In the British novel Pride and Prejudice, author Jane Austen portrays the role of women, in the 1800s, are not to her liking. The main character, Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane, are the oldest of five girls living in Longbourn, Hertfordshire. Elizabeth is the most independent of the five sisters. Austen's portrayal of Elizabeth is realistic and wise. It is through Elizabeth's independence, individuality, courage and intelligence that Austen overcomes her resentment at the restraint on women.
Elizabeth is the most independent of the five Bennet sisters. For example, when Elizabeth rejects one of the richest men in England, Fitzwilliam Darcey, because she thought him to be arrogant and selfish. Most any other woman would love to marry a man of such riches. It is her faith in her contradictions and loyalty to her sister that make her reject Mr. Darcey and the chance of marrying well. For marrying well is the most a woman can hope to accomplish. Mr. Darcey, who accompanies Charles Bingley to Netherfield nearby, becomes more aware of Elizabeth's independence when she comes to Netherfield to visit her older sister, Jane, who becomes ill during a visit. Before Elizabeth leaves for Netherfield her mother says to her, "How can you be so silly, as to think of such a thing [walk to Netherfield], in all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen when you get there" (24). Elizabeth responds, "I shall be very fit to see Jane- which is all I want" (24). When Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield, "her appearance created a great deal of surprise. That she should have walked three miles so early in the day, in such dirty weather, and by herself, was almost incredible" (24). Elizabeth is covered in dirt by the time she reaches Netherfield. Though Mr. Darcey says nothing he begins to notice the attributes that Elizabeth possesses which make her different from other woman.
Through out the novel Elizabeth also demonstrates individuality.
