Open Collections

Lints, Emily

University of British Columbia

This thesis explores the diverse expressions of femininity in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice through the application of modern sociological femininity theories, including hegemonic, emphasized, and pariah femininity. By situating these theories within the Regency era, the study reveals the complexities and challenges of essentializing characters. Austen's portrayal of femininity is not one-size-fits-all; instead, each character represents a blend of feminine traits that reflect their social positioning and personal choices. This thesis focuses on femininity in comparison with other women, not with men, and how female characters situate themselves within a female hierarchy through policing of self and others. The Bennet sisters, central to this analysis, portray different combinations of these femininities. Jane Bennet’s demure modesty and emotional restraint align with emphasized femininity, aimed at accommodating male desires, but she is hegemonically placed at the top of Meryton’s female hierarchy. Mary Bennet focuses on self-improvement rather than marriage, marking herself as a feminine other. Lydia Bennet’s behaviors display both emphasized and pariah femininity, paralleling Elizabeth Bennet’s traits. However, Lydia's naive decisions jeopardize her family’s reputation while Elizabeth strategically uses her outspoken nature herself favorably to attract Mr. Darcy. The thesis further analyzes characters such as Georgiana Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Georgiana enjoys hegemonic feminine status but often defers to male authority figures and does not often actively perpetuate a cycle of female hierarchy policing. Lady Catherine, a high-ranking character, does actively police others according to conservative beliefs, lacking the tact and kindness associated with emphasized and hegemonic femininity. The Bingley sisters represent complex rank-based policing, as they strive to meet hegemonic ideals despite their new money status and lack of land, using materialism to assert their social standing. The study underscores the importance of considering both rank and social class as intersectional influences on femininity. This perspective highlights the matrix of domination when analyzing female hierarchies in Austen's work, revealing how characters seek to attain or reject hegemonic feminine status. The thesis argues that Austen's nuanced characters challenge the notion of a universal femininity by illustrating the fluidity of gender roles and the unique pressures each character faces.

Text

2024-08-19

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/88971

English

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/