"Pride and Prejudice" - discusses the difference between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth Bennet.

Essay by celestynHigh School, 12th gradeA, December 2002

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In Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, Lady Catherine and Elizabeth Bennet are absolute opposites.

Jane Austen portrays Elizabeth Bennet as an intelligent, independent, yet strong character, in a soft and feminine manner. The cruel and dominating personality traits are left for characters such as Lady Catherine. In Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, Lady Catherine and Elizabeth Bennet are absolute opposites.

Elizabeth is a realistic and masterful character, which makes all her qualities of strength and independence intensify and create an ideal stability between her emotions and what is reality. Her passion and overwhelming capability to stand her ground is just an introduction into her ability to be able to oversee the weak, the naïve and the dominating. Elizabeth proves her daring abilities in her meeting with Lady Catherine, which leads to a battle between respect and independence. Elizabeth tested Lady Catherine's desires for personal information by holding back her true story, and Elizabeth suspected that she was "the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with such dignified impertinence"(124-125).

Elizabeth is a character who has enough courage to acknowledge her faults and her inaccuracy. After reading Darcy's letter, she distinguished the fact that she had judged him incorrectly. She scolded herself for her inaccurate opinions and for being blinded by her thoughts. She wasted no time in facing up to the unpleasant truth about herself "How despicably I acted. Till this moment I never truly knew myself"(156). Her character is greatly respected and creditable for admiration. She is a character that is undeniably strong and intellectual, and at the same time fascinating.

Lady Catherine is introduced into the novel as an exceedingly wealthy character. She has a desire to let others know of their inferior rank. Lady Catherine takes pleasure in involving herself in other people's affairs.