Sense and Self-restraint in Pride and Prejudice - Thesis Example

Student Name: Course Name: Tutor: Date: Sense and Self-restraint Results and Outcomes In view of Auten’s work, it is worth noting that growth as well as personality improvement are very necessary and not just a luxury, especially for the people who have achieved great successes in life, but as the basic and direct way of attaining higher accomplishments as well as fulfilments. Jane austen has proven that foolish people suffer for their foolish acts while at the same time brings out the connection between sense and success. Austen further clarifies this by giving the characters and qualities in order to show case what she feels about sense and self-restraint and the roles they play in shaping up the destiny of different characters. As is clearly demonstrated, Jane Austen, has greatly highlighted various aspects of human characters and lifestyles that shape lives and influence behaviours of individuals in a society, as such determining individual failures and happiness, more so sense and self-restraint, which according to her, greatly affects people’s relationship with others more than any other aspect. She brings out the role of sense and self-restraint in various ways, including intimate relationships and association with others, giving some characters these traits while bringing out how characters lacking such traits become victims of failure, realize their mistakes and develop sense and self-restraint in order to turn the situation around and achieve the best, like others. In Pride and Prejudice, it can be seen that Jane Austen has clearly brought out the aspects of sense and self-restraint which she has portrayed as determining the character of success or failure in achieving their ambitions. Claire (1997 p. 218) states that “self-restraint is brought out as an admirable character that endows success and happiness to the people who possess it”. She assesses the characters in terms of the decisions they make over the challenges they are facing. She has also emphasized on how personality and accomplishment are connected while at the same time portrayed how pre-judgment, poor decision making and foolish actions culminate in to a character’s downfall in life, this is more so portrayed when she brings this out in form of characters’ direct responses to the actions of others and responses to life. According to her, Mr. Bennet is depicted as a character with a lot of responsibilities, and who has daughters ready for marriage. He is considered as a level-headed, intelligent, and responsible estate- owner as well as the head of the Bennet family. However, Austen portrays him as Austen (2004 p. 107) illustrates “there are a lot of set-backs in his family progress, especially when he abandons his responsibilities as well as his authority in the family to his wife Mrs. Bennet, who has foolish impulses”. This, according to Austen, leaves him regretting his marriage to her, especially due to her irritating and embarrassing behaviour, which also leads to his frequent caustic mocking of his daughters and his wife to attain relief to his unhappiness through the humour. He also accepts his fate and the consequences that come due to the decisions he makes. Concerning the marriage of his daughters, Mr. Bennet, rather than sticking to his role in the family and using his authority in reinforcing proper behaviour, has chosen to leave the family responsibility to his wife, and obey the decisions of Mrs. Bennet, who is considered as frequently making rush, unrealistic decisions without considering the future implications of such decisions, which later leads to a lot of regrets within the family members, as Austen puts it. She also portrays this, when, in Jane’s marriage, Mr. Bennet, on receiving information of Bingley’s arrival in netherfield, was forced to call him in anticipation of his wife’s reactions to the arrival. Although, according to her novel, as the relationship between Bingley and Jane continued progressing promisingly, it was hampered by Mrs. Bennet’s continuous initiatives to strengthen it, which had negative effects on the relationship instead of boosting it. Both Darcy and Caroline were also alerted to the impending danger due to Mrs. Bennets boasting and pride about the expected marriage. According to Austen (2004 p.132), “the invitation of Bingley to dinner by Mrs. Bennet was not answered when he was surreptitiously taken to London”. Another attempt from Mrs. Bennet to make her husband invite Bingley on the second dinner did fail when her husband refused to do so, in view of Bingley’s perception, considering that Bingley obviously slighted Jane therefore it wouldn’t make any sense calling him again. Dabundo (1992 p.107) argues that “the result of this self-restraint bore fruits when Bingley decided to make it to Longbourn twice and later proposed to Jane on the subsequent visit”. Austen also portrays that the initial disturbance to the