The Draw of Domesticity in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Neelam Tandon

Vol. 12, Jul-Dec 2021

Abstract:

In Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice," the concept of "the draw of domesticity" is not explicitly stated as a term, but it can be observed and explored through the themes and characters in the story. The novel, set in early 19th-century England, revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, primarily focusing on the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet, and her romantic journey with Mr. Darcy. The draw of domesticity refers to the societal expectations and pressures placed on women during that time to find a suitable husband, marry, and create a happy and respectable home. In this context, domesticity encompasses the roles of women as wives, mothers, and homemakers, responsible for managing the household and raising children. This ideal was deeply ingrained in the Regency-era society and was considered a woman's primary goal in life.

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