19th Century England The broad setting of Pride and Prejudice takes place in 19th Century England. This setting provides a logical time for the theme of class division to occur. It also makes the main character Elizabeth stand out in the text, as women of this time period were not expected to be so outspoken, independent, and unconcerned with marriage as she is. The conflict of the story of Mrs. Bennet trying to marry off her daughters is also a reasonable part of the story in the context of the setting. This is also considered the Regency period.
Longbourn Longbourn is the estate of the Bennet family in the county of Hertfordshire, outside of the town of Meryton. It is significant because it helps label the family as middle class, as the house is far from being the most extravagant in the surrounding area. This indication of the Bennet family’s status is significant in the novel, as it is one of the driving reasons that Mrs. Bennet is pushing her daughters to get married: they will have no inheritance and will not be able to support themselves. Especially since the Longbourn estate will be inherited by Mr. Collins when Mr. Bennet dies.
Netherfield Netherfield is the estate of Mr. Bingley. It is close to the Longbourn manner, just outside of Meryton. The large and impressive estate showcases the large wealth Mr. Bingley posses. This symbol of his financial standings is the main reason Mrs. Bennet pushes Jane to marry Mr. Bingley-not for love, but for money. The well known estate that Mr. Bingley resides in allows the town to see how much money he posses, and his social status. It is also important that it is close to Longbourn, so Jane can easily visit.
Meryton Meryton is the closest town for the large estates in the countryside, such as the Longbourn estate. It is also where the Bennet girls’ aunt, Mrs. Phillips lives. This is important, because it gives the opportunity for the younger girls, specifically Lydia, to see the soldiers who board there. This provides the girls with the chance to throw themselves at the young soldiers to try and find a husband, and up that social status. It is also how Mr. Wickham gets introduced to the text.
Rosings Rosings is the estate of Lady Catherine and her daughter. As Mr. Collins talks it up to be, the estate is impressively built and furnished, and stands as a symbol of Lady Catherine’s wealth and stature, something that she uses to make her guests feel inferior when they visit Rosings. The values of the characters are revealed when they visit Rosings, as Mr. Collins is completely awed by the display of wealth, while Elizabeth is unmoved by the fantastic house.
Pemberley Pemberley is the estate of Mr. Darcy in the county of Derbyshire, and is the location where Elizabeth’s feelings for Mr. Darcy begin to change. Although the estate is large and a display of the extreme wealth of Mr. Darcy, it does not appear to be hawty or a symbol of opulence like Rosings. Its beauty is natural, and the whole estate is built around the nature of the property, instead of the nature being altered to fit the house. Pemberley is a representation of the true Darcy, as Elizabeth receives the positive input from the maid about him, and can also see the kind way he has provided for his sister.
Brighton Brighton is the new location that the British troops are moved to from Meryton. Lydia was chosen to follow the troops there to help at the camp. The situation reveals the true character of Mr. Wickham, who makes the young Lydia fall in love with him and asks her to marry him so he can receive an inheritance, just as he had done to Mr. Darcy’s sister.