Lydia and Jane's Engagements Show Elizabeth's Values

 Throughout Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen reveals to readers the values of each character through different events occurring. As the novel is about five sisters growing up, many of the exciting events that occur have to do with their love lives. The difference in Elizabeth Bennet during the engagements of her sisters, Lydia and Jane, shows her true values.

            As the engagement of Lydia Bennet to Mr. Wickham came as a surprise to the Bennet family, Elizabeth was already very prejudiced against Mr. Wickham and made it known that she did not think this was an acceptable arrangement for her sister due to everything she knew about Mr. Wickham’s motives and financial situation from Mr. Darcy in his second proposal.  She inquires about the arrangements with Mr. Wickham to her aunt where she writes, “…what my curiosity must be to know how a person unconnected with any of us, and (comparatively speaking) a stranger to our family, should have amongst you at such a time. …if you do not tell me in an honorable manner, I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and stratagems to find out” (302-303). This shows Elizabeth’s dedication to finding out what is really going on and what Wickham’s motives are for proposing to Lydia. Elizabeth is not celebrating and happy for Lydia, instead, she is trying to find out what will happen to her sister once she is married. This shows that she values good, honest people who have good motives. She also values the well-being of her family.

            The opposite side of Elizabeth’s emotions is shown when Jane Bennet is engaged to Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth sees the progression of Jane and Mr. Bingley’s relationship and how he feels about her, as well as how his sisters feel about her. All through this, Elizabeth is on Jane’s team and rooting for her happiness and her true love. As Jane is engaged, these feelings are shown in the text, “Elizabeth’s congratulations were given with a sincerity, a warmth, a delight, which words could but poorly express” (327-328). Here she shows how happy she is for her sister and that she values meaningful relationships that are built on a foundation of love. She also values good people that will better the lives of her family members and the happiness of those around her.

            Elizabeth Bennet has very different reactions during the engagements of her sisters, Lydia and Jane. Both of these engagements show how she feels about the situations they are in and the people they are involved with. They also show her values in life and in people. These values can also be seen in the relationships that Elizabeth has with other characters throughout the novel and show how she is as a person.