based on their social standing For instance Darcy s initial pride and sense of social superiority lead him to dismiss Elizabeth and her family Darcy refuses to dance with Elizabeth She is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me Chapter This class consciousness highlights the rigid social hierarchy that dictated people's lives and interactions Marriage and Economic Security Marriage in Pride and Prejudice is depicted not just as a union of love but also as an economic necessity especially for women The Bennet sisters must marry well to ensure financial stability because their father's estate is entitled to a male heir leaving them with no inheritance Mrs Bennet is obsessed with marrying off her daughters to wealthy suitors to secure their futures In Chapter the narrator says The business of her life was to get her daughters married It illustrates the limited opportunities for women to achieve financial independence Charlotte Lucas s pragmatic marriage to Mr Collins emphasizes this point she chooses Mr Collins for economic security and social status a common practice among women of her time Charlotte Lucas says I am not romantic you know I never was I ask only a comfortable home and considering Mr Collins's character connections and situation in life I am convinced Chapter Gender Roles Austen explores the limited roles and expectations for women in her society Women are primarily valued for their beauty accomplishments and ability to secure a good marriage The novel s female characters from the sensible Elizabeth Bennet to the frivolous Lydia Bennet navigate a world where their primary goal is to marry well Elizabeth challenges these norms by seeking a partner who respects her intelligence and character rather than seeking financial stability Critique of Social Norms Austen subtly critiques her society's social norms and injustices Through satire and irony she exposes the absurdities of the marriage market and the superficiality of social class judgments Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a snobbish character Her character epitomizes the aristocracy's arrogance and rigid class consciousness in Pride and Prejudice She is astonished and disapproving when she learns that the Bennet sisters did not have a governess No governess How was that possible Five daughters brought up at home without a governess Lady Catherine believes Mr Darcy should marry her own daughter Anne When she learns about the developing relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy she insults Elizabeth and attempts to prevent their marriage Austen critiques social norms as Elizabeth refuses to be intimidated Elizabeth says to Lady Catherine I am only resolved to act in that manner which will in my own opinion constitute my happiness without reference to you or to any person so wholly unconnected with me Wealth and Property Ownership of land and property is a significant indicator of wealth and social status Mr Darcy s grand estate Pemberley symbolizes his wealth and high social standing In contrast the Bennets' relatively modest home Longbourn and its entailment issue highlight the vulnerability of their economic situation In conclusion Pride and Prejudice vividly portrays the social and economic conditions of early th-century England Austen s exploration of class marriage gender roles and wealth provides a critical lens through which to view the rigid societal structures of her time