View of Gender in Pride and Prejudice
“A View of Gender in Pride and Prejudice” Throughout history, the actions of people have been governed or influenced by the restrictions of their gender. ... If a member of either gender acted in a way that does not fit the social norm, they would be looked down upon. In Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, gender roles are expressed in certain characters, while other characters clearly cross the gender line, and as in life, they are looked scorned for their gender bending. In either case, these characters are limited by the rules society has placed for them and their gender. ... These gender restrictions would force six people onto the street just because they were women, they would have to depend on the kindness of their friends and neighbors. ... This is one of Elizabeth’s attempts to break the gender rules and think for herself. ... Her gender restricted her from finding a husband that she had genuine feelings for, she needed to marry for money or else live a hard life. ... Darcy is also restricted by his gender, but not as obviously as the women in the novel. ... Another example of the gender restrictions comes when Lydia runs away with Wickham. ... This is a gender-based double-standard, and had Wickham refused to marry Lydia, she would be dependant on family and friends in her older years.