Pride and Prejudice: Ch. 7- 10

Quote 1: "It must very materially lessen their chance of marrying men of any consideration in the world" (26).

In society, the importance of social class was imperative to finding the right woman. If a woman was below a man in any way, then they were automatically considered unworthy. As long as a woman had money, a slight dependency on a man, and beauty, then she was assumed to be the perfect wife. It was not a matter of love. One fell in love after their spouse met the requirements of a husband or wife. Therefore, Mrs. Bennet enforces her daughters to learn singing, playing the piano, and looking exceedingly presentable in order to meet some of the requirements of a perfect wife. Mr. Darcy, who does not understand the meaning of love, views Elizabeth and the Bennet family negatively because of their lack of money. Mr. Bingley sees otherwise as he falls in love with Jane.

Quote 2: "Mr. Darcy was writing, and Miss. Bingley, seated near him, was watching the progress of his letter [...] Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing their game" (34).

During this time period, it was uncommon to see a working man or, especially, a working woman. Everything was focused around social interactions amongst one another. What a person did during their leisure time defined their character. For example, there were certain hospitality rules, and things women were supposed to do, like sing in order to entertain guests. It was a way in which people perceived one another, and established themselves in society. Mr. Darcy was first thought of as a man with wealth, beauty, and the requirements of a faithful beau, but after a short period of time, his character began to show as he awkwardly roamed around the ball in a previous chapter, and now, showing his arrogance when Mrs. Bennet came to visit.