"A woman must possess a certain something ...": The Varying Portrayals of Austen's Elizabeth Bennet as a Zombie Warrior and Modern Spinster against the Expectations of Patriarchal Society

Abstract

This essay analyses how the female protagonist is portrayed in the different adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and how the role of women within society has changed through the influence of modern culture in the twenty-first century. The thesis focuses on the repression and limitation of the heroine in different situations, namely as the regular heroine, a zombie warrior, and a modern single woman who is considered a spinster. Throughout the essay, each adaptation and its female protagonist is analysed in terms of their characterisation, their critiques of their contemporary society with the desire of establishing their careers, as well as how they are influenced and judged by other characters. The result of the thesis shows that the expectation of marriage has remained within modern society and that women are expected to keep their focus on finding a suitable husband instead of establishing their own careers. Furthermore, the essay concludes that patriarchal society does not allow the woman to have both: marriage and an opinion or career of her own. Society throughout time presents a heroine who seems strong and independent but not without the presence of a male counterpart who eventually saves and protects the heroine, becoming the indirect hero of the story. Austen’s Elizabeth and the various portrayals of the protagonist are always accompanied by their Mr Darcy who not only triggers her judgement but also is the source for self-improvement. The idea of improving oneself is the main concept of Austen’s novel, yet the female character is expected to do so with the help of what male society sees as ideal. The overall conclusion of the thesis is that the female body experiences growth within society but will also continue to be repressed by expectations and ideals.