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Casey Flaim
Dr. Riley
English Novel
23 November 2014

Women in the Upper Class vs. Women of Lower Classes: Blurred Societal Lines
As seen in the texts we have read, Pamela; or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson,

Commented [CAF1]: English Department Outcomes

Assessment- To produce graduates who demonstrate
a mastery of ELA content knowledge, current theories,
and research, and who can translate this theory into
practice.

and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the leisure (or upper class) sets themselves apart to be

Commented [CAF2]: NCATE/NCTE Standards 3.5 Know

and use and extensive range of literature

distinctly different from the working (or middle) class. Both classes have a distinct sense of

Commented [CAF3R2]: English Department Outcomes

Assessment- To produce graduates who know
elements of literature and can interpret complex works
with attention to detail and context

style, a way of speaking, and both have a completely different way of life. Another aspect that
divides these two classes even further apart are their desires and ways of thinking. The main
characters of both Pamela and Pride and Prejudice are of working or middle class. Yet, they are
not normal like most women from their particular class. Both Pamela and Elizabeth Bennet
possess amiable traits that their leisure class acquaintances do not expect from women of the
lower class. Not only does the leisure class expect these lower class women to be inferior to them
in every way, they also make inaccurate assumptions of the desires held by the middle class
women relating to love, money, and lifestyle. Whether Austen and Richardson made these
conflicts between classes present in both these texts to show the weakness of the leisure class, to
show the leisure classes fear for the meshing of social classes, or both; is something for the
readers to decide for themselves. What is clear however, is that rather unintentionally, both
Pamela and Elizabeth cross the line with persons of the upper class and are judged harshly
because of it.
In Pamelas case, from Pamela; or Virtue Rewarded, the reader finds out early on in the
text that Pamela is from a very poor upbringing. So poor that her father and mother had to send

Commented [CAF4]: NCATE/NCTE Standards 2.4 Foster

critical thinking

her away to learn to become a waiting maid due to their inability to provide for her. Pamela is
unlike girls that are of her social class because having this job is a privilege that she is more than
lucky to have. Beyond that, Pamela sets herself apart by being able to read and write. Pamela
expresses many times that she loves to write, and Mr. B points out on a few occasions that she is
always scribbling (54). As to say that such writing is not appropriate for someone of her
working class status to be taking part in. Mr. B is also taken and surprised by the fact that Pamela
has read famous works, in one instant he expresses how impressed he is with her (after she
makes a reference to a Roman tragedy) by saying, Oh my good girl! replied he tauntingly,
you are well read, i see (63). Mr. B exclaims this to Pamela for one reason to make it
clear that girls like her would not usually be so educated on such stories. This backhanded
compliment is Mr. Bs way of putting Pamela in her place. It becomes clear as the text
progresses that Pamelas impressive skills along with her beauty is what causes Mr. Bs
obsession with Pamela. This marks the first of Pamelas problems with being judged and
controlled by the ruling class.
Though Pamela does not want to believe Mr. Bs sneaky ways of seducing, her parents
are no fools and are quick to understand that their beautiful and educated daughter is someone
who could easily catch someones eye, even if they are from a higher class. It may be a thought
of Mr. Bs that Pamelas goal is to impress him by flaunting around his house in the nice clothes
and engaging herself in hobbies such as reading and writing. However, the reader knows from
the very first pages that this is not (at least from what Pamela tells the reader) what her intentions
are, these hobbies are simply what brings Pamela joy. Pamela makes it a point to rave to her
parents about how humble and virtuous she is. One particular passage that shows the essence of
Pamelas purity is when Pamela writes to her parents, for what could [Mr.B] get from ruining

