Introduction

Marriage and social class have for centuries been interlinked. In many cultures around the world, marriages were used to climb the social ladder and create connections. Women in particular were subjugated to this practice because they had no other way of improving their lifestyle. Jane Austen’s novels especially seek to explore this aspect of marriage and at times condemn it. In the two novels this essay explores ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’, the effect of financial and social position is seen clearly on women. The author uses narrative technique in both novels to help highlight her and the protagonist's opinions towards marriage. In a style different from authors at the time, Austen uses sarcasm and wit in order to display the position of women and their reliance on marriage.

Social class and Marriage are themes in both novels and play important roles in the plot. As such, they are discussed heavily by the narrator and influence the characters. The novels take place around the women’s stories while the men often remain background characters. Hence the reader gets to see their journey through society. It is accompanied by the character’s attitude towards finance and social class. Therefore, as a reader I wondered the effect these aspects of society could have on women at the time. This raises the question “To what extent were the women in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’ influenced by the financial and social norms?”

I find this worth exploring because while critics usually mention how the relationships were altered by social class, they don’t often analyse the degree by which women are influenced by it. Additionally, the richness of characters in both novels regarding personality provide a unique opportunity to study women of that time period. Moreover, Jane Austen had a strong opinion on social norms, her comments and remarks across both novels convince the reader of her viewpoint especially on matters like marriages of convenience. Therefore, Austen’s narrative usually creates a bias in readers as her opinions are evident in the text and in this essay I will try to analyse the women in both novels in relation to societal conventions with an impartial eye.

Historical Context

To understand the complexity of the decisions taken by the characters in the two novels, the context of the time period should be understood. Both novels take place in the Regency Era in England between 1811-1820. This era is known for its rise in elegance and the fine arts. Upper-Class Society at this time saw great social, political and economic change. However, society was still divided into classes and women were considered second class citizens. The families in both novels are considered to be upper middle class even if some are more well-off than others. While there is great difference in the incomes of many families, none of them are peasants but neither are they aristocracy. The social changes that took place in this period encouraged young ladies to make decisions for themselves and stand up to their male counterparts. Gender roles in the 19th century became more distinct than previous centuries. While before it was common for women to contribute to family businesses, it became customary for them to only carry out housework and motherly duties. Society considered the two sexes “Separate Spheres”, supposedly based on their natural characteristics. Women were considered physically weak but morally superior (Hughes). While women were educated, they were only taught the skills required to be a good wife and mother. They were also encouraged to learn what were then known ‘accomplishments' (music, drawing, foreign languages) which would help them seem more appealing to men. They were expected to be graceful and have “feminine pursuits” instead of intellectual ones. Women who didn’t fit this frame were called “blue-stockings” and labelled off putting. Feminist Theory also plays a big role in these two texts, along with other factors such as monetary needs and social class. Feminist theory states that women are not subordinate to men and need not be dependent on them, it also aims to understand the reasons for inequality between genders. Since gender inequality was rampant in the 19th century, feminist theory can explain why some women chose to marry for social gain rather than love.

Summary of the Novels

‘Pride and Prejudice’ begins with the introduction of an eligible bachelor to a family of five young girls. The girls along with their mother are immediately drawn to this man who evidently has a large fortune. Their mother sees this as an opportunity to get her daughters married into a rich family. The eldest daughters, Jane and Elizabeth however, look down on their mother’s antics. Elizabeth especially believes in

marrying not for any form of gain but for love. This opinion drives her to draw her own conclusions on other marriages and characters in the novels. This leads her to reject proposals from men who are ranked higher than her. Their low ranking also creates problems in the attitudes of her other sisters. The love interests, are classic Austen heroes and also show a character arc which help them move towards the happy ending. Other women in the novel such as Charlotte Lucas and Mrs. De Borough had opposing views to Elizabeth’s and therefore chose different lifestyles. This characters were more often than not portrayed as villains.
‘Emma’ tells the story of Emma who comes from a well-off family who has no interest in her marriage, and neither does her father. Relationships build around her and she tries to play matchmaker between people she thinks would be appropriate. Her view of society and wealth drives her opinions, much like Elizabeth but with almost opposite consequences. Her wealth gives her a position of privilege which gives a unique point of view about marriage and marrying for societal gain. The characters around her lead a much less privileged life, which provides the reader an opportunity to compare their situation with Emma’s. Her treatment of others such as Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax also impacts the plot and opinions of the reader.

