(傲慢与偏见伊丽莎白人物分析)The Characters of Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice

The Characters of Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice

Abstract:Pride and Prejudice is the masterpiece of Jane Austen, a remarkable woman writer in the 19th century English literature. In the novel, the heroine Elizabeth is a character with multi-dimensional personality. She is clever, lovely and has the courage to pursue happiness which is the positive side in her character; on the contrary, the negative aspects are her prejudice against Darcy, blind worship for Wickham and the limitations of her notion on marriage.

Key words: Pride and prejudice; Elizabeth; character

“Pride and Prejudice” described the British women in 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century who must attach to the men in spite of the economy, society and family status; moreover it is a rigidly stratified society and pays attention to suitable marriage.

Elizabeth, the main character in Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen, is considered to be a new woman who breaks the tradition. Much of the story is seen through her intelligence that also reflects the folly of others. Many of her personal traits and behaviors are attractive to us. Especially when it comes to her marriage, we can know that love is the most important thing for Elizabeth instead of property and status. That view and quality is what we need to possess in modern society. Although Elizabeth has some obvious shortcomings, we cannot deny that she is an extraordinary woman.

On the one hand, I will talk about the positive side in Elizabeth’s character. Firstly, Elizabeth is a smart girl. She shows her witty mind whenever she is talking with others. For instance, in the conversation, “Miss Eliza Benet,” said Miss Bingley, “despise cards, she is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else.”“I deserve neither such praise nor such censure,” cried Elizabeth, “I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.” Regarding Miss Bingley’s sneering, Elizabeth replied wisely and politely. In addition, she can grasp so much information and judge out others’ personalities in short time. Elizabeth can found Mr. Darcy’s arrogance and impatience while Mr. Bingley was so enthusiastic to her sister Jane. And she can read

about some inappropriate words and deeds of Mrs. Benet and her little daughters just from a dancing pa rty. What’s more, Darcy once said “I began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes.” Even Mr. Benet thought that Elizabeth was the cleverest daughter than others. According to his view, only excellent man can get together with his daughter.

Secondly, Elizabeth loved her families and cared them very much. That’s largely moved me. In the 18th or 19th century, the main attention of the society was paid to property and status. In Pride and Prejudice, we can fortunately find some true love between families, especially Elizabeth. Her older sister Jane got cold on the way to visit Bing ley’s estate, only Elizabeth cared about Jane’s health. She took it upon herself to walk 3 miles through the mud to look after Jane in spite of others’ astonished eyes and her awkward look.Her coming made everyone surprised and unbelievable because they seldom met such a different female like Elizabeth around their living environment. It was Elizabeth’s care to her sister that made D arcy find out her beauty. Moreover, for Lydia’s marriage, she also tried her best to support her sister by sending her private savings. At that time, the quality was precious. In modern city, not only the west but also China increasingly felt the weak affection. The altruistic love Elizabeth showed is enough to make readers moved. “Love is priceless” is reflected incisively and vividly by Elizabeth.

Thirdly, Elizabeth had independent mind and broke traditional concept. Compared with the contemporary women, especially compared with many women in the Bennett’s family, Elizabeth’s most distinct quality is the independent consciousness: she wouldn't rely on anyone no matter in the family and society. She abandoned many women's old idea, and appeared with a new guise. For example, facing the Mrs. Catherine’s blame for all the five sisters in a social occasion at the same time, Elizabeth wouldn't flatter her, but point out sharply:” I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their share of society and amusement because the elder may not have the means or inclination to marry early. The last born has as good a right to the pleasure of youth as the first. How call them defend at home on such a motive!” And as when Darcy's aunt intimidated Elizabeth