it must pass to a male heir, so the Bennet girls will lose their home when their father dies.
Austen's style
Austen uses irony to mock foolish characters.
She uses free indirect discourse: the narrator slips into a character's thoughts, especially Elizabeth's, while keeping a wry distance.
The novel is a comedy of manners, poking fun at social behaviour.
She uses free indirect discourse: the narrator slips into a character's thoughts, especially Elizabeth's, while keeping a wry distance.
The novel is a comedy of manners, poking fun at social behaviour.
Why is the entail so important to the plot?
- Longbourn must go to a male heir, Mr Collins.
- The daughters will lose their home when Mr Bennet dies.
- So Mrs Bennet is desperate for them to marry well.
Answer: Because the girls will lose their home, so marrying well becomes urgent.
Austen (1775 to 1817); published 1813 anonymously; early title First Impressions; women's lack of careers; the entail; irony, free indirect discourse and comedy of manners.
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