Whether you notice it or you do not, the environment around us is a

conspicuous contributor to our emotions.

The study of the way nature, and the natural environment is represented
in literary texts is referred to the term eco-criticism.

The term ‘ecocriticism’ is formed from the word ecology, which refers to the
relationships between living organisms.
Ecocriticism began in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by the environmental
movement and early scholars like Raymond Williams who first examined literature’s
portrayal of nature. It gained formal recognition in the 1990s from the formation of
the Association for Study of Literature and Environment. Today, it comprises
interdisciplinary and global perspectives, inspecting environmental issues in
literature worldwide.
William Rueckert first coined the term of ‘ecocriticism’ in 1978 in his essay “Literature
and Ecology: An experiment in ecocriticism”. His essay is considered to be a
foundational text in the field and laid the groundwork for future ecocritical studies.
An ecocritical analysis considers how genres and conventions reproduce ideologies
about the nature, and within my reading, I will be discussing the romanticised
connection between nature and humanity in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
During the Georgian era (1714-1830), there was a growing interest in nature and the
environment, which is reflected in the literature of the time, including Jane Austen’s
work.
Austen is known for advocating feminist themes of marriage, class, and social status.
She often romanticises natural settings within her novels to reflect characters’
emotions. In “Pride and Prejudice” Estates like Pemberly are described with an
emphasis on their natural beauty, symbolising the characters connection and inner
virtues.
Jane Austen paints the natural landscapes and settings as a mirror to the evolving
relationship between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The harmonious beauty of
Pemberley symbolises the connection between humanity and nature, emphasising
the value of social unison.
Within chapter 43 of “Pride and Prejudice” Elizabeth Bennet visits Pemberly, Mr.
Darcy’s grand estate, and is mesmerised by its natural beauty and tasteful design.
Her admiration for the estate serves as an enhancer of her feelings towards Mr
Darcy and begins to finally reconcile her previous prejudices with a newfound
adoration for Mr Darcy.
This passage describes the pleasant landscape of Pemberly, reflecting Darcy’s
elegant taste and wealth. Elizabeth’s overflowing admiration foreshadows her
growing appreciation and changing feelings towards Mr. Darcy, hinting at her
recognition of his sincere character.
Jane Austen sets the scene with natural descriptions of the beauty and grandeur of
Pemberley. The visual imagery of “beautiful wood” suggests a well-maintained and
aesthetically pleasing natural environment, which can reflect Darcy’s character as
someone who values and respects nature. “Wide extent” spatially symbolises the
vast potential and openness in Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, indicating that
their connection has room to grow and flourish.
To add, Austen’s personified use of Elizabeth’s spirits being in a “high flutter”
connotes her emotional state, giving it a life of its own. This personification parallels
the vivid descriptions of nature, implying that human emotions and natural elements
are equally vibrant and interconnected.
“It was a very large, handsome stone building” the “stone building” acts as a symbol
of Darcy’s stable and strong character and the masculine diction of “handsome” can
further correlate to Mr Darcy’s elegance. The harmony between the grand stone
building and its natural surroundings suggests that true social harmony can be
achieved when society coexists seamlessly with nature. The repetition of the diction
“large” when describing Pemberley accentuates its size and beauty to underscore
the importance of the setting in the narrative. This repetition highlights the idea that
the natural and social harmony of Pemberley is a central theme, reflecting the
growing harmony in Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship.
“Stream of some natural importance” “stream” signifies the flow of life and
importance within Pemberley’s grounds, symbolising the dynamic and evolving
nature of Darcy and Elizabeth’s rapport. The presence of the stream highlights the
idea that their relationship is naturally enhancing, reinforcing the theme of personal
transformation through natural settings. As the stream “swells into something
greater” it denotes how their relationship grows and deepens over time, moving from
initial impressions to a profound and meaningful connection.
Austen’s detailed natural imagery symbolically works to illustrate the deep
connection between humanity and nature. Pemberley’s harmonious beauty acts as a
metaphor for the evolving relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. This point, in
essence, uses Pemberley as a testament to the idea that true beauty and harmony
arise when human efforts align with the natural world.
Within the next extract, Austen uses sensory language to evoke a vivid sight of the
natural splendour of Pemberley. “The river, the trees scattered… winding of valley”
the detailed and evocative description enhances the connection between the setting
and the characters, illustrating how the environment reflect the emotional and
relational maturity between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. Furthermore, the “trees
scattered” and the “winding of the valley” – the natural beauty of Pemberley
symbolises the union of Elizabeth and Darcy. Just as the landscape is harmoniously
intertwined, their relationship gradually transforms into one of mutual respect and
understanding. The serene and picturesque setting of Pemberly reflects the
aspiration for social harmony and growth.
The contrast between Elizabeth’s relation with the surroundings described “with
delight” and the depiction of the rooms’ furnishings “furniture suitable to the fortune of
its proprietor” highlights the balance between nature and human influence. While the
landscape connotes a spontaneous, emotional response, the interior reflects human
order and propriety. This contrast underscores the unity between natural
environment and human civilization at Pemberly, unlike the more artificial and showy
Rosings Park.
“The rooms were lofty and handsome” The grandeur of Pemberley’s rooms parallels
to the natural beauty held outside. Both elements work together to create an overall
sense of elegance and refinement. This parallelism insinuates that Mr Darcy’s
character, like his Estate, possesses both inner and outer beauty, aligning with
Elizabeth’s growing recognition of his genuine nature. To link to the previous
passage describing the stone building to be a “very large, handsome stone building”,
the repeated use of the word “handsome” juxtaposes the exterior and the interior of
Pemberley to express the true character Mr Darcy holds, unlocking a grounding
sense of emotion from Elizabeth.
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” masterfully interlaces the natural landscape with
the intricate journey of human relationships, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Mr
Darcy. Through the rich ecocritical lens, Pemberly appears as a symbol of harmony
and transformation. The beauty of Pemberley encapsulates the transformative
journey of protagonists, illustrating how an appreciation for peace naturally can lead
to personal and relational enlightenment. Austen’s portrayal of the landscape as a
mirror to human relationship outlines the timeless value of aligning oneself to inherit
balance of the natural world.