Does “Pride and Prejudice” Reinforce Sexist Stereotypes of Women?

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Does "Pride and Prejudice" Reinforce Sexist Stereotypes of Women?
Pride and Prejudice was written in 1813 by Jane Austen. The book provides insight into the way that the English gentry lived their lives during the Regency period. At the same time, it also presented a challenge to its readers, because of the fact that, in the book, Austen openly criticized women’s fate in life, which was controlled by whom they married rather than their own work or interests. For this reason, I believe that although the book presents some stereotypes of women at the time, it also presents counter-stereotypes, especially in the character of Elizabeth Bennet. The thesis of this essay is that Pride and Prejudice erodes sexist stereotypes of women. The main...

....., because Austen allows a non-stereotypical female character to succeed in her narrative, and be rewarded for her brave, atypical actions and attitude. This is shown by her ability to confront female roles and ideals, her ability to change men’s views of the value of women, and Austen’s ability to make a difference in the narrative voice of women during the Regency period. For these reasons, this book helps to break down the barriers separating men and women in society.
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Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Ed. Donald Gray. Norton
Critical Editions. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2002.
Southam, B. C. (ed). Jane Austen: The Critical Heritage. New
York: Routledge, 1995.