How Pride and Prejudice is Still Relevant to a Contemporary Reader

Pride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen is set in regional England in the 19th century where the lines of class are strictly drawn between the upper and middle classes. In this society, gender roles are quite rigid, and women can only achieve a respectful status in the patriarchal society through marriage. Austen’s novel conveys universal themes relevant to contemporary society such as sexism and classism which on first reading may seem outmoded as they are quite extreme. However, these values maintain relevance to a contemporary reader as they correlate with how people are still often unfairly perceived in our modern society, determined by their gender, wealth and occupation.

The characterisation of Mrs Bennet and Charlotte conveys the gender inequality which is still relevant although not to the same extend as women’s rights have improved vastly. In the 19th century the gender roles were quite rigid and as a result woman were not the rightful owners of any type of material property and the only way to acquire a respectful status in society is through entering marriage with a man of high social rank. Also, women were often forced to marry not the man they loved but rather a man whom they found to be more “agreeable” in all other aspects. This is epitomised by Charlotte who like most women during the time who accepted the fact that she would not get married for love as she said, “When she is secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.” This shows how Charlotte believes that it is not necessary for Jane to fall in love with Bingley and doesn’t even need to know much about him. She believes that Jane must work hard to marry Bingley, to have security and gain a respectful status in society. This reveals the inequality women faced as they had limited options during the Regency era and many like Charlotte accepted the fact they would not get married for love. Mrs Bennet, the sycophantic mother feels as if she has the right to choose whom her daughter marries as she scurries away to ask Mr Bennet when Elizabeth rejects Mr Colin. Mrs Bennet said to Mr Bennet, “Oh! Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him.” This interaction reveals the gender roles such that the fathers had authority over their daughter in deciding whom will be the best to marry for the benefit of the family. Although women are now allowed to choose whoever they want to marry and are allowed to marry for love, in the 21st century women still tackle gender inequality and one of the most known inequality is the gender pay gap. Australia’s full-time gender pay gap is 14 percent. Women earn on average $241.50 per week less than men. This novel maintains its relevance to the contemporary reader as the values and attitudes towards women are covert compared to the overt rigid values and attitudes aimed at women in the Regency era.

The novel uses caricature of Mr Collins and Lady Catherine De Bourgh to convey the division between upper and middle class which is relevant to today’s society although prejudice against wealth is hidden. Austen employs caricature in her characterisation of Lady Catherine and Mr Collins as they convey the extreme values and attitudes towards class as both cannot tolerate breech of class rank. Mr Collins is a ridiculous pompous clergyman concerned with only impressing others and Lady Catherine De Bourgh is domineering, rich and meddles in everyone's affairs. Mr Collins advices to Elizabeth that “you merely to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest — there is no occasion for anything more. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved.” This shows how Mr Collins drew the line between wealth and status as he insults Elizabeth's lack of access to fancy clothing. This dialogue also points out Lady Catherine’s vanity and shows the exaggerative representation of Mr Collins as how most people during the 19th century considered the different classes. Lady Catherine reveals her authoritarian and dominant nature as she said to Elizabeth “you are a gentleman's daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.” This demonstrates how haughtily she assumes her power as she demands Elizabeth to promise she will not marry Darcy and reflects the distinctions within the same class of nobility. She is also a caricature representative of the upper middle class who are arrogant and conceited. The class hierarchy in today’s society is formed from wealth which is attained differently from the 19th century such as net worth, the number of the designer clothing or sport cars people own. Although people are not labelled as upper middle class or lower class anymore, there is still a fair distinction between rich and the poor

The characterisation of Darcy and Sir William Lucas represent how the wealth gained from their occupation determines how they are perceived in society. This maintains relevance to today’s society as people are unfairly perceived due to their occupation. Mr Darcy is a wealthy landowner who earned ten thousand a year from his estate in Derbyshire. “Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year.” This implies how when someone earns a high income they are considered more attractive and are respected.

In conclusion, the novel, Pride and Prejudice reflects outmoded values and attitudes related to sexism and classism which maintain its relevance to a contemporary read as people are often unfairly perceived depending on their gender, wealth and occupation.