Austen And Bronte And Their Uses Of Social Class
...has been a history of class struggles between dominated classes at various stages of social development”. If not true of all history, these words are at least relative to the Victorian Era. Characterized by the pompous upper class, the struggling middle and lower class, and a woman’s need for a husband, the Victorian Era social class system is encapsulated in the masterpieces of both Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre) and Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice). The dichotomy presented between the romantic (Bronte) and realistic (Austen) views of the social class system yield both similarities and differences, e.g. the shallowness of the class system and the possibility of class ascension. It should also be noted that though both authors establish themes based strongly on woman’s role in the social class system, Austen prefers a pessimistic yet rebellious outlook of it in order to emphasize woman’s strength whereas Bronte prefers an optimistic and submissive stance that highlights the inner and outer beauties of woman.
To begin, we must delve into both Austen and Bronte’s positions regarding social class, beginning with the former. In Pride and Prejudice one of the most notable aspects of social class is marriage, more specifically a woman’s need for a husband. Though evident through almost every member of the Bennet family, the most obvious example of this can be found in Mrs. Bennet. Deranged and manic, Mrs. Bennet constantly pushes her daughters to find husbands, preferably rich ones, so that both she and her daughters will be guaranteed financial stability in the future. Austen, however, seems to take an opposite stance as evidenced through the main character Elizabeth; though offered marriage by Darcy and Mr. Collins, she initially declines both because of a disdain for both characters. Though she later accepts Darcy’s proposal, it is clear that Lizzie is marrying...
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