How far does the theme of prejudice dominate the novels "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

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Pride and Prejudice and To Kill A Mockingbird.

            How far does the theme of prejudice dominate the novels “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. You should consider which characters show prejudice, how their conduct and attitudes cause misunderstanding and whether these attributes change during the novel. You should also consider how the author guides the reader’s response in the theme of prejudice: the setting of the novel and the language, tone and technique used to guide the readers response

            In the novels “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee it is evident that both novels are dominated by prejudice. In both novels there are various themes but both novels mainly centre on prejudice. In “Pride and Prejudice” the prejudices is not that serious. It is mainly about first impressions (the original title of the Book) yet in “To Kill a Mockingbird” the prejudice is more serious and is shown in a more sinister way, the theme of prejudice reaches a climax and end in shocking and drastic results.

           “Pride and Prejudice” was written in 1813. The period of the setting of the novel is 1811-1812. The novel is set in England in various places like London, Kent, Derbyshire and Hertfordshire (home of the Bennet family).

           Women in regency Britain had far less option than the women of today. Most women did not receive a formal education, women were taught to be useful but not independent, their aim was to become ‘accomplished’ which meant being proficient In the social graces such as singing, music, drawing, needlework and literature, although the latter did not have the same emphasis. There was constant pressure on women of those times to marry well, to obtain financial security, not just for their selves but also for their immediate family. The position of unmarried women is clearly defined in “Pride and Prejudice” there is no instance where a single woman travelled alone, or was without a chaperone apart from when Elizabeth went to nurse Jane. Even then this incident was looked down upon by Miss Bingley, however it won Elizabeth respect in the eyes of Mr Darcy. When Lydia runs away with Mr Wickham she breaks all the social codes of society and therefore brings disgrace on her family. This situation can only be redeemed one way with Lydia’s marriage to Wickham. Anything less would tarnish the Bennett family name.

            The situation regarding unmarried women with no financial support was dire, however they could obtain a position as a companion or as a governess, these were the few jobs that were allowed for women to take. Although they retained their respectability, some of these jobs were unpleasant and degrading, for the women were always in a vulnerable situation. They could always be easy prey for men in the families for which they worked. Therefore, the best way for a women to avoid all these pitfalls was to marry well.

Jane Austen is an economical writer; she never wastes words in dialogue or commentary. Every sentence moves the narrative forward in terms of situation and action. The writing is natural and unforced, so the reader can easily follow what is said. Austen never uses metaphor and imagery. And descriptions of settings are rare. Jane Austen commented on her writing style as fine brush strokes on ivory. The type of language shows the pre-occupations of that period with social customs’ etiquettes, routines and rules that dominate every aspect of life including the way people spoke, particularly the social class conscience. Middle class and their betters. Also description of settings are rare. Austen is very skilled in using just the right word or phrase e.g. when Mrs Bennet learns that Lydia is married her spirits are ‘oppressively high’ chapter 50 page 280, Lady Catherine enter the room with an air more than usually ungracious chapter 56 page 283.            

In the novel, universal patterns of human behaviour were played out in regency Britain. The novel is satiric with rich attention to detail and insightful treatment of her characters. Jane Austen writing is very detailed, exacting vocabulary with lists of adjectives and a hyperbolic turn of phrase, however today, certain expressions of hers would seem too long_ winded today and seem very clumsy.          

           

            The major themes in “Pride and “Prejudice is pride and prejudice itself. As said in the words of Mary at the beginning of the novel ‘human nature is particularly prone to pride’ in the novel pride prevents the character from seeing the truth of a situation and from achieving happiness in life. Pride is one of the main barriers that create an obstacle to Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage. Darcy’s pride in his position in society leads him to initially scorn anyone outside of his social circle. Elizabeth vanity clouds her judgement, making her prone to think ill of Darcy and to think well of Wickham. Prejudice is another theme, one cannot equate Darcy with pride and Elizabeth with prejudice. Darcy’s pride of place is founded on social prejudice; he must overcome his prejudice in order to see that Elizabeth would be a good wife to him. Elizabeth prejudice against him is rooted in pride of her own quick perception.

Family morals is a major theme. Austen portrays the family for the moral and intellectual education of children. Mr and Mrs Bennet’s failure to provide this leads to Lydia’s immorality and foolishness.  Elizabeth and Jane managed to develop virtue and strong character. Perhaps they achieve this through the help of their studies and the good influences of Mr and Mrs Gardiner.

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Another theme is woman and marriage. Austen is critical of the gender injustices present in Regency Britain. The novel demonstrates how girls like Charlotte need to have a loveless marriage in order to gain financial security. Austen believes that women are at least as intelligent and capable as men and considers their inferior status in society unjust.  She herself went against convention by remaining single and earning a living through her novels. It is clear that in the novel Austen wants to show how Elizabeth is happy by refusing to marry simply for financial purposes and marrying for love. ...

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