Individual vs. Society - Intro + Body 1 (Rough Draft)

Individual v. Society Spectrum: The Bennet Family

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the Bennet family is a perfect example of the struggles between individuality and conforming to society. The family presents these struggles from different angles. Elizabeth Bennet is on the side of the individual. Elizabeth believes that marriage is not for economic sustainability, but for love. Her view of marriage clearly differs from her mother, who is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Mrs. Bennet feels as though marriage should be strictly for economic sustainability. Granted, her role as a mother is to make sure her daughters grow up and have successful lives, so wanting her daughters to marry for economic reasons is acceptable. Balancing out the two extremes are Mr. Bennet and Jane Bennet. Mr. Bennet leans more towards the side of the individual; however, he still wants to see his daughters marry. Jane, on the other hand, wants to marry for the economic sustainability; however, she does have feelings for Mr. Bingley. Individuality should only be somewhat compromised for the larger needs of the group and society as long as one's morals are not lost, which is seen in all aspects of the Bennet family.

Elizabeth Bennet is on one extreme side of the spectrum; she is a complete and total individual for her time. Elizabeth believes that marriage is about love and happiness that is shared between to individuals. This is somewhat of radical thinking for the time period. Most women married in order to be stable economically. This is the case of Elizabeth’s dear friend Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte states: “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance” (Austen 14). This way of thinking is common for the time period; however, Elizabeth finds Charlotte’s statement to be foolish. Elizabeth states in response: “You make me laugh, Charlotte…” (14). Elizabeth, being such an individual, finds it absurd that women marry for reasons other than love. Granted, she understands why the women of her time marry for economic sustainability; however, she feels as though the most important part of marriage is the love and connection that is shared by two individuals. This is the reason why she is not overjoyed at the fact that Mr. Bingley and company were coming to Netherfield Park, and that they could be potential husbands.  Elizabeth proves throughout the novel that she is a true individual and she does not believe into conforming to society’s ways.