Pride and Prejudice Lecture Review

Practice flashcards covering the historical context, character archetypes, social injustices, and literary themes in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as presented in the lecture.

What dates define the Regency Era in England?

$$1811-1820$$

Who served as the regent during the Regency Era while King George III was incapacitated?

Prince George IV

Why was King George III unable to serve as the governing monarch during the Regency Era?

He suffered from mental illness.

When was Pride and Prejudice originally written and when was it finally published?

It was written between $1796-1797$ and published in January of $1813$ after revisions.

What is the specific setting of the novel?

$1811-1812$ in the English countryside.

How is irony defined in the context of Jane Austen's work?

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, especially regarding contemporary politics and topical issues.

Who is the main character of Pride and Prejudice and how is she described?

Elizabeth Bennett (Lizzy), who is the second of $5$ daughters and described as witty, intelligent, independent minded, and a self-proclaimed good judge of character.

What were the legal restrictions regarding property and voting for women in Regency England?

A woman could not vote and could not own property unless she was widowed.

What were the social and financial consequences for a woman seeking a divorce in the $19^{th}$ century?

It resulted in social suicide and financial ruin.

What happened to a woman's identity and individuality upon marriage in the Regency Era?

She would become "Mrs.", effectively losing her identity and individuality by being identified only as belonging to her husband.

What specific comment by Mr. Darcy did Lizzy overhear that caused her to be repulsed by him?

“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”

What literary archetype is used to describe Mr. Wickham?

The lothario (womanizer).

What are some Gothic elements found in the novel according to the lecture?

Brooding male characters, isolated estates, storms or inclement weather, deception, and danger or entrapment.

What is the central premise of Janice Radway’s $1984$ book Reading the Romance?

It analyzes a trope where women initially abhor an arrogant or "beastly" man but later accept his poor behavior after learning a secret backstory that frames him as merely hurt and misunderstood.

According to Radway’s analysis of the "Darcy Myth," what is the beastly man waiting for?

He is waiting for the woman to love him back to his true self.

Satire

the use of humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock societal norms and behaviors.