For some reason I was thinking about Pride and Prejudice the other day (maybe it was seeing a guy with a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies which I'm really dying to read). Anyone who has read the book or seen any of the movie versions can recall that Elizabeth's sisters constantly made fools of themselves, her mother was terrible, her father could be rude and tactless, and her cousin mooned and fawned over those with high status and money. Elizabeth and Jane remained the only Bennetts who retained some sense of propriety and dignity in social settings. So we can agree that the Bennet family was socially awkward and behaved inappropriately on a fairly regular basis, but would it have bothered a more confident or laid back person? Was Elizabeth's embarassment due to being overly sensitive? Was she just plain uptight?
Granted, during Elizabeth's time there was quite a few more rules of social etiquette one needed to follow in order to be a respected member of society. So maybe Elizabeth really did have reason for humiliation. But let's think about this during today's time. If Pride and Prejudice were set during modern times, would Elizabeth be justified in her feelings or would you tell her to lighten up?
6 comments:
I think that a modern Elizabeth would still be justified in those types of feelings. You're right, though, that during Austen's time social protocol was stressed more than today. But I still think a modern Elizabeth could be justified in feeling embarrassed or humiliated by her socially-awkward family. Even today, people want their family members to make a good impression on others. I think that's one reason why Austen's writings are still popular today - people can totally relate to Elizabeth's emotions and embarrassing relatives.
I definitely think it was a result of the times. Family heritage and status meant a lot.
Nowadays, it's much more acceptable to have a wacko family! I'd definitely tell the girl to "lighten up."
The Bennett daughters are in a somewhat precarious social situation; they have a comfortable lifestyle now, but they won't keep it after their father dies unless one or more of them marries well.
So, to the extent that the behavior of their family members reflects badly on them, socially, it hurts their prospects for making a good marriage. So her mother's behavior is embarrassing and Lydia's is devastating. (Her father's and Mr. Collins' behavior probably don't reflect as badly on the family.)
I know I would be embarrased if my sisters, and especially my mother behaved with so little tact. I am so embarrased for them sometimes, especially with the mother. Being an unmarried, but needing to married girl, I think would make any girl very aware of how their mother behaves, and what she tells other people. Example: announcing her sisters "engagement" before any proposal.
Sometimes I feel embarrassed just as a spectator/reader of the mother's and younger sisters' behaviors.
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