P&P Lta

P&P Lta

  • Submitted By: nikitaa
  • Date Submitted: 05/14/2010 9:42 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1026
  • Page: 5
  • Views: 2

Analyse the ways in which the comparative studies of your prescribed texts enhances the understanding of the values and contexts of each text.
Through an exploration of connections that appear between texts our understanding of the values and contexts of two texts will be enhanced as we are able to see the comparison and contrasts between both them, ultimately allowing us to grasp the ideas that are conveyed by both authors. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice presents her view on the patriarchal society in which she lives. Fay Weldon’s to Alice on first reading Jane Austen (Letters to Alice) uses an epistolary form in order to reshape, enhance and ultimately provide a better understanding of Austen’s purpose in writing. Several issues are prevalent amongst both texts including the importance of marriage in society as well and the role of women.
The role of women in Pride and Prejudice and Letters to Alice reveals that both composers are attempting to redefine the definition of the role of women and what constitutes its success in their individual contexts. In the conventional society of Jane Austen’s day, a woman’s role was clear. Her position was defined by her father of husband and she was expected to be modest, submissive and incapable of independent thought. This is further explored through the direct contrast between Miss Bingley and Elizabeth as they simultaneously interact with Darcy. While Miss Bingley agrees with everything Darcy says, Elizabeth counteracts his statements with her opposing opinions. “I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that are really accomplished”. For women of the ‘genteel’ classes the goal of the non-domestic acquisition of “accomplishments” included the ability to draw, sing, play music and speak modern languages. Though it was not openly stated the purpose of these skills was often to attract a husband. Austen however reflects her own view through the character of Darcy when he...

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