Symbols in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

As you could notice, Jane Austen is known for giving importance to dialogues; characters’ words are direct and explicit, so you might think that there is nothing beyond those human relations. However, Pride and Prejudice is full of irony and, believe it or not, this novel has many symbols that tell us more about the story.

Outdoors

Even though the most relevant passages of the story occurred indoors, the outdoors play an important role in the novel. In more than an occasion we could see Elizabeth walking, running and enjoying different pathways and gardens. It is obvious that outdoors symbolises her love for freedom and peace.

 Houses

Houses in Pride and Prejudice are of paramount importance because they represent the way of living of the families. The Bennets’ home is a symbol of modesty while Bingley’s home at Netherfield Park, Lady Catherine's home at Rosings, and Darcy's home at Pemberley represent their owner's wealth and symbols of social prestige. However, Pemberley was the scenario where the Elizabeth-Darcy relationship changed, therefore, it also represents their love.

Letters

Letters should not be left aside in this list of symbols because they represent the characters’ private thoughts. You may have notice that the novel is full of dialogues, but we do not get to know the characters’ deep thoughts and letters allow us to know what they are thinking throughout the story.

Reading novels

In Austen’s century, reading novels was considered to be an activity of uneducated people and since Pride and Prejudice is a satiric representation of the clash in social classes, we can notice that Elizabeth, our hero, was often reading novels, while absurd characters, such as Mr. Collins do not read novels.

Balls

Balls are a crucial part of the novel; we cannot forget that Elizabeth and Mr Darcy first met during a ball. Dancing was significant, of course, but the real meaning of balls is the formation and testing of community bonds. Here is where we can relate Pride and Prejudice to Austen’s life; community was extremely important to her.

As you can see, in Pride and Prejudice there are many symbols. Could you identify another one?

References

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

http://www.slader.com/humanities/jane-austen-pride-and-prejudice/key-themes-symbols/

http://rosanvanderzee.wordpress.com/literature/symbols-pride-and-prejudice/

http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-major-recurring-symbols-novel-pride-prejudice-356929

 http://www.shmoop.com/pride-and-prejudice/symbolism-imagery.html