Elizabeth Austen

The more I read the book, the more I felt that Jane Austen was expressing herself through Elizabeth. It isn’t the small details, like both being mostly taught at home, both constantly going on long walks, both having their closest friend be their sister, both living under the threat of losing their home when their father dies—those are just the comparisons between them. But Elizabeth often expresses her opinion in such an honest and clear way, that I can’t help but think this might be the opinion of the author herself. For example, in chapter 24, page 133, Elizabeth says “There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense.” And in chapter 29, on page 163, Elizabeth contradicts Lady Catherine with “I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their share of society and amusement because the elder may not have the means or inclination to marry early.—The last born has as good a right to the pleasures of youth, as the first. And to be kept back on such a motive!—I think it would not be very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind.” Elizabeth’s opinion on things is a remarkably sensible one, and much of her language reminds me of Jane Austen’s own language, in the letters she wrote to her sister, Cassandra. It’s interesting that Elizabeth’s sister, Jane, happens to share the name of the author. Perhaps that was Austen’s way of getting her signature into the book, as it was first sold anonymously: being written “by a lady”. I believe Jane Austen uses the character of Elizabeth and the lessons she learns to portray her own opinion about society, and about life.