Throughout Pride and Prejudice, it is evident that the society in which the Bennets live relies heavily on class and social standing in terms of the relationships developed and the necessary paths people are directed towards. From the novel, we can tell that Darcy and the Bingleys have much more financial wealth than the Bennets and the Gardiners. However, the Gardiners are seen as a more refined family because of the way in which they present themselves. Wealth as well as being seen as socially refined is respected in this book in its entirety. Key relationships are formed based off of class in association with acting upon all of the proper roles and duties that a man and a woman should have during this time period.
The Bennets are not seen as worthy of many relationships, and have to be "saved" by Darcy towards the end of the novel because of their inconsistency to put forth girls that behave according to the "rules" that young women should abide to in this society. The way Elizabeth acts throughout the novel, by wearing her heart on her sleeve in every situation, shows that she does not care about the social norms that a young unmarried lady should follow. She is okay with her true personality and does not feel the need to put on a front just so that superiors or people of higher social class would like her.
Although Elizabeth Bennet does not seem to care about such social status and does not feel the need to act differently for social gain, the twist in this novel is the character Darcy, and the inevitability of their relationship that is to be. Even though Elizabeth tries to turn away from all of the norms of the culture she is in, the reality before her always seems to be that she will get married. Her sisters are destined for or even desire for a marriage to someone who can take care of them and provide for them. Due to the social structure of marrying for good reputation and social standing, the Bennet girls will inevitably fall into their future of marriage and family life whether it is for true love or not.
The point here about Darcy still needing to "save" Elizabeth and her family at the end of the novel is interesting to me. Elizabeth is capable of acknowledging the differences in class/wealth between herself and characters like Darcy, but her issues stem strictly from their belief in their superiority as a result. Upon finding out that Darcy discovered Lydia and Wickham in addition to paying for their wedding, Elizabeth is surprised and thankful but also somewhat guilty (for burdening him with the task and for assuming he was someone he wasn't). I am somewhat surprised that Elizabeth's pride is not somewhat hurt by this, as she was unable to remedy the situation on her own and was forced to rely on another's resources. As a result, I suppose this could act as prime example of her change in perspective and personality throughout the novel.
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