Commented [CAF5]: NCATE/NCTE Standards 3.1 Know

skills of English language

such a poor young creature as me? But that which gives me most trouble is, that you seem to
mistrust the honesty of your child. No, my dear father and mother, be assured, that, by Gods
grace, I never will do anything that shall bring your grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. I will die
a thousand deaths rather than be dishonest any way (47). In this passage Pamela is eagerly
trying to reassure her parents that she is in no way interested in any sexual advances made by
Mr.B and holds her chastity above all else. This helps the reader gain a clearer insight on Pamela
and that understanding no matter what accusations are made about her she will never abandon
her virtue for any amount of money.
The romance that blossoms between Pamela and Mr. B is shocking at first because it
seems to go against her beliefs; though even after she falls for Mr. B, Pamela remains true to
herself and virtue. However, when Pamela is introduced to Mr. Bs sister, Lady Davers, Pamela
is thought to be a terrible person in her eyes. In the beginning of the novel Lady Davers was fond
of Pamela, but upon the realization that Pamela and Mr. B were to be married, Lady Davers
becomes outraged and disgusted with Pamela. When Lady Davers comes to visit her brother to
convince him not to marry Pamela, she is rude, even forceful, and calls Pamela names such as a
wench, creature, and a slut. On a few occasions Pamela tries to talk back and defend herself,
though that does not get Pamela very far since Lady Davers thinks so highly of herself and only
gets more aggravated that Pamela had the nerve to talk back. Lady Davers is convinced that the
marriage is a sham and refuses to consider Pamela as a sister. The main reason for Lady Davers
to think this way is due to Pamelas low status. Since Pamela is so poor, Lady Davers dismisses
all of Pamelas impressive qualities that are mentioned countless times and automatically
assumes she is either marrying her brother for money or to cover up her violating her virtue.
Since Mr. B is also known for fooling other women into marriage, Lady Davers thinks that

Pamela is just another silly servant girl who is unworthy of any respect. Lady Davers even goes
so far as to describe Pamela as, a poor bit of painted dirt. This clearly implies that Lady Davers
feels as though no matter what Pamela does and no matter how much she looks like upper class
women due to Mr. Bs money, she will really only ever be a spruced up servant girl who snuck
her way into the upper class.
Concerning Elizabeth Bennet, in Pride and Prejudice, her class is higher than that of
Pamela. Elizabeth and her family belong to the social class called the gentry, which is actually
higher than the upper-middle class. This however, does not stop her acquaintances from the
upper class from thinking that they are far more sophisticated and of a far better class than
Elizabeth and her family. Much like Pamela, Elizabeth is not like other girls. She is far more
intelligent than any other women in the novel, she is well read, sensible, and most of all she is
not afraid to be outspoken or speak her mind whenever she deems necessary. Though on some
occasions Elizabeths straight forward way of speaking gets her into trouble, she will not change
her personality no matter how unflattering men think it is. The best example of Elizabeths
unique personality is when Elizabeth is proposed to by Mr. Collins. Since the Bennet family was
in a particularly bad state concerning money, it would have been ideal for her to marry
Mr.Collins because women did not usually turn down marriage proposals and, more importantly,
so that the familys money and overall wellbeing would be left unaltered after the passing of
Elizabeths father. However, since Elizabeth does not conform to these societal norms, she
shocks everyone by refusing the proposal. After Mr.Collins second proposal Elizabeth expresses
her absolute uninterest by stating, I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if
such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being
asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I

Commented [CAF6]: English Department Outcomes

Assessment- To produce graduates who demonstrate
a mastery of ELA content knowledge, current theories,
and research, and who can translate this theory into
practice.

