Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice: Social Context and Themes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the historical context, social constraints on women, key characters, and publication facts of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

Social classes in Austen's Britain

The societal hierarchy where wealth and family background determined privilege, giving upper classes advantages while working classes led difficult lives.

Education for girls (Austen's era)

Instruction that was generally more limited than that for boys, although wealthy families could afford private tutors.

Inheritance laws

Legal regulations that often favoured men, thereby making it harder for women to own property and support themselves independently.

Marriage in Regency-era society

One of the main avenues for women to achieve financial security and improve social standing, though Austen argued it should be founded on love and mutual respect.

Elizabeth Bennet

The female protagonist of Pride and Prejudice celebrated for her intelligence, confidence, and strong personality, who refuses to marry solely for financial security.

Mr Collins

A character in Pride and Prejudice whose marriage proposal is rejected by Elizabeth Bennet because she seeks true love over pure financial security.

1813

The year in which Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice was first published.

"By a Lady"

The anonymous byline printed on the original 1813 edition of Pride and Prejudice in place of Jane Austen's actual name.

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen's 1813 novel, celebrated for its humour, interesting characters, and realistic portrayal of society, now regarded as one of English literature's most important works.