Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a novel based on an independent young woman named Elizabeth Bennet, living in 19th century England who refuses to let anyone, especially a man, control her life.
During this time, women were expected to marry for money or social standing, and allow men to dictate their lives. Although, Elizabeth stands out due to not falling for the facades and social standing of the men; she looks to marry for love. When she meets Mr. Darcy, a wealthy man that seems rude and has a narcissistic guise, she immediately dislikes him. However, as the story goes on she learns that he isn’t who she thought he was, and that she also has to recognize her own pride and flaws.
There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense. (p. 92)
Though I haven’t finished the book, it’s already one of the best novels I’ve ever read. It exemplifies how society tries to limit women’s choices and how important it is for women to think for themselves, in a society controlled by men. Elizabeth represents the idea of early feminism by showing that women can have opinions, intelligence, and independence without being judged for it. She refuses to be with someone just because it is the societal expectation, and proves that love and respect go hand in hand.