22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Becoming Elizabeth: Jane Austen's Self-Portrayal in Pride and Prejudice
Shannon M. Tanner
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a timeless story of love that readers can relate to, empathizing with the characters and recognizing the situations and the emotions that permeate the novel. Her character Elizabeth Bennett, in particular, has attracted attention with her cynicism, quick wit, and struggles with her opinions of and emotions for the mysterious Mr. Darcy. Drawing on the similarities between Austen and Elizabeth, in family, love, environment, and personality, this paper will examine possible parallels between Jane Austen and Elizabeth Bennett. Furthermore, I will argue that Austen's unconscious projection of herself into the character of Elizabeth allows readers to identify with Austen as well as gain a deeper understanding of the novel.
Keywords: Psychoanalysis, Literature, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Topic(s):English
Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 14-4
Location: OP 2117
Time: 9:00