Elizabeth Bennett, the protagonist of Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice, remains one of the most celebrated and loved heroines in literature. 200 years later, her intelligence, quick-witted humour and strong initial judgement still draw readers and fans of the adaptations alike to her. Elizabeth’s voice and her refusal to be locked in a loveless marriage just for financial stability showcased her in the novel as a “modern” woman of her time. Decades later, Lizzie Bennett remains an anchor for feminism in a world where women still struggle to speak.
Elizabeth Bennett is one of those rare characters who feel astonishingly real. Her “prejudice” throughout the novel makes the readers realise that such mistakes could, and indeed do, happen to anyone. In chapter 1, the quote “His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped he would never come there again,” establishes the theme of prejudice in the novel. While Elizabeth may be hastily judging Darcy, she is not alone in her assessment. Moreover, later on in the book, while conversing with Col. Fitzwilliams, she learns that Darcy has stopped Bingley from making an “impudent marriage”. Elizabeth realises the matter must be about Bingley’s relationship with her sister Jane and quickly takes the moment to condemn Darcy. Through this, Austen emphasises the human nature of assuming and judging things far too quickly without hearing the full story. A reader finds identity in Lizzie’s prejudice. The common ground between her character etched onto paper and human nature makes Elizabeth seem like a real person, making readers connect with her.
Elizabeth isn’t just smart – she’s sharp. She’s emotionally fluent and knows precisely what to say and when to say it. In one of her quotes, she says, “Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.” Elizabeth is aware that taking everything too seriously would break her. So she doesn’t. Her level of self-awareness relates to people who swap being emotional with being humorous. This is not being cruel or being avoidant; it’s just a character who is being portrayed as human, as a result, drawing us closer to her. Jane Austen could have made Elizabeth saintly or as pretty as a flower. But she chose not to and instead gave her the ability to lead and steer a conversation, something we all do every single day. Once again, making her character incredibly human and relatable
Right at the beginning of the novel, we are faced with the quote, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in need of a wife.” This single opening statement unironically sets the scene for the broader social commentary explored throughout the novel. Marriage is simply what was expected of young women and young men alike, whether it be for love or for financial stability. Elizabeth’s refusal to be in a loveless marriage defied the norms of 19th-century England, putting her in the limelight. Her willingness to be vocal about her opinions relates to women in the 21st century in so many different ways. From the subtle patriarchal roles in our daily lives that still live on to blatant misogyny and the suppression of women’s voices, we are reminded every day that the fight for women’s basic rights is still very alive.
200 years ago, in Pride and Prejudice, and 200 years later, in 2026, Elizabeth Bennett’s refusal of a loveless marriage and a woman’s refusal of marriage today find common ground. What makes Lizzie’s character endearing is not only her “fine eyes” but also her satirical sense of humour, her wit and intelligence and, most of all, her defiance of Regency-era norms that still relate to so many women all around the world.