The Era: Pride and Prejudice was written during England’s Gentry period which began in 1811 and was largely characterized by class distinction and rebellion from the “underdogs” of society. There was the American Revolution occurring in the United States which began the year after Austen’s birth and the French Napoleonic war was also occurring at the turn of the 19th century. Also occurring was the French Revolution and lower classes were speaking out against injustice and a lack of food. It was England’s concern that their lower classes might become educated and speak out or rebel and thus knowledge was reserved for the socially elite. This is present in the novel as women are compared for their “accomplishments” such as playing the piano or reading. The Victorian era which began in 1837 with Queen Victoria’s reign also promoted a desire for aesthetic appeal in homes and a dignified means of carrying oneself. Women took pride in their composure such as with their posture, how they spoke, and of course how they looked. This is apparent in the novel when Caroline Bingley asks Elizabeth to take a stroll with her around the room so their posture and social standings could be judged accordingly. Elizabeth also takes women like Lady Catherine DeBourgh by surprise as she speaks eloquently “for her class”. There was also a great support in England for the arts and sciences so people were writing, painting, playing instruments, and creating.
War: Present in Pride and Prejudice is the soldiers whom the sisters Kitty and Lydia frequently go and visit in town. This shows the turmoil that was occurring in the country and abroad though the setting is predominantly rural country-side. The presence of the troops at Brighton and militia officers like Wickham reflect wider concerns about the place of the military in English civil society. The flirtatious character of Lydia and Kitty are also shown in how they constantly go to visits and obsess over the officers. They are stereotypical women in the period who are highly concerned with men and their approval. The character Wickham is also presented and easily disproves Elizabeth’s ability to judge on first impressions while presenting the challenges of love relations which were often means of gaining wealth and social status.
Owning Land: Austen’s novels have a large focus on the high class or the gentry. The gentry is comprised of those who owned land (usually estates out in the country) and those of professions like lawyers, doctors and clergy. The focus on land ownership and its effect on marriage relations is prominent in Pride and Prejudice. There is the instance where Mrs. Bennett is distraught over Elizabeth not marrying Mr. Collins because this means their estate will be given to he and Charlotte upon Mr. Bennet’s death. Due to Derbyshire (Mr. Darcy’s estate) Elizabeth is also considered an extremely lucky woman to be married to such a prominent land owner. The focus on obtaining land was huge for taking part in the desired gentry society and plays a large role in the novel.
Women/Roles: Following the idea of land ownership, advantageous marriages played a large role in the gentry society and also the novel. Women were often the means for families to quickly gain large sums of fortune. Familial aspirations, coupled with women’s increased dependence on marriage for financial survival, made courtship a central focus of women’s lives. The sisters in the novel demonstrate how marriage was a central focus in young women’s lives, however Elizabeth also shows a rebellious side. Though she is dependent on marriage for financial security she displays intelligence and an air of independence throughout the novel. This reflects Austen’s general opinion of women and their role in society during the novel’s creation.