The major difference between these two novels regarding
the way that society is depicted is that Pride and Prejudice is
incredibly insular, with only the vaguest of references to events outside of the novel,
and Jane Eyre, although sharing some of these characteristics, is
much more inclusive of other events outside the immediate action of the novel that have
importance for the characters.
Jane Austen was famous for
saying, in a letter to a niece about writing, that all you need was a small village with
three or four families to write a novel. This perhaps may explain the incredibly narrow
focus of her novels that have angered many critics. Although the Napoleonic war was
going on during the time of the novel, mention is only made of troop movements. We have
an incredibly feminine and restricted view of society. Charlotte Bronte, on the other
hand, is much more inclusive. Although most of the attention is focussed on the
immediate surroundings of Jane Eyre as she grows up and then works, reference is made to
the West Indies and there is a definite sense in which the plot and action of this novel
is impacted by events outside the immediate frame of reference of Jane Eyre, such as
when her uncle dies making her rich. Thus we can argue that Jane
Eyre is much more inclusive rather than the narrow and restrictive vision of
society in Pride and Prejudice.
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