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inevitable as these characters are designed to be typical 19th century girls looking
for prospective husbands. The underlying intent, however, was not to encourage
uniformity, but to satirize the inherently uniform nature that the 19th century
English culture. The stereotyping that many critics attack is simply a device that
Austen uses to commentate on the state of Regency England.
By using Elizabeth as the protagonist of the novel, Austen successfully creates a
character who exemplifies the qualities that the ideal woman strives to attain.
Elizabeth, one of the best-known figures of English literature, is almost universally
acclaimed to be a brilliant character. She embodies the characteristics that today
define a modern independent woman. Part of her appeal, ironically, comes from her
imperfections; her tendency to be headstrong and stubborn are not only qualities
that Darcy but also the reader typically finds endearing. In fact, Elizabeth seems to
depict for us all that is flawed and irresistible about real people." (Morgan, 6). Early
on, the reader learns.