Societal expectations have long played a pivotal role in shaping individual identities and life choices, particularly in the context of literature. Two seminal works that delve into these themes are Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” and Edith Wharton’s “The House of Mirth.” Although penned in different centuries and reflecting distinct societal norms, both novels present characters grappling with societal pressures that dictate their actions, relationships, and ultimately, their fates. This essay aims to explore how these authors illustrate the impact of societal expectations on individual lives and highlight the struggles faced by their protagonists.
The Role of Gender in Societal Expectations
In both “Sense and Sensibility” and “The House of Mirth,” gender plays a critical role in defining societal expectations. In Austen’s novel, we see Elinor and Marianne Dashwood navigate the limitations placed upon women in early 19th-century England. Their options for financial security are limited primarily to marriage, which underscores the importance society places on women’s roles as wives rather than individuals with aspirations or desires beyond domesticity. Elinor represents sense—practicality—and is often seen adhering to social decorum, while Marianne embodies sensibility—emotion—and often rebels against these constraints.
Conversely, Wharton’s Lily Bart faces similar constraints but within a different social framework at the turn of the 20th century. Her struggle revolves around maintaining her social status while grappling with her desire for love versus financial security. The pressure to marry well becomes suffocating for Lily as she navigates New York’s high society; her beauty becomes both an asset and a curse. The expectation that she should secure a wealthy husband leads her down paths filled with moral ambiguity and tragic consequences.
The Consequences of Conformity
Austen and Wharton both portray characters whose lives are dramatically affected by their adherence—or lack thereof—to societal norms. In “Sense and Sensibility,” Marianne’s impulsive nature leads her into heartbreak when she falls for Willoughby, who ultimately betrays her trust. Her emotional openness clashes with societal expectations about female propriety; she is expected to maintain decorum even when it conflicts with her true feelings. This conflict culminates in Marianne’s suffering, illustrating how personal desires can become casualties of social conformity.
Lily Bart experiences similar turbulence as she attempts to navigate New York’s elite circles without succumbing entirely to their demands. Her desire for authenticity clashes with society’s expectation that women be subservient to men or reliant on them for economic stability. When Lily opts not to marry an advantageous suitor simply because he does not ignite passion within her, she faces dire consequences—her rejection leads not only to loss of status but also isolation from potential allies who could have aided her survival within those stringent confines.
The Quest for Identity
Beneath these layers of societal expectations lies a profound exploration of identity—who we are versus who society expects us to be. Elinor represents a more restrained approach; she internalizes the need to act according to social conventions while struggling silently with grief over Edward Ferrars’ engagement to another woman. Her character illustrates how women often suppress their true selves for fear of rocking the boat or facing backlash from society.
In contrast, Marianne’s journey toward self-discovery comes through heartbreak but ultimately leads her back toward a more balanced perspective by marrying Colonel Brandon—a man who embodies stability rather than romantic idealism alone. Through this evolution, Austen suggests that self-identity can be reconciled with societal norms if one learns from life’s trials.
Lily Bart’s quest is tragically less redemptive; despite moments where she exhibits strength or defiance against expected behavior (like openly rejecting multiple suitors), Lily finds herself ensnared by an unforgiving society unwilling to tolerate deviation from established norms without punitive repercussions—ultimately leading toward her downfall as she spirals into despair due largely because others’ perceptions have eclipsed any notion of self-worth outside material gain.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Societal Norms
Both “Sense and Sensibility” and “The House of Mirth” illustrate how deeply entrenched societal expectations shape individual destinies across time periods—even when circumstances differ vastly between England’s Regency era versus America’s Gilded Age backdrop reflected within Wharton’s work! Through Elinor Dashwood’s measured responses contrasted against fiery yet vulnerable Marianne alongside conflicted yet tenacious Lily Bart—we witness timeless truths unfold regarding gender roles’ burdens whilst questioning authenticity amidst conforming dictates set forth by others surrounding us!
- Austen, J., & McMaster, H., (2006). Sense And Sensibility: An Annotated Edition.
- Wharton, E., & R.W.B Lewis (2004). The House Of Mirth: A Novel.
- Sutherland, J., (2010). Jane Austen: A Very Short Introduction.
- Cohen-Miller,A.(2019). Edith Wharton And The New Woman: A Study Of Feminism In Literature
