Introduction
Gender discrimination is one of the paramount societal issues expressed itself during the 19th century, whereby it affected most of the vulnerable demographic groups such as women and girl child within the society. Women and girls and were not given a chance to express and participate in some of the critical societal issues. Leadership and administration as a result of an extreme level of stereotype existed within the society. The primary purpose of the paper discusses manifestations of gender discrimination during the 19th century and its potential impacts, or effects on some of the characters in Austen’s Novel “Pride and Prejudice."
Throughout Austen's novel, most of the characters such as Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bannet differ in their socioeconomic status and roles they hold within the household as a result of the influence of gender discriminations. Most of the societal issues such as love, friendship, power, and social status were perceived and addressed from the gender point of view. Marriage was the central theme in the novel that portrayed gender stereotype and discrimination since opportunities for women was less. Besides, girls had little power to select their fierce. Most marriages in the novel were based on parent choice and wishes. For instance, the marriage between Lydia and Wickham was not found on love but greed and lust (Awan, Abdul, and Ambreen,668-669). It happened as a result of enforcement of Mr. Darcy; otherwise, Mr. Wickham could have married another lady to fulfill his ego for wealth and physical attractions since, in most cases, discriminated people based on social class. He does not respect lower class people. Marriage within Austen's society was conducted based on discrimination since women were usually perceived as housekeepers and caregivers. Female characters such as Elizabeth, Lydia, among others, were neglected, and this made them not achieve self-actualization according to their abilities.
Power and Money were shared and distrusted within the family members based on gender. Men were considered as the heir of the family throne and wealth if it exists. For instance, Mr. and Mrs. Bannet had five daughters, Lydia, Mary, Kitty, and Jane, since Mr. Bannet had no single son, according to societal beliefs and norms, his wealth cannot be inherited, anyone. Regardless of having intelligent and bright children such as Elizabeth who can manage proper family, females are not given leadership roles (Arbnore,9). Therefore, the lack of a male child within the family leads to family disintegration, breakup, and divorce, or polygamous family scenario.
At an individual level, gender and discrimination made some of the characters to isolate themselves and experience social and psychological torture. For instance, Elizabeth, in most cases, does not express her feeling but rather consider taking a walk into an isolated place where she sits and reflect alone. Nature was the only real friend she trusted since her society was governed by stereotypes (Arbnore,7). Lady Catherine Mary and others also had a similar situation and way of consoling their emotions and feelings(Austen,7). Besides, based on inherent laws and some of the norms regarding evolutionary psychology, cultural perception manifest feminist and discrimination during the 19th century. For instance, based on Austen's novel, apart from women and girls considered as housewives and caregivers, they used to raise the status of men (Stasio, Michael, and Kathryn,138-139). Through marriage, men are considered as adult.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gender and discrimination in Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice" manifested through power, love, and marriage that lead to the social isolation of some characters such as Elizabeth, Mary, and Lydia. It also leads to a lack of expression and failure for self-actualization based on personal abilities and capacity.
