Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice is a story teeming with social criticisms of 19th century British society. One of the main targets of Austen's criticism is the repressive role taken towards women. Through Elizabeth's character and the attitudes of those that surround her, Austen voices her criticisms of the position of women in 19th century England. Through her skillful use of irony, it becomes apparent that Austen is clearly against the idea of a woman's role in life being merely an ornament in a profitable business endeavor between the bride's family and her spouse.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" (page 1). Austen opens her novel clearly outlining the aspect of society that she is most in disagreement with, the financial obsession that governs marriage. As she presents us with the...