An Analysis of Elizabeth’s Emotional Process and Marriage View from the Perspective of Environmental Psychology

Abstract

Pride and Prejudice, as a classic masterpiece about love and marriage, has been widely discussed, and the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy is widely praised. The psychological and behavioral changes of the female protagonist in the text touch people’s hearts and drive the continuous progress of their relationship. This article applies the concept of personal space in environmental psychology and its following effects to analyze the reasons for Elizabeth’s psychological and behavioral changes. This opens up new analytical perspectives, establishing the connection between Elizabeth’s personal spatial changes and her psychology and behavior. Her first impression of Darcy causes a large personal space. The reaction to repeated violations of her personal space becomes stronger. And then, when Darcy is proved innocent, causing a dramatic change in her personal space, ultimately resulting in a positive outcome. It reveals the specific content of equality, mutual respect, independence, sincere communication, and adherence to principles based on love in Elizabeth’s views on marriage and love. This article also analyzed the connection between the author Jane Austen herself and the influence of 18th-century British social factors and provides inspiration for contemporary views on marriage and love.