The Character of Lady Catherine de Bourgh In Pride and...

Although typically overlooked by the inattentive reader, the minor character can serve a myriad of literary roles from adding to the overall story elements to distinguishing the character’s impact on the plot. In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, minor characters play a paramount role in advancing the plot, reinforcing Austens tone, and uniquely contributing to the work as a whole. Surprisingly, the impact of a certain minor character upon the work is illuminated as well as expatiated when analyzed. Lady Catherine de Bourgh has a much greater impact on the plot, characters, and theme of Pride and Prejudice that her minor role would suggest. In this way, she advances the plot, emphasizes the theme of social expectations,†¦show more content†¦Similar to the way Austen defied social standards by writing in a time of prejudice against female authors, Elizabeth defies the traditional social conventions of marriage by refusing Mr. Collinss proposal, as well as by ignoring Lady Catherines demands. Elizabeth sarcastically brushes off Lady Catherines threats to ruin her if she accepts Darcys proposal as heavy misfortunes(305) and distances herself from the situation by declaring that it will have no affect on [her](305). In addition to advancing the plot and contributing to the theme, Lady Catherine de Bourgh provides a satirical image of the aristocracy, as well a foil to Mrs. Bennett through her immoderate pride and arrogance. Lady Catherines actions and beliefs as an aristocrat extend far past acceptable decorum to the point that her immodesty satirizes her as an archaic relic spewing only hot air. Upon her arrival at the Bennett household, she rudely scorns the Longbourn estate by referring to it as a very small park (302). Lady Catherine also dispraises Elizabeths upbringing by obnoxiously asserting that without a governess [she] must have been neglected (142). Elizabeth underscores the hilarity of her ladyship’s assumptions by assuring her that had not been the case(143). Lady Catherine foolishly assumes that her high social status will enable her to dissuade Elizabeth from marrying Darcy, and her declamation to Elizabeth that honor, decorum, prudence,Show MoreRelatedPride and Prejudice: Exploring the Chasm Between Love and Marriage in Georgian England1675 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Pride and Prejudice†, is a novel which explores the huge chasm between love and marriage in Georgian England. Jane Austen’s presentation of passion and matrimony reiterates the fact that marriage is a â€Å"business arrangement†. 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