flourishing Jane and Bingley relationship could be attributed to the persistent and pushy nature of Mrs. Bennet as well as the appeasing acquiescence of his husband, Mr. Bennet. The continuation in this relationship therefore was as a result of Mr. Bennet being reasonable and changing the perspective on his wife’s decision on the whole issue. His assertion also leading to receding of problems while his acquiescence nature leading to problems. According to Brower (1918 p.145), “lack of self control in his wife also leads to a variety of problems right from her daughters to her husband”. The whole story can be looked at in terms of the positive as well as the negative implications of pre-judgment and lack of good sense as well as tensions in the English society’s various levels of consciousness, as Austen emphasizes, with Mrs. Bennet being a representation of the middle class’ uncultured energies as well as their intense and unbridled ambitions. Mr. Darcy also portaryed as a symbol of the aristocracy which is declining and which Mrs. Bennet’s intolerable character offends but charmed by the liveliness inherited by her daughter from her. Mr. Bennet is depicted as the force controlling the household where problems arise or decrease depending on the kind of decisions he comes up with. Jane is also considered by Austen as an attractive, docile, and mild lady who cannot face and get her desires. She is as well considered as lacking the insight on how to judge individuals hence doesn’t determine their intentions as well as their characters, as can be ascertained by words of her sister Elizabeth to her: "you never see a fault in anybody. All the world is good and agreeable in your eyes. I have never heard you speak ill of any human being." This makes her ignore the obviously sensible decisions in order to remain good, which leaves her foolish, as Austen illustrates lack of sense in her. Although later on she becomes sensible and accomplishes her desires and marries a very rich and nice man who cares and loves her very much, with her husband’s friend marrying Elizabeth. The reason why her life, especially her social status, dramatically changes for the best irrespective of her ignorance cannot be attributed to her beauty or her docile temperament alone, but her determined psychological effort, which was far much above the capacity of many people, and was displayed in form of high standards of conduct. This is portrayed by Austen in the way she refused to accept any act that wasn’t proper or appropriate, especially illustrated when she greatly admired Bingley but refused to display her intense feelings to everybody, including Bingley. Instead, without letting the rest of the people know, she showed some little interest in him which was enough to make Bingley realize that she had feelings for him, which showed her great self- restraint. Besides this, in as much as Darcy and Caroline came up with a strategy to stop the relationship between Bingley and Jane from continuing to flourish (by making Bingley travel to London), Austen shows how Jane doesn’t over react or become over-sentimental, she also does not blame Bingley or his friends over such actions, neither does she chase after Bingley, but instead she restrains her feelings for Bingley so that she doesn’t look desperate. She adjusted her tolerance to the level that she made Elizabeth believe that Bingley was a nice person while her self-restraint allowed her to avoid blaming or even criticizing Mrs. Hurst and Caroline or any member of her family for the disappointments she received. Gray (2000 p.127) says that “due to the reason that she was very unwilling to respond to the situation, she became more attractive to Bingley as well as making Darcy think otherwise about the whole situation and realize that she did not try to lure Bingley in to matrimony”. Jane’s refusal to have a negative thought about any of the individuals she knows is a unique character compared to others. Austen brings out every person in the book as eager and able to accuse others as well as interested in scorning others, with Mrs. Bennet blaming everybody for the ruins on her schemes and everybody including Elizabeth trusting Wickham and his worst lies over Darcy. Even while Caroline talks of getting married to Bingley, she considers this ambition a legitimate one while maintaining discipline even in appreciation of Caroline’s thoughts, although it is contrary to her aspirations. Hence, according to Austen, Self-restraint was Jane’s principal strength, which also made Elizabeth deeply love her, made Bingley get attracted to her and also made Darcy accept her ultimately. According to Austen, she also writes to Elizabeth after Caroline visits her, to acknowledge the value of the advices she received from her, instead of condemning Caroline for her actions. Her reactions remain the same after the letters from Darcy about Whickam are showed to her, She doesn’t blame any party but rather justifies