The thesis that I propose to explore in this paper is illusion and reality.
The illusion of personality and society is replaced by the reality of life
as the main characters experience and learn from their various errors of
"pride and prejudice". The theme of illusion and reality is also explored
in the social aspects of the period as well and through the novel we are
given an insight into the realities and prejudices in the society. The
progress of the novel is a process of uncovering the reality of individuals
and society that lies hidden behind ignorance, prejudice and pride.
Jane Austen's England was polarized between the various classes. The
upper class or gentry enjoyed all the privileges while many of the poor
went hungry. Between 1790 and 1819 several bread riots occurred; many
people in England were concerned with the disparity between the rich and
poor, and an unjust system that prejudiced against the poor in favor of the
rich and those of high status. Much of this social prejudice is evident in
the novel and forms an important aspect of the illusion under which many of
the characters labor. This can be seen in Lady Catherine de Bourgh's
patronizing of the poor. "†whenever any of the Cottagers were disposed to
be quarrelsome, discontented or too poor, she sallied forth into the
village to settle their differences, silence their complaints, and scold
them into harmony and plenty." (Austen 130)
She speaks of the cottagers' in a demeaning way, with obviously no
understanding of them as fellow human beings, but rather sees them as
inferior individuals whom she can scold into harmony'. There is also the
further ironic reality in that she is fact scolding people who are
starving. This displays an arrogant insensitivity on Lady de Bough's part
that is often reflected i...