5。3 Gender Equality 11

6 Conclusion 12

7 Reference 13

1。 Introduction 

1。1 Social background

After 1860s, the Industrial Revolution modified the whole structure of English society and it prompted the rapid development of the British Economy。 In a word, the Britain was extremely prosperous and powerful during that time。 Under this circumstance, a special phenomenon appeared。 On the one hand，the industrial capitalists started to play a more important role and compete for political power with the old aristocracy。 In rural areas, though the noble families still had much power, with the development of capitalism and the increasing number of the rich people, the difference between the social classes was getting smaller and smaller while the value of money was becoming more and more important。论文网

Besides, the prolonged wars and colonial activities led to the decreasing number of men in the 18th century。 Besides, women were not allowed to discuss the contemporary politics, resulting in the degeneration of women’s social status。 What is more, women in the late 18th century and early 19th century suffered a lot because of their economic pressure。 During that time, practice of primogeniture and contracts known as “strict settlements” or “entails” had deprived women of their rights to inherit a large sum of money which can ensures them to lead a rich life。 In addition, women were not permitted to earn money by working outside。 The traditional male ideal of Women was called “the Angel in the House” and what women were encouraged to do was marrying a rich man and taking good care of the family。 That is to say, men could live on inheritance, jobs or joining the army while women could only make a living by depending on men。 Thus, women were under the control of men and because of this, women firmly believed that only by marring men of high social status and huge properties can they lead happy lives。 

On the other hand, the industrialisation not only improved the British economy, but also enriched the spirit of the British and changed the philosophy of the people。 Eager to gain the economic independence and becoming a powerful force in the society, more and more women, especially women from the middle class came out from home and work as tutors or writers。

1。2 Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen is the first realistic female writer in the 18th century。 In her works, she can give vivid descriptions of the daily talks and doings of young men and women。 Walter Scott once praised her “That young lady has a talent for describing the involvements and feelings and characters of ordinary life which is to me the most wonderful I ever met with…” (Bingshan Liu, 2007, p。309)。 Jane Austen pays much attention to women problems and marriage。 Thus, nearly all of Jane’s novels are the masterpieces on studying the success of marriage。

Among Jane Austen’s works, Pride and Prejudice is her most outstanding representative。 Pride and Prejudice, first published in 1813, is widely read all over the world。 It is most famous for its conversational art, irony, dramatic features and marriage。 Set in England in the early 19th century, the novel tells the story of Mr。 and Mrs。 Bennet's five unmarried daughters after the rich and eligible Mr。 Bingley and his status-conscious friend, Mr。 Darcy, have moved into their neighborhood。 It mainly tells the love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr。 Darcy。 At first, Elizabeth rejects Mr。 Darcy’s offer of marriage for his rudeness to her family。 But After several things happen, both of them change their previous attitudes and fall in love with each other。文献综述