their individual actions at the same time indicating that either of them may be blamed, which upsets Elizabeth. Even with elopement of Lydia, Jane didn’t believe that none of them had matrimonial intentions, instead she justifies the actions of both of them as well as appreciating colonel Foster’s efforts while at the same time refusing to blame him for any indifference. After Bingley’s proposal, Jane is happy to realize that Bingley wasn’t aware of her presence in London, which could have made her hate Darcy or Caroline for the subterfuge. The composure as well as equanimity of Jane from the start to the end, as illustrated by Austen, are not usual, but extraordinary and a result of high self-restraint and discipline. The determination of being calm and blaming nobody even with great disappointments, provocations and misfortunes as well as refusal to indulgence in selfish pursuits and self-pity are great personality virtues which made Jane accomplish her aspirations. Charlotte is also considered as a sympathetic well wisher by Austen, since she has good intentions towards others especially when considered that she tries harder to let Jane realize the attraction Bingley was exhibiting towards her while at the same time encouraging Elizabeth not to reject the opportunity and offer presented by Darcy due to his interest on her. She does all this without jealousy and with good intent even though her chances of getting married were narrower, illustrating self-restraint. Her self-restraint and the denial of her prospects in favour of the success of the Mr. Bennet’s daughters was very instrumental in presenting her with the opportunity to meet Mr. Collins, when he is informed that Jane was already spoken for, thereby making Collins to rush for Charlotte. Therefore her aspirations to forego her ambitions and help others achieve their success actually helped her extremely by giving her exposure to Mr. Collins and rewarding her with life, according to Austen. Mrs. Bennet is also considered by Austen as very demanding and rushy in decision making. She is also considered as very loud and impulsive, traits which make her husband, Mr. Bennet regret having married her, and also makes him issue mocking words to the family, as a source of his relief. Her Attitude towards people is also shown as making her ignore and underrate others, as the author puts it: "a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper." In addition to her personality, these traits make her ruin the family and cause great distress in the progress of the family. This was counteracted by later dismissal of her ideas by her husband who later limited her decision- making powers hence enabling the family to progress successfully. Finally, Elizabeth is portrayed by Austen as an attractive and outspoken, frank and intelligent, strong and courageous lady, rising above many challenges in her life, including sadness and inferiority, as can be confirmed by her statement “This is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.” (P&P, p.155), who considers marrying a person with good characters with or without property and physical attractiveness. She is also portrayed as so engrossed in to her opinions and beliefs that when Mr. Collins proposes to her, despite his wealth, she considers him an unsuitable man and disqualifies him. She would have also married the poor Wickham except for him being a rogue, likewise to Darcy who was wealthy and his only set-back, according to her, was his arrogant, mean as well as offensive behaviour which she resented much. Later on she realized this wasn’t the case and that he was a good person, which finally made her consider his wealth attractive. Austen shows how she regrets her pre-judgment and confesses to him, finally he proposes again and brings more joy to the family, as can be confirmed by the Mrs. Bennet’s state: “Mrs. Bennet sat quite still and unable to utter a syllable.” And joy: “Good gracious!  Lord bless me!  only think!  dear me!  Mr. Darcy!  Who would have thought it!  And is it really true?  Oh, my sweetest Lizzy!  how rich and great you will be!  ……..  What will become of me.  I shall go distracted.”. In Emma, these same qualities of sense and self-restraint are exhibited in most parts of the Austen book and are the Major themes. In Emma, according to Austen, the result of self-deception and arrogance are widely felt as Emma is easily charmed by Mr. Frank when he meets her while going to cut his hair. Austen (1877 p.56) notes that “Without proper judgment, she believes Frank is delightful and pleasant to be with, she also finds out that he is trying to charm her hence her inadequate capacity to control her feelings and judge properly at that moment makes her vulnerable to him and gets flattered easily by Mr. Frank hence gets involved in the flirtation with Mr. Frank” thereby illustrating lack of sense and self-restraint, according to Austen. She later realizes the truth that Frank Churchill