The Importance of Gender Structures for Characters in Pride and Prejudice

Sammanfattning: Abstract My research questions are: why are there differences in how the four characters (Mr Collins, Charlotte, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mary) react to and adapt themselves to the social definitions of male and female roles? What were the social ideas about gender roles in the 18th century and how are these connected to the expressions and actions of my characters? How are the differences significant to the plot and the story of the four characters mentioned above; in other words, what are the consequences of the differences in their social life? As method in writing this essay I have used the primary source Pride and Prejudice, Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity and secondary sources such as different kinds of books and articles. These sources helped me to understand what it was like to live in the 18th century. Writing this essay has provided me with the insight that the gender performances of the characters reveal a complexity which might not be expected.