The article compares and contrasts Elizabeth Bennet from “Pride and Prejudice” and Jane Eyre from “Jane Eyre” in terms of their personalities, beliefs, and relationships. Despite both being considered feminist icons, Elizabeth is known for her quick wit, outspokenness, and a belief in the power of personal growth and love, while Jane is quieter, introspective, and committed to honesty, integrity, and social justice. Elizabeth’s relationships are characterized by her strong personality, while Jane’s are defined by her moral code and commitment to honesty and loyalty. Ultimately, the feminine ideal is subjective and depends on one’s own values and beliefs.

Elizabeth Bennet vs. Jane Eyre: The Feminine Ideal in Literature

Introduction

The portrayal of women in literature has long been a topic of interest and debate. In the 18th and 19th centuries, novels were often used as a means to convey societal ideals and values, including the role of women. Two iconic characters that continue to be revered for their strong personality and wit are Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and Jane Eyre from Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”. Both Elizabeth and Jane have been widely regarded as feminist icons, but who is the epitome of the feminine ideal? In this article, we will compare and contrast Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre in terms of their personalities, beliefs, and relationships.

Personality

Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet is known for her quick wit and sharp tongue. She is confident and outspoken, and she values intelligence and independence. Elizabeth’s confidence often gets her into trouble, but she is always quick to admit her mistakes and learn from them. Despite her strong personality, Elizabeth has a kind heart and cares deeply for her family and friends.

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is quieter and more reserved than Elizabeth. She is introspective and self-aware, and she values honesty and loyalty above all else. Jane’s quiet strength and determination help her overcome the many obstacles she faces in her life. Despite her difficult upbringing, Jane is compassionate and empathetic towards others.

Beliefs

Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet believes in the power of love and the importance of choosing a partner based on mutual respect and admiration. She is critical of the societal norms that dictate marriage based on wealth and status, and she refuses to settle for a life that doesn’t fulfill her emotionally. Elizabeth also believes in the power of personal growth and learning from one’s mistakes.

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre’s beliefs are rooted in her strong moral code. She values honesty and integrity above all else, and she refuses to compromise her values for anyone. Jane believes in the power of individualism and the importance of finding one’s own path in life. She is also deeply committed to social justice and helping those less fortunate than herself.

Relationships

Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet’s relationships are characterized by her strong personality and her refusal to conform to societal expectations. She is initially critical of Mr. Darcy and his aloofness, but she eventually sees past his exterior and falls in love with him. Elizabeth’s relationship with her family is complex, but she ultimately learns to appreciate and respect them for who they are.

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre’s relationships are defined by her strong moral code and her commitment to honesty and loyalty. She forms a deep connection with Mr. Rochester, despite the many obstacles that stand in their way. Jane’s relationships with her family are strained, but she ultimately forgives them for their past transgressions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre are strong female characters who have become feminist icons in literature. While they have many similarities, they differ in terms of their personalities, beliefs, and relationships. Ultimately, the feminine ideal is subjective and depends on one’s own values and beliefs. Elizabeth and Jane both embody characteristics that can be seen as ideals for women in literature and in life.