Elizabeth Bennet and Emma Woodhouse

Both novels revolve around the courtship and eventual marriage of the protagonists: Elizabeth and Emma. Both characters while different in personality share an unconventional attitude towards marriage. Elizabeth is determined to marry only for love while Emma insists that she does not want or need to get married.

Regarding the Bennett's finances, it is shown that the five daughters won’t inherit their father’s estate or money. This puts a certain level of urgency on their marriages and their future husband’s financial position. This concern of their financial well-being is embodied by their mother: “The business of her life was to get her daughters married,”(Austen, 3). While many in the novel criticize her, including her daughters, her worry is justified since it is regarding her daughters’ lifestyle. Elizabeth however has opposing values, while she has an understanding of what is required of her she does not conform to her mother’s expectations while deciding on a partner (Blom). She turns down two marriage proposals by men of higher position because she doesn't love them. This shows her conviction in her values and a fixed moral standard. Therefore, her low position in society doesn't have a strong influence on her since she greatly disregards it while making decisions. She also remained unaffected by social class, “He is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman’s daughter. So far we are equal.” (Austen, 249). It is note-worthy that, in the end she still married a wealthy man which could represent society’s and the author’s view of a “happy ending” at the time.

Emma was one of the wealthiest women in her town. There was no need for her to marry since she would inherit from her father. The novel begins with a conversation between Emma and her father in which they discuss their dislike towards marriage. It is notable that Emma is only able to take such a decision because of her financial situation. She announces: “Fortune I do not want; employment I do not want; consequence I do not want:” (Austen, 10) Emma is acutely aware of her higher social class and in that sense has a superiority complex. Her marriage to Mr. Knightley was not for financial gain. In fact, she seems to have more control in their relationship than most women of that time. Her confidence and attitude towards social class stems from her life of privilege. She also shows a disinterest in any form of work or activity. In this manner, her high social class had made her complacent and cushioned by those around her. Because of this, Emma could have been prejudiced against lower classes which would prevent her from marrying below her class. This could have indirectly affected her choice of a husband.

Therefore, in Elizabeth and Emma’s position the reader is able to see two unique examples. Elizabeth chooses to ignore societal norms around social class at the time. This conviction gives her an independence from her low ranking and allows her to grow. Emma’s privileged lifestyle blinds her from reality and makes her spoiled and at times ignorant. However, she still remains independent from societal norms. In this manner, their differing social class gave birth to opposing thought processes.

The Marriages of Jane Bennet and Harriet Smith

The second to the protagonists in both novels were Jane Bennet and Harriet Smith. Jane Bennet was Elizabeth’s sister and Harriet was Emma’s friend who she had taken under her wing. Both women find their eventual husbands at the beginning of the novel however have to overcome obstacles placed by social class.

Jane Bennet’s relationship with Mr. Bingley was portrayed in a positive light from the first chapter. Their marriage in the future was expected by the characters in the book and the reader alike. However, their relationship had to withstand several challenges posed by Bennets’ position. Their inferior social position led Elizabeth and Jane to believe that those around Mr. Bingley did not allow their marriage. While this view was later falsified, by Mr. Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth, the fact that Bingley’s sisters wanted him to marry Miss. Darcy still stands true. Keeping these facts aside, Jane and Charles’ affection for each other cannot be denied. Elizabeth also remarked on their relationship: “I never saw a more promising inclination. He was growing quite inattentive to other people, and wholly engrossed by her. Every time they met, it was more decided and remarkable.” (Austen, 99). Jane Bennet remained unaffected by her lower rank, however she seemed to become extremely insecure when brought up by Elizabeth or the Bingley family. Another interesting aspect of their relationship, is Mrs. Bennet’s involvement. Jane’s interest in Mr. Bingley begins because of her mother’s inclination towards “a man of large fortune” (Austen, 1). However, their relationship at its core is unhindered by the influence of social class.

Harriet Smith was a friend of Emma’s however she is treated more like a pet. From the start of their relationship, Harriet follows Emma around and is greatly influenced by her. Her liking for Mr. Martin is evident from the start however is reduced because of Emma’s comments. It is already mentioned how Emma felt about farmers because of which she dismissed Mr. Martin, based on this Harriet sets her sights on other men who are better suited in Emma’s eyes (Kica). Certain events throughout the book gives a glimpse of her character and behaviour towards her love interests. Her reaction to Mr. Elton’s marriage for example, proves that she is extremely emotional and perhaps lacks judgement in that respect. Harriet’s position in society, without a family means that she had limited sources of income in the future. Her want for a well-off husband would be justified in this case. However, her lack of education and general sense reduce her ability to think in a pragmatic way. Moreover, her treatment from society as an orphan drives her to crave love and affection in a way other women may not.

