Marxism in Pride and Prejudice

by justin massengale

Marxism in Pride and Prejudice

How does the literary work reflect the socioeconomic conditions of the time in which it was written, and what do those conditions reveal about the history of class struggles?

Does Pride & Prejudice reinforce or challenge, intentionally or unintentionally, classist (capitalist/imperialist) values?

Lady Catherine is degrading Elizabeth Bennet by attacking her relationship with Mr. Darcy and their possible question of marriage. Catherine was angry with Elizabeth for her seeming to be with Darcy, despite the differences in social class and economic status. She found it disgraceful, and morally wrong to mix the classes; which is another major character of Marxism.

“And if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?- “Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay interest, forbid it. Yes, miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you willfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us.”

How is the class structure responsible for much of the story’s action and plot?

Another point that Lady Catherine is making is that she cannot stop Elizabeth from marrying Darcy, but if she does, she will never be a part of their family, never be equal to any of them, due to her lack of money. This is a blatant example of Marxism because Catherine is being very straight forward in saying that Elizabeth is not good enough for Darcy socioeconomic-wise, and everyone around her will shun her for it

Marxism?

“I was told, that not only your sister was on the point of being most advantageously married, but that you, that Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would in all likelihood, be soon afterwards united with my nephew, my own nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood; though I would not inquire him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you.”

-pg. 237

Marxism is a worldview and method of societal analysis that focuses on class-relations and societal conflict, that uses a materialist interpretation of historical development, and a dialectical view of social transformation.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a life.”

pg 1

Austen uses a very misused conception to open her novel, Pride and Prejudice. She is implying that all men that have a significant amount of money, and are in good economic standing, must be looking for an equally wealthy wife, to complete his social circle of acceptance from society. Marxism is evident in this line from the novel, showing Austen’s discontent with the socioeconomic corruption of her era, in an attempt to make readers aware of said corruption, and use of satire to reinforce her point of view.

“Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!”

This is another example of Marxism from the Bennet family this time, and shows how shallow Mrs. Bennet really is, and her disregard for her daughters’ emotional happiness, and sole focus on their financial well-being. Mrs. Bennet exposes her true colors; obsession with social/economic status over her children’s happiness really hits the Marx.