am convinced that I am the last woman in the world that would make you so. (113). One can
see from this quote that Elizabeth is not as concerned with finding a husband (as much as her
sisters and upper class acquaintances are). Elizabeth is not completely opposed to the idea of
marriage or love, rather, she is opposed to marrying for money and is disgusted with a majority
of the men who surround her. Not only does Elizabeth refuse the offer that Mr. Collins made her,
for most of the novel she also disregards one of the richest and sought after and eligible men, Mr.
Darcy. This is a clear message to the reader that Elizabeth is a complete believer in marrying for
love and nothing else. A majority of the novel Elizabeth talks of her dislike for Mr. Darcy and
how disagreeable he is. However, most likely due to Elizabeths lack of interest in him and how
intelligent she is, Mr. Darcy is obsessed with her.
It is no doubt that Elizabeth has many appealing qualities, and the men in the novel are
not the only ones who notice. The upper class women also notice, which is why they tend to talk
about Elizabeth and put her down on any occasion they can. Jane Austen even goes so far as to
write that the women abuse her when she is not present. Specifically, when Elizabeth
journeyed to the Bingleys house to help her sister Jane, Miss Bingley gossips, Why must she
be scampering about the country, because her sister had a cold? Her hair, so untidy, so blowsy!
to which Mrs. Hurst replies, Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you saw her petticoat, six inches
deep in mud, I am absolutely certain; and the gown which had been let down to hide it not doing
its office. (35) This was all said while Elizabeth was in the house, obviously these women
believe they are better than Elizabeth Bennet and are not afraid to hide it. This causes problems
of course when it is known that Mr. Darcy is attracted to Elizabeth. After hearing this news the
upper class women simply could not wrap their heads around why Mr. Darcy would choose
someone like Elizabeth.

To a certain upper class woman in particular, Lady Catherine, upon learning of Mr.
Darcys and Elizabeths love and engagement she is especially outraged. Much like what
happened in Pamela with Lady Davers, Lady Catherine makes a visit to the Bennet house for the
sole purpose of splitting up Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Right away Lady Catherine is rude and
comments on how small and inconvenient the Bennets estate is. Similar to Pamela, Elizabeth
talks back to her superior. Only, Elizabeth is much more risky and does not stop her witty
comebacks just because she is conversing with someone of a higher class. This obviously
offends Lady Catherine, and it only makes her more infuriated with the situation. Lady Catherine
insists that Elizabeth does not go through with the engagement and Elizabeth simply says, I will
make no promise of the kind. (371). Not surprisingly at all, Lady Catherine is greatly
displeased with this answer and calls Elizabeth selfish as well as a disgrace to Mr. Darcy. Lady
Catherine also makes it very clear that she believes Elizabeth is only going through with this
marriage to quit the sphere (371) that she was brought up in and to gain fortune and better
social connections. It is clear to the reader however that all of these accusations are false.
Elizabeth tells Lady Catherine that those are not her motives at all, yet Lady Catherine will not
be convinced. She is sure that because Elizabeth has a minimal family fortune and does not come
from an esteemed family that she must be marrying Mr. Darcy as a way to gain some wealth and
status, Lady Catherine will believe anything besides that they are marrying for love.
It is clear after discussing both Pamela and Elizabeth that they were very agreeable and
intelligent women. Their character and qualities were superior to most other women in the
novels, and they both exhibited kindness and virtue that was not found in the upper class women
mentioned in each novel. Elizabeth as well as Pamela were both mocked, ridiculed, and accused

of swindling their love-interests money simply due to their low class status (and their lovers high
status).
According to, Love and Social Differences in Samuel Richardsons Pamela; or, Virtue