These two instances show women who married for love. Their relationships were based on mutual adoration and compatibility. However, while Harriet met Mr. Martin naturally, Jane only met Mr. Bingley because of her mother’s courtship attempts. This could be a comment on how deep the importance of financial status ran in the Regency Era. These marriages continue to reflect what the author and readers see as a perfect marriage.

Jane Fairfax and Charlotte Lucas

Jane Fairfax and Charlotte Lucas were secondary characters in both novels and played the poorer counterparts to the protagonists. The financial situation of both women made it necessary for them to marry well. Their eventual marriages significantly improved their financial situation, which was their intention and therefore made them an instance of “a marriage of convenience”.

Fairfax came from a poor household who would have to become a governess in order to sustain herself if she did not marry well. Because of this, she was in a desperate state and could not afford to take any risks when it came to choosing a partner. She had groomed herself well and worked hard on her aforementioned “accomplishments”. Mr. Woodhouse hence announces, “Only Jane Fairfax one knows to be so very accomplished and superior and exactly Emma's age” (Austen, 89). The author uses Jane Fairfax as a contradiction to Emma. While both women were intelligent and sensible, one had the advantage of being privileged (Hall). Therefore, the influence of social class and its significance in marriages is embodied by Jane Fairfax. She does not have the luxury of choice, not having marital prospects would mean a less than ideal lifestyle for her. Frank Churchill is not a man of great intellect or charm, and does not compare to other Austen heroes. Because of this the reader and some characters in the novel could conclude that theirs was a marriage of convenience. Fairfax’s lack of fortune determined the paths she could take and limited the use of her intellect and talent.

One of the most jarring events that took place in Pride and Prejudice was the marriage of Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins. Not only was this unexpected but also came across as mismatched. Elizabeth, who was Charlotte’s closest friend also found this odd. The narrator made it obvious the pair did not marry for love but for the purpose of getting married. Charlotte was not part of higher society, she had the sense to know she would not attract many suitors. Her choice of partner proved her to be more pragmatic than her friend. Her goal was to be financially safe in the future (Nygren). While this was disappointing to Elizabeth, it cannot be described as immoral. Her circumstance dictated that she must make a choice, and Mr. Collins could give her the opportunity to lead a comfortable life. She chose wealth, after announcing, “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance” (Austen, 15). Her low rank made her wish for more which she ultimately achieved.

These two characters represented the grim reality of many middle-class women during that time period. Ambitious women often found marriage being the only way to make their way in society and pave a way for a better future. Social class greatly influenced these women however they seemed to later use these class divisions to their advantage by rising through the ranks.

The Relationships between Women

As mentioned before, the novels primarily revolve around women and the manner in which they navigate society. Because of this the reader is also able to understand the relationships between women and how they were impacted by aspects of society.

In ‘Pride and Prejudice’ the protagonists have several family members and friends who act as anti-heroes and contrasts. The Bennet sisters are especially important because the reader can see the varying effect Mr and Mrs Bennet had on their children. Catherine Bennet is especially desperate for marriage and is written off as aloof until her behaviour causes real problems. Her desperation is explained by her family’s tight financial situation and the superiority of her sisters. Another example in this novel is Caroline Bingley. Instances in the book reveal her prejudices and outlook on lower classes and superiority of her own. Her preference to Miss. Darcy as a suitor to her brother and her rejection of Jane Bennet especially proves she was ready to sacrifice Jane’s happiness for her own, by bringing her brother and Miss. Darcy together. In turn bringing her closer her interest, Mr. Darcy. However her initial affection to Jane also highlights her change in behaviour when her intentions shift. The importance placed on marriage pushes women to compete which other and consequently effects relationships between women (Nygren). This can also be seen in Ms. Catherine de Borough’s treatment of Elizabeth Bennet.

