Object of the Study

She has a great affection for her eldest sister, Jane, particularly related with her feeling toward Mr. Bingley. She also cares about her younger sister, Lydia, and her close friend, Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth must confront her society’s class- consciousness, especially with her family’s growing relationship with the wellborn Bingleys and their friends, Mr. Darcy, and also Lady Catherine de Bourgh. One reason why Elizabeth proves to be a very interesting character is her close friendship with her older sister, Jane. Due to their constant contact, they are able to tell each other’s moods with great ease, especially Elizabeth. When Jane returns from seeing Bingley, Elizabeth instantly reads her feeling, so it means that they spend a lot of time in each other’s company. Elizabeth obviously cares deeply about Jane, because when the later becomes ill while at Netherfield, Elizabeth takes it upon herself to walk three miles through the mud to visit Jane: “I shall be very fit to see Jane – which is all I want.” “Is this a hint to me Lizzy,” said her father, “to send for the horses?” “No, indeed. I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing, when one has a motive; only three miles. I shall be back by dinner” 31. She mostly stays by Jane’s bedside during the visit, preferring her company to the superciliousness of Miss Bingley and Hurst. Jane becomes very fond of Mr. Bingley and she is quite upset when she hears of his departure. It is only Elizabeth who she confides in, and tries to cheer her up. 26

4.1.2. Physical Character

There is no physical appearance of Elizabeth Bennet which is directly described by the author. Jane Austen gives the physical description of Elizabeth Bennet mostly from opinion of other character, such as her mother, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth Bennet is described as a beautiful woman with her intelligent face and attractive manners; but not for her mother. According to her mother, Elizabeth is not so pretty as her sister, Jane. It can be seen from her mother comment on her: “…. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half as handsome as Jane, nor half so good humored as Lydia.”…5. Although Elizabeth is not as pretty as Jane, she becomes her father’s number one daughter because of her thought and intelligence. For Mr. Fitzwilliam, a wealthy gentleman, the master of Pemberley, and the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth is not quite pretty to attract him, but not for Bingley. He considers that Elizabeth is pretty too and probably very agreeable. It can be seen in their conversation when Mr. Bingley offers his help to introduce his friend, Darcy, to Elizabeth: “… But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you”. …, he looked for moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to temp me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men” …11-2. 27