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Shakespeare and the 19th-Century NovelPride and PrejudiceAustenSocial ClassSatire

AQA GCSE · Question 12 · Shakespeare and the 19th-Century Novel

SOURCE TEXT:
Read the following extract from Chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice and then answer the question that follows.

In this extract, Elizabeth is visiting Lady Catherine de Bourgh for the first time.

When the ladies returned to the drawing-room, there was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without any intermission till coffee came in, delivering her opinion on every subject in so decisive a manner, as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted. She inquired into Charlotte's domestic concerns familiarly and minutely, gave her a great deal of advice as to the management of them all; told her how everything ought to be regulated in so small a family as hers, and instructed her as to the care of her cows and her poultry. Elizabeth found that nothing was beneath this great lady's attention, which could furnish her with an occasion of dictating to others. In the intervals of her discourse with Mrs. Collins, she addressed a variety of questions to Maria and Elizabeth, but especially to the latter, of whose connections she knew the least, and who she observed to Mrs. Collins was a very genteel, pretty kind of girl. She asked her, at different times, how many sisters she had, whether they were older or younger than herself, whether any of them were likely to be married, whether they were handsome, where they had been educated, what carriage her father kept, and what had been her mother's maiden name? Elizabeth felt all the impertinence of her questions but answered them very composedly. Lady Catherine then observed,
"Your father's estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, I think. For your sake,” turning to Charlotte, “I am glad of it; but otherwise I see no occasion for entailing estates from the female line. It was not thought necessary in Sir Lewis de Bourgh's family. Do you play and sing, Miss Bennet?"
"A little."
"Oh! Then-some time or other we shall be happy to hear you. Our instrument is a capital one, probably superior to—You shall try it some day. Do your sisters play and sing?"
"One of them does."
"Why did not you all learn? You ought all to have learned. The Miss Webbs all play, and their father has not so good an income as yours. Do you draw?"
"No, not at all."
"What, none of you?"
"Not one."
"That is very strange. But I suppose you had no opportunity. Your mother should have taken you to town every spring for the benefit of masters."

QUESTION:
Starting with this extract, explore how Austen presents ideas about social class in Pride and Prejudice.

Write about:
• how Austen presents ideas about social class in this extract
• how Austen presents ideas about social class in the novel as a whole.

How to approach this question

1. Begin by analysing the character of Lady Catherine in the extract. Focus on her dialogue and Austen's narrative description to show how she embodies class prejudice. 2. Formulate a thesis about how Austen both portrays the power of the class system and critiques its limitations. 3. Structure your essay to explore how class affects different characters and plot points. Discuss the Bennets' social position, Darcy's pride, Bingley's sisters' snobbery, and Mr Collins's obsequiousness. 4. Use the two proposals from Darcy to Elizabeth as key moments that show his changing attitude towards class. 5. Contrast characters who are obsessed with class (Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley) with those who have true inner worth (Elizabeth, Jane, the Gardiners). 6. Conclude by summarising Austen's message: that while social class is a powerful force, it is not the ultimate measure of a person's value.

Full Answer

A strong answer will analyse how the extract uses Lady Catherine de Bourgh to satirise the arrogance and entitlement of the aristocracy. Her 'impertinence', her obsession with wealth and connections, and her condescending attitude towards Elizabeth reveal a belief that her high rank gives her the right to dictate to others. Austen uses her character to critique a class system based on birth rather than merit. The answer should then broaden to the rest of the novel. Social class is a central preoccupation, dictating marriage prospects and social interactions. Mr Darcy's initial pride and his insulting proposal to Elizabeth are based on his sense of her social inferiority. The novel critiques this snobbery, suggesting that true worth comes from character, intelligence, and good conduct, not social standing. Elizabeth Bennet, from the lower gentry, is shown to be morally and intellectually superior to many of her 'betters' like Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley. The marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy ultimately suggests the possibility of overcoming class prejudice through personal growth and mutual respect.
This question asks for a thematic analysis of social class in 'Pride and Prejudice'. The extract provides a clear example of class-based arrogance in the character of Lady Catherine. Your essay should use this as a starting point to explore how the rigid social hierarchy of Regency England shapes the lives, attitudes, and relationships of all the characters. You should argue that Austen critiques a system based on birth and wealth, championing instead the virtues of intelligence, morality, and good character.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is to simply describe the class system without analysing how Austen critiques it through satire and irony. Another error is to focus only on the negative aspects of class, without acknowledging that the novel ends with a marriage that bridges a class divide, suggesting a more optimistic view. Ensure you discuss a range of characters, not just Elizabeth and Darcy.
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