Riddled throughout the text of Pride and Prejudice is the ongoing struggle of societal status. Who is following decorum? Who has the gaudiest estate? Whose sister is ruining the reputation of her family by eloping with some man? These types of questions seem to have an ominous presence on each page. The problem with social status, however, is not its existence, but its vehicle-like nature in production action among the characters. For instance, Mrs. Bennet is enthralled with the idea of Jane and Bingley getting married. Her fanatical response to Jane being ill at the Bingley home reveals her obsession with their relationship. But why? Mrs. Bennet is captured by the idea of living vicariously through her daughter's claim to richness. Mrs. Bennet has lived in the society long enough to realize that wealth is the sole contender in being a respectable society member, and Bingley is Jane's vehicle. By elevating Jane, the entire Bennet family will enjoy its assumed benefits of status and success. Secondly, even the logical Elizabeth falls lame to the tugs of the aristocracy. Initially despising the haughty attitude of Mr. Darcy (thus mirroring her distaste of his 'status'), Elizabeth soon becomes enraptured by Darcy's opinion of her family--even assuming that her connection with her wealthy aunt and uncle would come as an unlikely surprise to Darcy. Presumably one of the most logical and rational characters in the text, Elizabeths's involvement in the societal status dispute allows the reader to assume that the struggle is unavoidable. She is unable to take part in a relationship with Darcy while her concern for status is fogging her outlook. Thus, the problem of status lies in its ability to suffocate innocent ideals.
While societal struggle has been and will always be a problem, Austen is not condemning its existence, in fact, she is saying that it is unavoidable. Even the most trustworthy and promising characters are inferior to its limitless bounds. However, Austen is making the point that true happiness is found when societal rank does not determine happiness. Just as Elizabeth finds love in the man of Darcy, the reader sees that status cannot be a factor. It is once Elizabeth accepts the character of Darcy and forgives him his ironic 'lack of regard' for society that she finds true happiness. As a reader, one must view the text in a pragmatic manner. How does the ending reflect the struggle throughout? Is the conclusion a summation of the text? We find that the struggle between Darcy and Elizabeth mirrors the struggle of society, and their "happy ending" is a result of their ability to overcome the bounds of status. Therefore, the reader should identify the presence of status, but also his ability to overcome it if he desires the happiness beyond. Just as Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, and Bingley demonstrate, rank has little to do with the matters of the heart--the very matters that make their marriages work. From viewing the struggles of the characters in the aristocratic society and their resulting joy, the reader ought to see the design that status must be overcome for relationships to function.
To be honest, Jane Austen is brilliant. I feel as though societal pressures and unspoken rules are portrayed in an honest light--- the very light that illuminates a solution. While she is not condemning society, Austen genuinely describes the difficulties of adhering to social cues, proper fraternizing, dinner hosting, etc. I appreciate Austen's eagerness to reveal human interaction as the panacea for stringent social status laws. Austen suggests that digging deeper beyond one's wealth and status is where their true merit is found, and the resulting Darcy and Elizabeth demonstrate this very concept. People spend so much time and energy investing in the latest technology and fanciest clothes that they lose sight of the importance of interaction. While it would be easier to blame the world for its corruptness, Austen suggests that humans have the power to define their happiness. It is not by the material realm, but by the emotional and spiritual realm beyond. First appearances are rarely accurate, and Pride and Prejudice attests to it. Personally, I admire peoples' abilities to be real. Not just social statuses, but every material barrier that humans put up to calculate worth and purpose leads to struggle. Unfortunately the world has always been this way, but don't lose hope. Just as Jane Austen wrote and I believe, it is what lies beyond the surface that truly makes a difference. Don't ever sell yourself out at the surface level.
