To be or not to bePeople are often seen basing their lives on society's standards. Many writers criticize the influence society has on its members. Romantic writer Jane Austen satirizes her society and those who follow it. One of his most famous works, Pride and Prejudice, is a great example of this satire. Throughout the novel he explores the effects of society through his characters. In the novel Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen disseminates the central theme of society and social class through the characters Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and Lady Catherine. The first character Austen uses to analyze this theme is Elizabeth Bennet. Austen describes Elizabeth as “extraordinarily intelligent” (qtd. in Auerbach 135). He struggles to express his individuality in a society based on prominent social conformity. Elizabeth differs from the other women in the novel in that she recognizes the importance of "something more substantial [in life], in the improvement of her mind through extensive reading" (qtd. in 135). However, Elizabeth Bennet embraces the ideals of the individual rather than the ideals of society. Elizabeth is unrelenting in her beliefs. Elizabeth manages to free herself from the mold formed by nineteenth-century women. Elizabeth expresses her concern that society should not judge a person based on social class; therefore, one should be characterized by one's personality. Emily Auerbach explains, “Aristocracy based on birth gives power to those who may not deserve it, Elizabeth Bennet acknowledges, and she refuses to feel…” (139) inferior. Elizabeth is inferior to no one and manages to break through the social class barrier by marrying Mr. Darcy. Austen illustrates that Elizabeth is able to “[make] Darcy this…… means of paper……g society to influence the direction. Work Cited Auerbach, Emily “The Livelies of Your Mind Pride and Prejudice” . Finding JaneAusten, (2004): 128-165. Modern Critical Interpretations of Rtpn Bloom: Jane Austens' Pride and Prejudice. Ed. Harold Bloom. InfoBase New York Press, 2007 111-147.Print.Austen, Jane. Pride and prejudice. New York: Bantam Classic, 2003. PrintCassel, Seth “The Complete Jane Austen “Pride and Prejudice” www.PBS.org. Public broadcasting service. 2006. Network. 6 March 2014. 7 pp. "Pride and Prejudice". Criticism of nineteenth-century literature. Ed. Russel Whitaker vol. 150.Detroit: Gale, 2005. Literature Resource Center. Network. March 18, 2014 5 pp. Ray, Joan Klingel. "Pride and Prejudice: The Story Told from Lady Catherine's House." TheExplicator 37.1 (2008): 66. Literature Resource Center. Web 18 March 2014. 3 pp.