Social Class Conflict In Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice

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Social class conflict has been an issue throughout time and will likely proceed to be one for decades to come. Even “…the criterion in Islam is not [based on] color or social status” (Olajuwon Year). The faith is more focused on being a respectable individual. Unfortunately, class conflict is commonly the barrier of human interaction between high and middle classes with that of the lower classes. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice portrays how conflict is a pivotal theme throughout the story. Social classes demonstrate how one’s treatment of others is occasionally based on another’s family name or status in society. Throughout the novel, characters develop distorted opinions about others contributing to plot conflict. However, love often overcomes social classes in relationships in which are based on genuine love rather than on what society has labeled a couple. Thus, Austen triggers an eagerness to test which is stronger – love towards a person or the love of social status and vanity – in Pride and Prejudice. Since the beginning …show more content…

Consequently, Elizabeth did not react improperly, but instead did not say anything because she has self-respect and that she was a guest. Nevertheless, Lady Catherine crossed a line when she had told Elizabeth that she is bound to obey her by the claims of honor and gratitude after being told that Darcy wants to marry her. Therefore, Elizabeth stated “to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me” (Austen #). Lady Catherine believed that if Darcy marries Elizabeth it would bring him humility and disgrace in the opinions of his friends. However, Elizabeth deviated by saying, “He is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman 's daughter. So far we are equal” (Austen

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