On Pursuit Of Self-value Of Women In Pride And Prejudice

Jane Austen, as a British woman novelist in the18th century, writes six classical novels in her short life. All of her works are faithful to the feeling of real life from women. The women protagonists under her pen are brand-new at that time. Field is a multidimensional space which is constituted by all kinds of social status. Feminist literary criticism is an inevitable outcome in the literary development process. It attempts to subvert the traditional relationship between gender powers in order to establish women writing theories. Combined Bourdieu’s theory of Field, it is hard for women to pursue self-value through analysis of Bennet Sister’s attitudes and behaviors in courtship. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth pursues self-value successfully. Meantime, we can figure out Austen’s positive attitude towards the pursuit of self-value of women. This just embodies the pursuit of self-value of women in Field.This thesis is divided into six chapters:Chapter One is an introduction. This part mainly introduces Austen’s lifetime, the plots of work and the core of this thesis.Chapter Two is about literature reviews at home and abroad. Many scholars research Austen from different angles, especially feminism. Based on feminism, this thesis will argue Austen’s pursuit of self-value through Bourdieu’s theory of Field.Chapter Three is theoretical foundations throughout the whole thesis. This chapter will elaborate the theory of Field, the construction and function of Literary Field, the relationship between Field and Feminism.Chapter Four is the main part. For women, the marriage environment in the18th century is negative, but most of women at that time have adapted to it. For Bennet Sisters, the definitions of happy marriage and self-value realization are totally different. Jane’s passive, Charlotte’s reality and Lydia’s frivolous serve as a foil to Elizabeth’s courage, independence and stability. Elizabeth does not get lost but realize her value successfully.Chapter Five states Austen’s characters embodiment in the novel. As one of few women writers, Austen has independent consciousness and courage to pursue self-value. Through women protagonists created by Austen, we figure out her positive attitude towards the pursuit of self-value of women.Chapter Six concentrates on the main idea of this thesis. Field is a multidimensional space which is constituted by all kinds of social status. Elizabeth, as a successful pursuer of self-value in Pride and Prejudice will encourage modern women in pursuit of self-value.