Multiple Standards

In Pride and Prejudice, author Jane Austen sets multiple standards for her female characters. Obviously, Elizabeth is the main character. Thus, her personality traits are some of the most integral in the story. Elizabeth defies society and the male-domination that is present. However, at the same time, upon hearing that Lydia eloped with Wickham, Elizabeth reveals another standard she set for women. Elizabeth is worried that Wickham won't go through with the marriage, and if not, Lydia is scandalizing herself by living with him when the two aren't married. Moreover, despite Elizabeth's protests of society, she is constantly worried about the reputation that Lydia is establishing for her and her sisters because of her flirtatious ways. In fact, she claims that Lydia would be "lost forever" (Austen, 232) if she didn't end up marrying Wickham. Thus, the reader begins to wonder how much the views of society truly affect Elizabeth. She seems to want nothing to do with the standards of the rich, but at the same time, is continually embarrassed by the behavior of her family. Hmmmmmm!