Commented [CAF7]: NCATE/NCTE Standards 3.7 Know

research theory and findings in ELA

Rewarded and Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre, by Kristine Berg, the upper class could have
shown this detest for the lower class marrying into the upper class simply because they were not
custom to it. Berg discusses this possibility by stating, Theoretically, it was possible to climb
the social ranks in England but it was not a common occurrence. While it was not so difficult to
work your way up inside your social group, actually jumping to another, higher, social group was
more difficult and rarely achieved if not by a fortunate marriage. (15) Berg, then, makes it clear
that the upper class could have been acting out of pure shock that someone of a low class
actually accomplished marrying into a higher class. This also would lead into these women to
feel threatened by the lower class women finding their way into the upper class and begin the
meshing of these two classes. Other reasons for the upper class displaying these actions could be
that the upper class women were intimidated by the impressive qualities that these lower class
women are beginning to acquire. Additionally, the upper class in these novels could have simply
had a strong dislike or disgust for the lower classes and in turn lead them to behave rudely to
The authors of Women in Literature: Reading Through the Lens of Gender, Jerilyn
Fisher and Ellen S. Silber, make a valuable point when discussing Pride and Prejudice and the
beliefs of the upper class in the novel, they put forth the idea that, ...British society honored
hereditary wealth rather than earned income. (237) This gives a better insight as to why the
upper class acted as they did. This shows that no matter what Pamela or Elizabeth did, or what
their families did to better their fortune or status, they would still not be looked at as equal
because their money was earned, not given.

Commented [CAF8]:

My view, is that the women of the upper class are confused and taken aback that men
from the upper class would stoop so low as to fall in love with someone of a lower class and that
is what enrages them to act so terribly towards both Pamela and Elizabeth. Furthermore, I feel
that the upper class simply looks to marry for money and to better their status. This makes sense
of why the upper class feel as though they are being attacked and stripped of their chance at a
greater fortune and status by Elizabeth and Pamela (who they assume are in it for the money and
status as well).
Rather surprisingly, this idea that it is absurd for lower class women to be making their
way into the upper class is still relevant in modern American society. One simply just needs to
go to Google and you can see just how relevant it is for lower class women to be dating upper
class men and get publicly ridiculed and talked about. With one click of a button I found
headlines reading Celebrities Married to Normal People (PHOTOS) as if it was the strangest
and unheard of thing in the world to stoop down to dating a normal person. Other sites were
titled similarly such as, 11 Celebs Who Married Regular People. All of these sites went on to
discuss how the celebrity or person of the upper class went off the grid or out of the
limelight too find their significant other in places like a bar or shopping. Granted, these
headlines are a much nicer way of expressing the shock of a lower class persons marrying an
upper class person than is shown in Pamela and Pride and Prejudice. However, they still get the
message across that it is strange that the lower class person was able to date a celebrity and that
the upper class person could stoop so much lower than they needed to in order to find their
husband/wife at a bar.
It seems as though even this poor treatment of the lower class has made its way from the
years of Pamela and Pride and Prejudice and into modern day. Because of this it does not seem

Commented [CAF9]: NCATE/NCTE Standards 2.5

Connect to sociocultural/educational developments

promising that the idea that marrying or dating below your own status will ever be seen as
acceptable to the public eye. The upper class will, most likely, always have a distorted view of
the lower, they will lead completely different lives, and both have opposing views on life in
general; which is why problems between the classes arise in the first place. If this view that the
lower class is unworthy and should not be treated with respect continues to be a problem in the
future, at least Pamela and Elizabeth are a reference to go back to if ever someone questions how
to handle a situation involving upper class oppression of the lower class. One can take advice
from these women and just be as sassy and outspoken as possible (if being polite and virtuous
doesnt get them very far the first time around of course).

Commented [CAF10]: English Department Outcomes

Assessment- To produce graduates who are effective
writers.

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Works Cited
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York, NY: Scholastic, 2000. 35-371. Print.
Berg, Kristine. Love and Social Differences in Samuel Richardsons Pamela; Or, Virtue
Rewarded and Charlotte Bronts Jane Eyre. U of Oslo, 2011. 15. Print.
Fisher, Jerilyn, and Ellen Silber. Women in Literature Reading through the Lens of Gender.
Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 2003. 237-238. Print.
Richardson, Samuel. Pamela, Or, Virtue Rewarded. London, England: Penguin Group, 2003.
Print.

Commented [CAF11]: NCATE/NCTE Standards 3.5

Know and use and extensive range of literature
Commented [CAF12R11]: NCATE/NCTE Standards 3.7
Know research theory and findings in ELA