Strength And Fallibility Of Lizzy’s in Pride and Prejudice
Strength And Fallibility Of Lizzy’s in Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen's depiction of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice epitomizes the strength of character in a woman and also the fallibility of being a human, making her the most complex and attractive character in the novel. Austen's portrayal of Elizabeth is realistic and yet masterful; she is rational and intelligent but at the same time she is not infallible, making her character all the more sophisticated and interesting. The depiction of other characters in the novel, lacking many of Elizabeth’s attributes, highlights her virtues and heightens her attractiveness to its readers.
The strength of Elizabeth's character is displayed many times throughout the novel. This can be seen in her refusal of Darcy's initial proposal. It would have been very prudent for a woman of her social standing to accept a marriage proposal from a man of such high social and economic standing. But instead she displays a passionate strength in her refusal due to her belief that he willfully prevented Jane and Bingley’s marriage and also wronged Wickham. She explains to him without any hesitation that "you [Darcy] could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it”(Pg 224). Also, Darcy's conception that he is going beneath his standard by offering this proposal to Elizabeth and his absolute confidence that the proposal will not be refused, ironically makes it easier for her to refuse the offer. This shows that she does not compromise her principles even when it means turning down immense wealth and worldly happiness. Her resolute decision in refusing Mr. Collins' proposal even at her mother's stern orders to accept it shows her mental strength and her ability to stand by her decision.
Elizabeth is also courageous, she is not afraid to stand up against the insolence of Lady Catherine at Rosings when Sir William and Mr. Collins are more than ready to be submissive to her, with Maria being "frightened almost out of her senses"(Pg 196). Elizabeth does not let Lady Catherine trample over her and she suspects “herself to be the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence”(Pg 200). Later on, when Lady Catherine hears a rumor about Elizabeth and Darcy’s prospect of marriage, she is determined to impose her will on Lizzy and make her promise of never marrying...