Pride And Prejudice

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorHigh School, 10th grade April 2001

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During the eighteenth century in England there was a certain duty put out to the people of the country. One would have the social responsibility to succumb to the needs of others where it would suit the purpose of society as a greater whole. Social classes do not usually relate but as we see in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"�, this is not always the case. Some examples of a characters putting the needs and feelings of others ahead of their own are when Elizabeth treks to Netherfield through the rain and mud to care for her ailing sister. Charlotte Lucas accepts Mr. Collins proposal based solely on his social status which will inturn care for her and her family. When Elizabeth receives both written and personal advances from Mr. Darcy she ignores them based on what Mr. Darcy is trying to do to Jane and Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy does a good deed himself when he pays the bribe for Wickham to marry Lydia.

Each shows how one can so easily overlook their own circumstances to help others in difficult situations. Elizabeth volunteered herself to go and care for her sister even though the only way there was to walk. Elizabeth notes "...I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing, when one has a motive."�(p.29). This outlines Elizabeth's concern for her sister and also shows that she cares so much as to walk. In some situations family is the main reason behind what decisions one can make, this can be seen clearly in Charlotte Lucas's life decision.

Getting married is one of the biggest decisions one can ever make in life. One would not think that such a decision could be made for reasons that do not suit the wishes of the would be...