Pride and Prejudice Background

Genre: Realist Bildungsroman

Pride and Prejudice is a novel of manners. The Industrial Revolution and the advent of capitalism in England gave rise to a complex social hierarchy and further deepened class distinctions. Earlier, the distinction was made in terms of wealth. However, during this time, England saw the emergence of the nouveau riche. In other words, the parameters of class distinction were no longer restricted to money; they also extended to an individual’s mannerisms and propriety. In the novel, the Bennets try to retain their upper-class status amid developments that challenge their social standing.

The novel is also a bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story of the protagonists, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. As the protagonists mature over the course of the novel, they acquire the capacity to recognize their prejudices. In fact, the novel captures this process accurately and presents a deep account of these characters’ psyche.