Author Jane Austen was born in Georgian era England during which society viewed a famous woman as someone who has lost femininity, leading Austen to publish anonymously. A realist, Austen shows in her novel a society where social mobility is almost nonexistent and the expression of one’s class is widespread. Considered by some to be a conservative author, Austen often writes about her main character fighting against societal restrictions. Austen was born to a clergyman and represents the Church of England with a great sense of morality derived from her religion. Austen often uses her religion to juxtapose the Puritan society of her era. Gender also plays a large role in her writing; men are portrayed as those who are in the military, church but attain wealth through their own work. Women are shown to only become wealthy through marriage. Austen’s extensive portrayal of the middle and upper class alienates the lower class, as they are only mentioned as servants that are content with their lives. Austen must have done community service, as her father was a member of the clergy, therefore experiencing the hardships of the poor. Nonetheless, Austen shows an absence of appreciation for the poor and their contributions to society. Austen’s work was favorably criticized by contemporaries, even having her works compared to those of William Shakespeare and Homer. 19th century critics viewed the works of Dickens and Eliot more favorably because Austen’s novels did not adhere to Romantic or Victorian experiences that were widespread and adored during that era. However, Austen’s novels were bought by many, although not bestsellers. Modern critics have simply adored Pride and Prejudice, creating a plethora of artistic renditions to the classic tale it has become. Pride and Prejudice has become one of the “must reads before you die” (Wikipedia).
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Pride and Prejudice