English - Pride and PrejudiceSocial and Historical context of the Novel

English - Pride and Prejudice
Social and Historical context of the Novel

The social context in which Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice operates, is one of firm class divisions, formality, and extreme importance placed on knowing what was considered proper behaviour. It reflects many accepted beliefs of the time – in early nineteenth century England. There were very strict distinctions between things which were considered acceptable, and things that were not. A great significance was placed on manners, and the way in which you conducted yourself in public. These things were common knowledge throughout the community. The society in which the characters of Pride and Prejudice lived, seemed to follow these unwritten rules religiously and it was a great embarrassment to the family if they were not followed in the proper way. This included regulations about the status of women, the way in which men and women interacted, marriage, and strict social class divisions relating t...