Pride and Prejudice (Essay Sample)

Name:
Prof. Lisa Kremens
Eng 247
14 April 2015
Pride and Prejudice
If I had to judge a villain from any of the characters from "Pride and Prejudice”, it would have to be between Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Miss Bingley. They both seem to be the antagonists in the story, but I picked Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the aunt to Mr. Darcy to be the main villain in the story. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is the widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh. She is Clergymen Williams Collins’ employer. She is also an aristocrat; she had the privileges and held a higher rank than most of the characters in the book. So because of this, she behaved in a very pompous manner.
Prior to providing an analysis of why Lady Catherine is the most villainous character in the book, it becomes pertinent to provide an analysis of the character. It is only in this way will adequate comprehension of the character become plausible. Lady Catherine is one of the most antagonistic characters in the book. Her core intent is to make sure that Elizabeth does not have an intimate relationship with Mr. Darcy. In realizing this goal, she uses both her wealth and social status. It is during her endeavor to disrupt their relationship that he true character trait becomes apparent.
Lady Catherine is characterized by a superiority complex. Throughout the entirety of the book, Lady Catherine is depicted as approaching life using the belief of superiority (Austen). She believes that her wealth allows her to have her way. Such an approach becomes apparent in her perception of the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. She proclaimed that the relationship was scandalous falsehood. However, Jane Austen has strived to show that wealth does not always ensure that one’s wishes are to be followed.
When in social circles, Lady Catherine likes to be given the rank that she thinks she is owed. She comes off as controlling and condescending to all people. Her treatment is not bias to any individual. Her negative treatment is the same for all persons with whom she interacts. Such an approach to life may be attributed to the actuality that she is the only financially dependent woman in the book.
It might be postulated that Jane Austen endeavored to perpetuate the adoption of stereotypes. As the only financially dependent powerful woman in the book, her character traits points to the adopted mentality regarding the interaction between women and power. Austen may have endeavored to show that women and power did not function well.
Lady Catherine always tried to intimidate others with her high status and vast wealth. She was a major influence on her employee Mr. Collins. He seemed to worship her. On Volume I Chapter XIII page 44 paragraph two, it states "Elizabeth was chiefly struck with extraordinary deference for Lady Catherine.”
Mrs. Philips states about Lady Catherine in volume I chapter XVI paragraph nine "in spite of her being his patroness, she is an arrogant, conceited woman”. Lady Catherine tried to use her power to control others another example of that is when Lady Catherine told Mr. Collins in Volume I, Chapter 19 paragraph four "Mr. Collins you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Chuse properly, chuse a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active useful sort of person, not brought up high but able to make a small income go a good way.”
Due to the amount of power Lady Catherine held, her words held a great deal of weight in the town. In Volume II chapter VI, Lady Catherine began to question Elizabeth. Elizabeth was able to keep herself intact while answering her questions. On page 109 paragraph three Lady Catherine states "your father’s estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, I think. For your sake”, turning to Charlotte, "I am glad of it; but otherwise I see no occasion for entailing estates from the female line." She always had a very strong opinion about things. Lady Catherine also bragged about the musical instrument she had, stating "our instrument is a capital one, probably superior to - you shall try it someday”. Always putting others down that are less influential.
She also wanted to know why didn’t all of Elizabeth’s sisters didn’t learn how to play an instrument and sing. She could not believe that the five Bennet daughters were raised without a governess. Lady Catherine states in volume II paragraph I "Five daughters brought up at home without a governess! I never heard of such a thing." Lady Catherine goes after Elizabeth’s family upbringing stating how they must have been neglected because their parents did not provide the sisters with a governess. Elizabeth spoke up for her family telling Lady Catherine that her family was always encouraging her to do positive things such as reading and not to waste their time on nonsense.
Lady Catherine could not believe how Elizabeth could have such an opinion so quickly at such a young age. She questioned Elizabeth’s age with no prevail. Lady Catherine never had anyone speak to her in such a manner. Volume II chapter VII page III top of the page "Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever date to trifle with so much dignified impertinence." Lady Catherine has disrespected Elizabeth and her family with no regrets.
During the visit at Rosings, Lady Catherine tried to belittle Elizabeth again. In page 117 Volume II Chapter VIII, while Elizabeth was playing the piano, Lady Catherine states "Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss, if she practiced more, and could have the advantage of a London master”. Lady Catherine tried yet again to put Elizabeth down on her performance, but it did not shake ...