How does Jane Austen show Elizabeth to be a woman of independent mind?

The first 200 words of this essay...

Faraz Razi-11 1S 24th October 2003

English Coursework (Pride and Prejudice):

How does Jane Austen show Elizabeth to be a woman of independent mind?

In Jane Austen's novel 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is shown to be an opinionated, "headstrong" young woman. Her unconventional independence challenges the 19th century stereotype of high society women, who tended to conform to the expectations of society. Though her prejudiced judgement of others fails her sometimes, Elizabeth has "a lively, playful disposition, that" delights "in anything ridiculous".

Although different in character to most women of her society, Elizabeth still manages to express much propriety in the presence of company. During the dance she shares with Fitzwilliam Darcy, her temper is put to the test. His earlier declaration that Elizabeth was "not handsome enough to tempt" him manages to offend her, though she is "not formed for ill humour", therefore laughs it off as if she were telling a tale. Elizabeth displays the same decorum in the presence of the Bingley sister's. Though she dislikes them, she does not show this in their presence. During her visit to Rosings, Elizabeth meets with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Upon