Pride and Prejudice Essay The Function Of Dance - 2224 Words

The Function Of Dance in Pride And Prejudice In Jane Austens novel Pride and Prejudice, set in the Regency Period, dance performs several important functions. Dance patterns emulate courtship rituals, marking dance as a microcosm for courtship and marriage - two main themes of the novel. The Regency period propagated the belief that no ingredient was more essential to a courtship than dancing: To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love... (Austen 7). Therefore, knowledge of dance - dance steps as well as dance etiquette - was a crucial necessity and was often acquired through study and awareness of conduct codes. These crucial codes were disseminated through popular courtesy/conduct books, which†¦show more content†¦Some examples of negative manifestations of character include Lydia and Kitty Bennet and Mr. Collins. Lydia and Kitty exhibit an extreme irreverence and total lack of societal understanding; from their shameless soldier-chasing to Lydias scandalous affair with Wickham, these two exemplify social behaviors to be avoided. They reveal their weak natures on the dance floor through excessive giggling, cavorting, and tipsiness. Mr. Collinss behavior marks him as a comic figure. During the first two dances at Netherfield, Mr. Collins reveals his character in a way contrary to his own self-perception. As Elizabeth, his partner for those dances, recalls: . . . they were dances of mortification. Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of her release from him was exstacy. (Austen 61) It is important to note, however, that aberration from accepted societal norms did not always result in negative associations. Ironically, Austens heroes and heroines, such as Elizabeth and Darcy, establish themselves as the protagonists through their blatant disregard for courtesyShow MoreRelatedHenrik Ibsen s A Doll s House Essay1408 Words   |  6 Pagesliberation movements. Much significance of the play can be found in the characterization of its female protagonist Nora. In many aspects, Nora has become an iconic character, serving as a source of inspiration to various social and cultural movements. This essay aims to trace the development of Nora’s behavior from a â€Å"female doll† to a â€Å"woman rebel† by focusing on Ibsen’s use of linguistic techniques. First of all, the development of Nora’s personality is portrayed with much intricacy and subtlety. WhenRead MoreAre We Free to Make Our Own Choices in Life?2263 Words   |  10 Pages1st essay Are we free to make our own choices in life? 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