Stereotypical Gender Roles and New Construct of Marriage in Pride and Prejudice

Abstract

With Jane Austen we move to the closing decades of the 18 th century and the early part of the Victorian Era. Social historians and literary critics use the term ―Regency‖ to refer to this period, which is known as the transitional period between the Georgian era and the Victorian era. It was noted for its classiness and achievements in different fields, especially fine arts and architecture. The Regency social conventions and public manners advocated a public appearance of politeness and gentility. The prevailing code of conduct governed every social behaviour and communication, down to the way a woman held or moved her fan to indicate her interest in a gentleman. It was an era in which the social hierarchy was the core of everything and men and women of both sexes knew their place. Women were largely seen as submissive, independent, and passive. They did not inherit wealth, nor were they openly allowed to find their own means. Their role was limited to domestic duties. They were expected to sew, sing, dance, write, read and play music. Women's bodies were seen as something pure. They were not allowed to wear any kind of cosmetics or make-up that would make them look prettier or more attractive, neither were they allowed to wear clothes that would show their skin because society regarded woman as a possession of her husband and she was not allowed to mention words which have a sexual connotation in the presence of men. They were prevented from pursuing education or academic studies because education was another tool which gave individuals a sense of independence and self-confidence. Men are superior, women inferior. It is this mentality which led to the creation of a male-dominated society. Their identity and their fate ―were defined and controlled by men – fathers, husbands, or seducers‖ (Young, 119). Women are tamed and domesticated by men and society. First, it is her "father that controls her fate until she gets married and then it is her husband that controls her fate until she dies" (Mujis, 13).