The Battle of the Conscious Self and the Power Dynamics of the Beauty Myth

Abstract

In almost all the novels of Austen the problem of companionship runs consistently which makes a common reader think that her novels are all about marriage. However, they fail to see the underlying meanings that is exhibited in her attitude towards the social dilemma of bridging the conscious self and the socially desired identity. In Pride and Prejudice alone, we come across many characters for whom the sole purpose of life is to acquire a socially acceptable position. Yet her heroines in all her novels exhibit a certain discretion in their choice of a life partner. Instead of compromising with “socially acceptable” identity they stand against all odds to believe in their own capabilities. They labor hard against the then norms of the society to prove themselves and materialize their ideals. They possess a beautiful mind and prefer a contented life over later dissatisfaction that are the outcome of hasty decisions. Men and women are seen striving for acquisition of worldly gains. Trapped in the snare of the beauty myth females are exposed in improving their appearances rather than refining their mental capabilities. Her male protagonists live an unconscious life too and hence they ought to go through a process of realization to learn and appreciate the difference between the socially acceptable and the higher ideals of the true self. These are those who don’t believe in the power dynamics of their society in form of money or masculinity to gain happiness.