Emma’s relationships with women is different from the characters in Pride and Prejudice since her status in society makes people look at her with a level of admiration. This apparent superiority makes people fond of Emma without her deserving it, it also makes her complacent of her relationships and their treatment of her. Augusta Elton is an exception to this, Emma’s history with Mr. Elton makes their relationships strained. Therefore, any sort of competition forms a bias in women. This can also be seen when Harriet Smith shows an interest in Mr. Knightley. Emma is comfortable with Harriet seeking suitors in men she is not interest in, however since she loved Mr. Knightley this immediately sparked a conflict between the two. Similarly, Emma had a bias against Jane Fairfax since she was seen as Emma’s rival. While describing her attitude towards Ms. Fairfax, the author says, “Why she did not like Jane Fairfax might be a difficult question to answer; Mr. Knightley had once told her it was because she saw in her the really accomplished young woman, which she wanted to be thought herself; and though the accusation had been eagerly refuted at the time, there were moments of self-examination in which her conscience could not quite acquit her.” (Austen, 210).

Therefore, the societal focus on marriage and its insistence on women’s inferiority created competition between women (Grant). Marriage became a battleground in which the most accomplished and beautiful women would win. This system would not allow healthy relationships to develop between women since they were constantly pitted against each other.

The Men of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’

The men of both novels play significant roles in the plot, however are usually the backdrop to the more highlighted journeys of the women. They fall under two categories: heroes and villains. Distinct characteristics separate the two, and the women are adept at categorising them.

Especially among the younger men, the distinction lies in their suitability as a husband. Men who are traditionally desirable; handsome, rich and likable are respected and sought after. As a contradiction, those who do not possess these characteristics are villainised by the author and protagonists alike. This highlights the aspect of society that socialisation between men and women was focused on romance and courtship. Both Elizabeth and Emma set this standard for almost all men around them. For example, Elizabeth mocked Mr. Collins who she did admire or like. Similarly, Emma felt uncomfortable with Mr. Elton and did not see him as a fit suitor for herself. In these scenarios, the protagonists see these men as unworthy because they are not romantically attracted to them. By contrast, Elizabeth and Emma develop a liking towards Mr. Wickham and Mr. Churchill respectively because of which they talk highly of them and go to lengths to impress them. This aspect of women is a constant irrespective of social class. However, their preference in men is dependent on their financial requirement and/or moral standard. In Emma, Harriet showed an inclination towards Mr. Martin and therefore did not consider his low ranking, however Emma dismissed him for the same reason.
The influence of men is seen in every aspect of the novels. The fathers, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Woodhouse also play important roles in their daughters’ decisions. Their ideology passes down and affects the decisions made by the girls. Emma’s disregard towards marriage is because of Mr.Woodhouse’s dislike towards it and the idea of Emma moving out. Mr.Bennet’s opinion about suitors was also very important to them. While he seemed disinterested in his wife’s antics for the majority of the novel, he was careful about the reputation of his daughter’ suitors, which was appreciated and regarded by his daughters. Of course, their social standing also greatly impacted their lives and offered them any advantages or disadvantages in society.
In this way, men play a unique role in the novels. While they are not protagonists to the plot they often instigate against each other. Unknowingly, they drive the women towards competition and flattery which also affects the relationship between the women themselves. Healthy relationships between them are rarely seen in these novels because of that reason. Additionally, their social standing affected their wives and daughters and dictated the treatment that they would receive.

Conclusion

This essay examines the effect social and economic norms in the Regency Era had on women by analyzing several characters and relationships in the novels ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’. The consequences of such norms were diverse and dependent on many elements, including the personality, priorities, up-bringing, and values of each woman. Through Jane Austen’s narrative, these factors were studied in detail, the women who married for love, marriages of conveniences and the impact such events can have.

The characters in each novel were analyzed side-by-side which presented an opportunity to understand the varying actions of women in similar situations and similar actions in different situations. The relationships in the novels, romantic or otherwise was also considered to understand the impact societal norms had on women. The purpose of this essay was to understand how the women were affected and why they were affected which was carried out by analyzing all aspects of the characters in the novels.

In conclusion, the women in the novel were greatly influenced by social and financial norms of the time since all their actions were dictated by their position in society and future marriage prospects. While some women, notably the protagonists seemed freer to these regulations, they were also held back by the expectations and values they had been raised with. Most women during the Regency Era had little to no opportunities for income, and therefore relied on marriages and social connections for a comfortable lifestyle. This urgency heavily impacted their attitudes, relationships with other people and conduct. While the degree with which each woman was impacted varied, it is undoubted that it at least impacted one aspect of their lives greatly. This highlights the restrictions imposed on women, and most importantly it provides explanations for women’s actions without bias and with understanding.

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