is not interested in her as such and regrets a lot. She becomes sensible through the help from Knightley and accepts the truth while putting behind her self-delusion. In this book, just like the pride and prejudice, marriage plays a major role in bringing out the successes and failures of the characters in relation to their behaviour and self – control. Emma seems to have immunity to romance compared to other heroines in Austen’s novels. She restricts her feelings and attaches a sense of worthiness and brightness in herself as she says: “What has it been but a system of hypocrisy and deceit,--espionage, and treachery? To come amidst us with frankness as well as simplicity professions; with such a group in secret to condemn us all!..Here we’ ve been, throughout winter and spring, fully duped, imagining ourselves all on the same footing of reality and respect, ………They must have the repercussions, in case they’ve heard each one addressed in a manner not absolutely agreeable!". Apart from this she also displays her disgusted feelings at the idea that Mr. Elton loves her, just like Elizabeth Bennet’s reaction towards Mr. Collins. According to Austen, she later regrets that her attitude was not rational and hence her actions were inappropriate. She can be likened to Anne Elliot and Elizabeth Bennet because of her intelligence and her incapability of changing her usual routine. She also believes she is superior compared to others therefore can manage other people’s lives (for instance Clergyman Elton and Harriet Smith) and that Frank Churchill loves her hence reacts with no self-restraint while at the picnic of Box Hill with Frank. In the book Sense and Sensibility, Austen talks about the sense of Elinor and the sensibility (emotionalism) of Marianne, which she portrayed by Marianne’s reaction while leaving Norland: "Dear, dear Norland! when shall I cease to regret you--when learn to feel a home elsewhere?" Austen’s motives in the novel were basically to justify Elinor’s sense and self-restraint while at the same time using the novel to portray not only sensibility, but also the great romanticism that prevailed in the fashion of 1970s. She also handles the sisters in a way that is both all-round and complicated. The approach of the sense and sensibility novel is considered as dubious due to Austen’s inability to make a clear decision on the quality that should prevail over the other, the qualities of sense and sensibility. Austen also gives Marianne excellent qualities including intelligence, deep love, musical talent, as well as frankness. She is as well considered as opinionated and highly prejudiced which makes her feel that Colonel Brandon is not interesting therefore he is not her match since he doesn’t portray the image of a romance hero. Claire (1997 p.130) says “Elenor is a very logical lady who critically analyses a situation before adopting a strategy to deal with it; hence she acted as the head of the house advising her mother to dispose some carriage and workers while leaving Norland, since it will not be any financial viability possessing them”. She accepts the changed status and proposes they live within their means. On the part of Willoughby, Austen brings out how he struggles to love and appreciate Marianne even with his faulty nature, which makes the marriage between Marianne and Colonel Brandon quite unsatisfactory. In the end sense and self-restraint are portrayed when the sensible sister gets married to the man of her dreams after passing through various obstacles during their courtship. The emotional sister on the other hand finds joy with the person she didn’t like in the beginning, a person who was both sensible as well as a good husband choice. Self-restraint is also portrayed in Colonel Brandon and Elinor when he loves Marianne genuinely, while unlike Willoughby, Colonel Brandon doesn’t proclaim his feelings carelessly or passionately, thereby indicating that exercising in patience results in good judgment. Elinor is also portrayed by Austen as beautiful, with good breeding, good heart and good sense therefore becoming more than good. She is therefore admired by Mrs. Jennings, Edward, Colonel Brandon and John Middleton and envied by Fanny Dashwood, Lucy, Lady Middleton, and Mrs. Ferrars (women who are considered as shallow and lacking intelligence). She is also considered as still capable of managing her emotions even though she is very sensitive. Austen portrays that as she loves Edward, her feelings for him aren’t made open. Apart from this she avoids getting angry due to the annoying behaviour of Mrs. Ferrars and Lady Dashwood. She is also irritated by the crude remarks from Mrs. Jennings as well as the confessions from Lucy, but avoids despising them. Her self-restraint also forgives Edward for his lapses and Willoughby for his deceit. She also possesses both good sense and foresight which makes her draw conclusions on matters after a careful thought on them, giving her the ability