My Opinion of Elizabeth Bennet.

My opinion of Elizabeth Bennet from the outset was that she was an intelligent and witty woman who does not particularly conform to her society’s opinions – she is who she wants to be and believes in what she wants to.

 In many ways my opinion could be biased, as the reader is swayed to like Elizabeth Bennet more than her sisters, due to the narrator mentioning in Chapter 1 that Elizabeth was Mr Bennet’s favourite as she possessed “something more of quickness than her sisters”. This not only presents Elizabeth as an interesting character, because she has been singled out and presented as different to other female characters, but her father’s fondness presents Elizabeth as a kind and loveable character. Especially since it appears Elizabeth is more like her farther in character, who is “a mixture of quick parts and sarcastic humour”, than her mother.

Furthermore, Elizabeth doesn’t appear to be a vain character. It is briefly mentioned by Mrs Bennet in Chapter 1 that she is “not half so handsome as Jane” but when Elizabeth is insulted by Darcy in Chapter 3 she does not appear to be hurt or affected, she infact tells the story “with great spirit”.  Thus presenting Elizabeth as a different individual as she cares more about what she thinks of herself rather than others. This is also shown by her arrival at Bingley’s in Chapter 7 with a “glowing face” and “dirty stockings” showing how Elizabeth is not bothered about how she is perceived by others and is an individual character.  

Like many other characters, Elizabeth’s description is short and is based upon an opinion/conclusion. However, unlike characters such as Darcy, Austen does not use bathos to bring an anti-climax towards her personality – it is infact, a wholly pleasant description. “She had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous” showing how Elizabeth has the ability to laugh at herself and be quite care free. She is also one of the few characters who displays, and has the capacity, for irony.

Throughout the novel, Elizabeth appears to be very close to her elder sister Jane, and continually dotes upon her. This is shown particularly in chapter 4 when Elizabeth claims that Mr Bingley “could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman.” Therefore presenting Elizabeth as a caring and compassionate character towards those she loves. The sister’s closeness is also shown through Elizabeth reprimanding Darcy for ruining Jane’s chance of happiness.

Finally, Elizabeth appears to be the, to a slight extent, the anti-conformist view. This is because she believes, unlike the majority of society, that marriage should be about love. She believes one should “understand his character” before marrying them, whereas others, like Charlotte, believe love can come second, “secure him…there will leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses”. And thus shows that Elizabeth has strong independent views.

Overall, my opinion of Elizabeth is that she is a witty individual, who is compassionate about those who are close to her and she loves. Her independent views show that she isn’t controlled by what her society deems correct. As mentioned earlier, I believe Elizabeth is who she wants to be and believe in what she wants to.