... 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 as "tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me" (13). Her wit ... 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. As Michael Kramp not...

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