The television adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” by Simon Langton delves into the gender roles and societal values prevalent in 19th Century society. It highlights through its characters that women were obliged to wed in order to uphold their own and their family’s social standing.
Despite the potential financial stability that both Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy’s marriage proposals could have offered her family, Elizabeth goes against societal expectations by refusing them.
Simon Langton explores the concept of embracing individuality and challenging societal gender norms in a positive way, as portrayed by Elizabeth’s decision to marry for love, which brings joy to her and her family. Conversely, Charlotte conforms to societal standards by marrying Mr. Collins for financial security. Langton creates empathy for Charlotte through the use of camera angles, particularly in the scene depicting Elizabeth leaving Hunsford Parsonage, where the Collins family resides.
In a close-up shot of Charlotte’s face, Collins gives her a sickly wave, which depicts her uncertainty and confusion. This portrayal evokes pity from the audience. Simon Langton illustrates the adverse outcomes of adhering to 19th century gender roles, where men were expected to marry women from the same social class to preserve their family’s status. Mr. Darcy confesses that proposing to Elizabeth contradicts both his family’s desires and his own better judgment due to her lower social standing.
Both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley marry individuals who are considered to be of lower social standing, yet both find great joy in their marriages. This is especially evident in Mr. Darcy, as he is observed smiling for the first time in the series after marrying Elizabeth.
This demonstrates the potential for happiness when challenging society’s gender roles. Furthermore, women were anticipated to conform to certain expectations…
