Study Notes on Class Distinction in Jane Austen's Novels

Class Distinction in Jane Austen's Novels

Lady Catherine de Bourgh

• Lady Catherine is characterized as one of the least likeable characters in Austen's work.

• Quotes to note:

  • "she likes to have the distinction of rank preserved" (PP 2:6:182).

• Mr. Collins, representing obsequiousness, instructs Elizabeth Bennet to dress simply, indicating the rigidity of class distinction.

Class as a Fundamental Theme

• Class difference was a prevalent reality for Austen, influencing her characterization and the social dynamics of her novels.

• Austen's own status as an unmarried daughter of a deceased clergyman affected her perspective on class.

• Her niece Fanny Knight's patronizing attitude toward her aunt reflects societal hierarchies; Fanny critiques Austen's social standing, claiming her aunt lacks status without her brother’s influence.

Observations by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

• Bulwer-Lytton remarked on the nuanced classes in England: “There are far finer and more numerous grades of dignity in this country than in any other.”

• His contemporary, Carlyle, critiqued aristocratic vanity, suggesting that Austen’s characterization aligns with modern social criticism.

Social Ladder Construct

• In this chapter, the author will create a metaphorical social ladder to illustrate class dynamics in Austen’s fiction.

• On this ladder, characters will be arranged by social rank.

Absence of Royalty in Austen's Works

• Austen notably does not feature royalty or major aristocrats in her novels, focusing instead on lower rungs of society.

• Lord Osborne from "The Watsons" is presented as high-ranking yet foolish, indicating Austen's belief that social rank does not equate to worth.

Characters with Titles

• Generally, titled characters are portrayed unfavorably by Austen. An example includes:

  • Sir Thomas Bertram, the exception being he is still portrayed with flaws.

  • Sir Walter Elliot, consumed by his preoccupation with status.

• The comedies about titles derive irony from their characters’ preoccupations with social standing.

Understanding Titles

• Baronetcy vs. Knighthood:

  • A baronetcy is hereditary, while a knighthood is awarded for specific services and is non-hereditary.

• Mr. Lucas illustrates the social mobility possible through knighthood, despite being criticized by the narrator for overindulgence in his title.

Gender and Titles

• Women cannot inherit titles but can hold them by virtue of birth or marriage.

• Titles such as "Lady" indicate high birth, contrasting women like Lady Catherine, whose status is inherent, to those like Lady Bertram, who is dependent on marriage.

Status of Gentry

• Austen respects the untitled landowning class, represented by Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley. These characters actively contribute to their communities, contrasting with others like Sir Walter Elliot, who neglects his responsibilities.

• Elizabeth's initial rejection of Darcy speaks to class perceptions.

• Other examples include:

  • Elizabeth’s claim to familial equality: "He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal" (PP 3:14:395).

Expectations from Country Gentlemen

• Austen portrays country gentlemen as moral ideals but stresses the weight of their social responsibilities, as seen when Darcy supports his tenants.

• Mr. Knightley exemplifies morality and responsibility, contrasting with less scrupulous characters:

  • Sir Walter Elliot as an absentee landlord.

Inheritance Practices

• Primogeniture: The concept where only the eldest son inherits titles and estates, criticizing this in her narratives.

  • In "Sense and Sensibility", Mr. Dashwood ensures wealth stays within the male line to the detriment of his wife and daughters (SS 1:1:4).

• The inequalities between sons and daughters are made clear, such as the fate of the Bennet sisters after their father dies due to the entailment of Longbourn (PP 2:6:187).

Professional Life and Academic Value

• In Austen's world, gentlemen had limited professions: the church was favored, especially for younger sons, whereas trades were generally viewed with disdain.

• Civil professions like clergy emphasized moral character, while the military had a mixed reception due to its socioeconomic dynamics.

Depictions of Class Mobility

• The rise of new wealth through trade changes traditional structures and blurs class lines.

• Examples from Austen include:

  • Charles Bingley, who comes from trade but integrates into gentry through wealth and demeanor.

  • Lady Catherine’s disdain for those of lower origins indicates class bias, though Austen subtly allows characters to transcend their origins (E 2:7:223).

Servants and Society's Backbone

• Austen's texts imply a great dependence on servants for social functioning. Servants like James, Mr. Woodhouse’s coachman, show the lower classes' contributions to the lives of gentry.

• Interactions between classes often go unnoticed but are critical in understanding character dynamics.

On the Working Class

• The working class is rarely the focus but is present in the background of gentry lives; encounters with them are often through servants.

• The story is not about the poor but acknowledges their existence and the systemic inequalities.

Conclusion on Class and Moral Values

• Austen engages with the class hierarchy primarily for character development and social critique.

• Notably, while she portrays the importance of social class, her characters are ultimately judged on personal character rather than societal status.

• The deeper moral worth is prioritized over superficial class distinctions, reflected through both comedic and serious portrayals of her society.