Jane Austen enthusiasts and neophytes alike generally agree that Elizabeth Bennet is her most beloved heroine.

And it’s easy to see why.

Elizabeth is intelligent, lively, funny, and kind. Her wit is celebrated by all who are familiar with Pride and Prejudice.

Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth’s love interest, is also almost universally liked by all who read the book — and those of us who simply can’t decide whether Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen played him better.

Much like Anne Elliot, Elizabeth stands firm in her belief that she cannot marry a man she doesn’t or couldn’t love. This is in spite of the fact that she will almost certainly be penniless if her father dies while she is still single.

It’s not all that much of a surprise then when Elizabeth rejects the proposals of her first suitor, Mr. Collins. He is her father’s heir, and Elizabeth’s marrying him would secure a safe future for her family. But she is also aware that they are absolutely unsuitable as a couple.

Mr. Collins’ reminding her that she may never receive another offer of marriage only serves to firm her resolve.

The real surprise in the novel comes when Elizabeth rejects Mr. Darcy’s first proposal.

While it’s pretty clear all along that she doesn’t like him, the chemistry between them and the allure of the life Elizabeth would have in marrying a man of such wealth does make it surprising that she doesn’t at least consider his offer.

She flat out rejects him.

Of course, this is Jane Austen, so we all know it will end well.

What makes Elizabeth a notable feminist figure in literature is her flouting of convention.

In the Regency Era, women were expected to be “accomplished.” They did needlework, they sang, drew, danced, or played an instrument, and they normally spoke several languages, with French being quite a popular choice.

Elizabeth boasts no extraordinary talents. She knows enough needlework to keep her busy in idle hours. She also plays piano, but by her own admission has never been serious about practicing.

Young ladies were to remain composed at all times, even when it came to their manner of walking. They were also expected to have a chaperon at all times, until they were married.

Elizabeth takes solitary walks. She also runs, which a lady was never to do.

Women were also expected to be demure.

Elizabeth, though she is modest and observes the civilities of polite society in a way that does her great credit, cannot be said to be demure.

She is never shy about saying precisely what she thinks and feels.

This does not always work to her benefit, but Austen consistently shows that this trait of Elizabeth’s is something to be admired.

In the end, of course, she and Mr. Darcy figure things out and are quite happy together, as equal partners.

Though she assumes the role of a great lady of the county at Pemberley, Elizabeth never once compromises who she is.