Analysis of Setting

By: Ashley Jose

Section 2 

                          Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful and unique novel written by Jane Austen. There are many different settings that take place in this novel which all take occur in the country of England. Austen had written this book during the Napoleonic Wars which was during the years 1797 to 1815. 

                          Many of the scenes that take place in this novel are located in Longbourne, which is an estate in England. This is the area where Elizabeth and the rest of the Bennet family live. Many of the other settings are within the country side around Longbourne, including the estates of Netherfield and Lucas Lodge and the nearby town of Meryton. Some scenes also take place at Hunsford; this is where Mr. Collins’ home is and also the nearby estate of Rosings, the home of Lady Catherine. Important scenes occur in Netherfield, which is where Mr. Bingley’s rented property is located as well. This is a key setting throughout the novel because it is what brings Bingley to Jane and Darcy to Elizabeth. It is this location that Bingley beings to fall for Jane.

                          In my opinion, the most important setting throughout the entire novel is the nearby estate of Pemberley, this is owned by Darcy. This setting is extremely important because of many different reasons. This estate symbolizes how Elizabeth feels about its owner at the time. The paragraph of the description of Pemberley in the novel says it “stands on well rising ground.” There is also a sentence about how none of it looks artificial, how everything is planned by nature. While Elizabeth visits the house, the housekeeper comments on how generous a character Darcy is, this softens up her perspective towards him. When Elizabeth met Darcy at his home, she saw him as a completely different person. She claims he had been much calmer and happier. This is the most important setting because it has made Elizabeth see Darcy in a completely different light.

                          Jane Austen did a great job choosing the different types of settings that have been used for this novel. Settings have a huge impact and can explain a lot about a character and their personality which is one of the many reasons why this book is so great.