Pride and Prejudice, through a Feminist's eyes..

The first novel that came to mind when thinking about feminist readings, was “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. During the openings of this novel, Mrs. Bennet is extremely determined to find husbands for her three daughters. A Feminist critic would focus on the obstacle which may be preventing these women from finding their own husbands. One day at a gathering ,Mr. Bingley, a single wealthy man, has immediate attraction to Jane, one of the three daughters. Due to Bingley’s interest in Jane, they are expected to get to know each other, and soon marry. A feminist critic, would note that Jane did not have a voice in this situation. “Pride and Prejudice” has many themes. However, the theme of gender inequalities is what a Feminist critic would be interested in. In the novel, several female characters, one in particular, Charlotte are very anxious, and feel the need to marry men who they really do not love. Their goal is to marry to gain financial safety, because they don’t possess any of their own. The males dominated everything. They were considered the fortunate, and working class. Mr. Bennet’s manor that Mrs. Bennet and their three daughters live on suffers a downfall, leaving the daughters in a terrible financial state, that calls for them to marry. A Feminist critic would note that women were portrayed to be not as gifted, and able to carry out the different jobs as well as men. A Feminist critic would note that women’s lower statue in society was unfair. The novel however, reached its climax when Elizabeth is bale to maintain her happiness, despite going against the traditional ways of being married, for financial reasons. Elizabeth marries a man who she cares for and deeply loves.