Although Jane Austen wrote most of her famous novels during England's Victorian Era, her writings generally do not reflect
the tennets of Romantic literature, as those of her contemporaries do.
Although the works of mnay other authors of the time period are characterized by Romantc tendencies, such as sometimes
overwrought descriptive pasages and naturalistic imagery, Austen's work, when compared to others of te era, is remarkably
more modern, due to her Neo-Classical influences.
Austen's novels, known for there sardonic wit and lively descriptions of social scenes and people, tend to center
around not only romantic relationships, but also family dynamics. In most of her stories, Austen's heroines struggle in
love and marraige as well as against their parents.
In "Pride and Prejdice", as well as "Great Expectations", the main characters struggle against their parents' hopes and
expectations. Lizzie Bennet, of "Pride and Prejudice", is pressured by her near-obsessive mother to marry as quickly
as possible.
The central theme of "Pride and Prejudice" is the deceptiveness of first impressions and the power of love and attraction.
Elizabeth is originally repulsed by Darcy's haughty attitude when she first meets him at a country ball. He, likewise, is
put off by her forthright attitude.
Over the course of the novel though, Darcy realizes his true feelings for Elizabeth and proposes. She rejects him, though,
thinking him responsible for the breakup between her sister Jane and Bingley.
It is not until Darcy proves his noble intentions, by saving another sister's reputation, that Elizabeth realizes just how
wrong she was to begin with.
Another major theme in "Pride an Prejudice" is the dysfunctional family. Mrs. Bennet is hopelessly silly, and her youngest
daughters, Lydia and Kitty, have followed in their mother's footsteps.
Mr. Bennet is reluctant to marry his precious daughters off, but even more cautious about letting his estate fall into the
hands of Mr. Collins, the ridiculous distant cousin who is destined to inherit the Bennet homestead, thanks to the property
laws in England at the time, which did not allow women to inherit property.
Jane and Elizabeth are the eldest daughters. Jane is levelheaded and shy, while Lizzie is more outspoken. Mary, another
younger daughter, has been likened to Jane Austen herself: quiet and unassuming, she observes the raucous scene in the Bennet
home with an inquisitive eye.
