'Pride and Prejudice' – How Austen’s Story Celebrates Femininity in Its Different Forms
By Arya Desai
Still from Pride and Prejudice (2005), Image Sourced from Pinterest.
This past April, audiences crowded into AMC theatres across the country. However, this particular group of moviegoers was special: donning regency hats, gowns, trousers, and more. Trepidation filled the theater as fans held their breath, the opening titles of Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice (2005) appearing on the large screen to the hauntingly beautiful piano score of Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
Few modern period dramas have been as popular as Wright’s rendition of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice (1813), and the film’s recent 15th-anniversary re-release is a testament to its impact on pop culture. In its short run in theaters, the film grossed over $6 million in domestic sales. For fans of the film and original story who wished to be further emersed, Focus Features even threw an official Pride and Prejudice Regency Ball this past week at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena.
Several adaptations of the book have also made their mark, from BBC’s well-respected Pride and Prejudice series (1995) to the zany 2016 Pride and Prejudice Zombies reimagining. Today, Netflix is currently casting for Dolly Alderton’s upcoming take on the famous Austen story.
For those familiar with Pride and Prejudice, it’s no wonder that the story has continued to enchant fans throughout the years, who are drawn into the intoxicating world of secret romance, scandal, and decadent balls. Still, perhaps its representation of femininity and sisterhood between different generations and social standings is what makes Austen’s story stand the test of time.
Look no further than the sisters of the insular Bennet family, whose highly contrasting personalities, dreams, and values are recognized by Austen as valid self-expressions. In other words, there’s a little bit for everyone to relate to.
Love Comes in Many Forms
Still from Pride and Prejudice (2005), Image Sourced from Pinterest.
Perhaps one of the greatest distinctions between the leading ladies of Pride and Prejudice is their approaches to matters of the heart.
Jane Bennet is painted as the most traditional and well-mannered of the sisters: she’s the quintessential hopeless romantic, prioritizing romance and a loving partnership in a way that is more intentional than some of her sisters.
As was the custom of the time, Jane allows her male love interest, Mr. Bingley, to take the lead in their courtship, but when it matters most, Jane accepts Bingley’s initial rejection as fact, sticking to her high standards and believing in self-worth.
In the ways that Jane is conventional for her time, her younger sister, Elizabeth Bennet, is the opposite.
The heroine of Austen’s novel is outspoken, passionate, and ambitious by nature, prioritizing freedom and independence over a partnership. Elizabeth represents the modern woman in many ways and was arguably used as a mouthpiece for Austen herself. Though she ultimately finds love, Elizabeth’s journey is equally a romance as it is a coming-of-age.
Though Elizabeth and Jane approach romance with a different outlook, both have an equal understanding and respect for the other’s way of loving. Without competition or criticism, the two leading ladies choose to follow their hearts.
Even Lydia Bennet, the daredevil and rebel of the batch, is allowed to have things her way, eloping with playboy, Mr. Wickham. Though she ends up in what will likely become a rather difficult marriage, Lydia’s free-spirited nature is accepted by her family, who understand she is in the throes of an adolescent love.
Similarly, Elizabeth learns to understand the perspective of her dear friend, Charlotte, whose decision to marry for security, not love, is an understandable one.
Once again, Austen respects this female character for her choices, instead of shaming or criticizing her decision. Though they may stray from the romantic ideals of Elizabeth, Pride and Prejudice justifies Charlotte’s union with Mr. Collins.
Dreamers Come in Many Forms
Still from Pride and Prejudice (2005), Image Sourced from Pinterest.
Each female character in Pride and Prejudice is endowed with her own aspirations, dreams, and quirks. Even smaller characters, such as Mary Bennet, are given characteristics that allow them to stand out instead of shrinking into the background.
For example, Mary Bennet, most recently dubbed “The Other Bennet Sister” in the 2020 novel from Janice Hadlow, is written to be an expert at the pianoforte. This results in several famous scenes where the aspiring musician runs off to play music, plunking chords loudly at all hours in the Bennet house.
Mary, unlike her sisters, may not take an interest in the merriment of courting and romance, but finds fulfillment through her connection to music. Once again, Austen pushes the envelope with the development of this female character, whose dreams are accepted by her sisters and the family.
Even Mrs. Bennet, the chronic, obsessive matchmaker of the family, is written to be sympathetic and likable.
Mrs. Bennet may embody the traditional 1800s mother, but she does not lack goals or ambition, evidenced by her clever meddling tactics. Though her stubborn attitude towards matchmaking poses a challenge for her freethinking daughters, it is born out of love: she wishes her daughters would find a financially stable match who will guarantee them happiness and safety, in a society that preys on female vulnerability.
Femininity Comes in Many Forms
Still from Pride and Prejudice (2005), Image Sourced from Pinterest.
While Jane Austen’s world may appear hyper-feminine with its picturesque visuals and writing style seeped in poeticism and romance, the women within it are allowed to express themselves in a variety of ways, externally and internally.
Villains Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine are comfortable with their positions of dominance and power, choosing to bask in the spotlight rather than shy from it. Unfortunately, in their case, these traits are used to tear down women around them. Contrastingly, Mrs. Bennet uses her popularity and connection to step into a position of influence on her own, despite being married.
While some of Pride and Prejudice’s leading ladies prefer to make themselves known in society as powerful figures, others prefer the privacy and tranquility of making a home. Characters like Jane Bennet and Charlotte are perfect examples. Both characters are content in their traditional roles, finding happiness with their prospective partners and households.
Of course, Elizabeth is the most restless of her female counterparts in the story. She yearns for adventure, freedom, and intellectual fulfillment, all of which she achieves by the end. This nature is something most of the women in her life develop an appreciation for, though they may not share the same values.
Through the rich variety of female characters in her stories, Austen dispels the myth that womanhood is meant to look a certain way.
The result: The women in Pride and Prejudice take the lead, propelling the plot along by simply committing to their authentic selves.
Though male leads like Darcy and Bingley are integral to Pride and Prejudice, they are changed by the powerful female figures around them, who ultimately help them to grow and learn important lessons about intentionality and regard for the women in their lives.