to see beyond Lucy’s pretence hence avoids trusting her. These qualities rewarded her finally while the genuine love and faith she had for Edward also rewarded her, according to Austen. Austen also compares Mrs. Henry Dashwood to Mrs. Bennet of Pride and Prejudice since she is also very indulging and protective over her daughters and very ignorant of some ideas which are useful, which led Elinor in to losing her potential husband to Lucy. Willoughby is considered as romantic thereby getting approval from Marianne. He wins her heart so easily that finally he breaks it easily by discarding her with his ruthless and careless behaviour, especially considering his selfish act of abandoning her and marrying Miss Grey ( a wealthy heiress). He later realizes that his wife is a shrew and regrets marrying her, thereby making him get the punishment for his lack of self-restraint and good sense. In the relationships portrayed in the book, both Elinor and her sister Marianne got wooed by their choice suitors, although this backfires as the men betray them, hence making them feel disappointed and rejected. Austen (1877 p.110) says “Elinor reacts wisely through being guided by her good sense, finally being re-united with her lover while Marianne allows her emotions to control her hence ending up despondent. With the consequent recovery of her judgmental sense, she gets the reward of a competent husband”. In all the three books, it can be concluded that Austen uses relationships and marriages as major themes in bringing out her ideas on sense and self restraint. Mostly she uses characters that have qualities that can be contrasted so as to clearly determine the importance of possessing the qualities. In all the three novels, there are characters with matrimonial intensions and whose plans are affected by the decisions made by other characters as well as the self- control present in the characters. Austen, according to the novels, also believes that the basic qualities for success in life are both self-restraint and good decision making abilities, as she depicts characters like Mrs. Bennet as so arrogant, pre-judging, intolerable, and lacking patience, hence landing her family in to various problems. Emma also due to self-delusion finds herself failing to accomplish some of her wishes. Jane Austen greatly transformed the English literature right from the neo-classicism of the 18th century to the romanticism of the 19th century with her work being a great aspiration to many people. In the three novels, she emphasizes on the need of sense and self-restraint in the society especially by indicating how most of the characters in the novels who possess both sense and self-restraint succeed in achieving their ambitions while those who don’t posses these qualities encounter many difficulties until they develop the qualities before achieving their aspirations. The pride and prejudice novel ends with Jane getting married to Bingley, Darcy and Elizabeth resuming their relationship and getting married, altogether making a merry Bennet family. Charlotte, out of her patience and tolerance finally gets a man to marry her, Mr. Collins, and happily getting married to him hence moving to her new home. Actually most of the characters with sense and self-restraint finally find themselves living happy lives. The novel of sense and sensibility also finally ends with the sensible sister getting married to the person of her dreams after undergoing various challenges in their lives. The emotional sister also finally gets married to the man she despised, who later happened to be both sensible and a better husband choice for her. In the novel of Emma, as a result of self deception and arrogance, Emma gets easily charmed and later realizes that actually Frank Churchill does not love her. Frank Churchill takes pride in flirting with ladies, which finally ends up breaking the relationship and making Emma regret having been so engrossed in her deceptive opinions and trusting him with her love. Works Cited Brower, Reuben A. Light and Bright and Sparkling: Irony and Fiction in Pride and Prejudice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1918. Claire, Tomalin, Jane Austen: A Life. New York: Vintage, 1997. Dabundo, Laura. Concise Dictionary of British Literary Biography Volume 3: Writers of the Romantic Period, 1789-1832.CA: Gale, 1992. Gray, Donald J. Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice, An Authoritative Text, Backgrounds, Reviews and Essays in Criticism. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000. Austen, Jane. Emma: a novel Volume 1645 of Collection of British authors. Tauchnitz edition, Volume 1645 of compilation of U.K. & American authors. Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1877. Austen, Jane. Sense and sensibility. London: Military Library, 1811. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. 106 South Court Street, Fairfield, Iowa 52556: 1st World Publishing, 2004. Read More