... social superiority, she seeks to stress Jane's unsuitability as "not rich enough, or grand enough" (116). Jane's beauty benefits her desirability, however, and works to contest her social status. As Jones notes, beauty could greatly affect a woman's chance at securing a good husband.16 Elizabeth does not have the advantage of being extraordinarily beautiful like Jane, described by Darcy ... importance as realistic heroines, but demonstrate Austen's efforts to accurately comment on issues in her society. On paper Darcy is the 'perfect' hero; handsome, rich, intelligent and respected....

• Word Count: 5516
• Approx Pages: 22
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... novels; Sentimental novels; Novels of character; Novels of manners [In the following excerpt, Hirsch explains the significant role shame and self-esteem play in the life of Elizabeth and her relationships with others.] Elizabeth Bennet's great moment of psychological insight in Pride and Prejudice comes soon after she reads Darcy's letter: She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she ... is also frequently evident on an emotional level, without an inordinate reliance on abstract psychological metatheory. These new, affect-based studies can be particularly...

• Word Count: 3336
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: Undergraduate