The Family

Jane Austen gives family much importance in Pride And Prejudice. Not only did families maintain a stronger sense of belonging but they lived physically closer. The novel is set two centuries back, and so the customs depicted are very different from current ones. Families would regard themselves as a priority and even when in disagreement, members of a same last name would stand together in adversity. I wouldn't say that this is no longer true, for those families exist today to a lesser extent. It is not that families have become distant, but that they have become practical.

In the novel families are conformed by large numbers of brothers and sisters. Mr. Bingley lives with his sister even as an adult. Individuals of the same family, having been exposed to similar situations, also have the same acquaintances. The opinions presented by family are also of much importance. Miss Bingley manages to keep her brother in town as to prevent him from meeting Jane through conviction. Mr. Collins visits his cousins as to establish better relationships without any obligation. Family becomes a support in every occasion and a refuge against the intensities of life. As I thought about it I noticed a clear dichotomy this presents with current families in general. Modern families tend to be small in number and their time together is relatively minimal. Kids often move out as they begin college and graduate to work at different parts of the world. The world has become so interconnected that people may easily move between countries, and this in turn has naturally come to separate families. Many times driven by job opportunities, individuals follow their dreams and establish homes away from their parents, this case more frequent in american families.

On the other hand, greater passions exist in liberty. It is more meaningful to spend a weekend with family when one chooses than when it is spend as an obligation. Even when the characters in the book support each other, their intentions are not always the best. Some jealousy exists in the relationships between brothers which is very common in kids, but appears inappropriate in adults.This aspect of family life reflects the difference between ourselves and the novel. Even if we understand that it is framed in a different time period, sometimes we forget to consider it as we jump to conclusions. The story is very different when we treat it as taking place today than if we constantly admit that what we understand from events may not be what is meant.