by special contributor Jane Sandwood

We live in a fabulous world where women are becoming more strong-willed and independent than ever before. Years ago, reminiscing about our favorite historical romance novels often conjured up images of beautiful damsels in distress waiting to be rescued from a woeful life by a knight in shining armor.  Could it be thanks to real-life role models such as Malala Yousifazi, Rupi Kaur, and Ellen Degeneres that we are starting to favor resilient fictional characters as well? Today, a lot of lovers of historical romance novels are inherently drawn to stronger, more confident heroines of which Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect example.

There is no Pride & Prejudice without Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet is without a doubt one of the fiercest heroines in the history of romance novels. It is also with very good reason that she is by far the most popular leading lady penned by Jane Austen. Unlike your typical defenseless lass, Lizzy oozes heaps of confidence. She does not allow herself to be intimidated by Lady Catherine and refuses to conform to the seemingly low expectations others have of her.  It is undoubtedly her fiery yet intellectual personality coupled with a wicked sense of humor that enabled her to win over the rather solemn Mr. Darcy in the first place.

hot

What can we learn from Elizabeth Bennet?

If there is one thing a modern-day woman can learn from Elizabeth Bennet it is to never allow any man to intimidate you. Not only doesn’t Lizzy stand for this kind of behavior, but she is also quick to call the men out on their unacceptable conduct.  Where we often compete unhealthily with our sisters and female friends, Elizabeth was fiercely loyal to hers, something we should all strive towards. Although she is confident, she is not by any means blind to her own faults and tries to right them where she can. While all these resplendent characteristics certainly makes Miss Bennet a formidable role model there is one trait of hers that surpasses all the others: her love for books.

Other strong, independent fictional heroines

Although it is not easy to compare with the fierceness of Elizabeth Bennet, there are other heroines in historical novels that could never be labeled as meek, weak or insignificant. One such a character is L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Shirley of the Anne of Green Gables series. Anne is an absolute powerhouse right from the start of the series when she was still very young. The mere fact that Anne held a years-long grudge over poor Gilbert’s ‘carrots’ insult indicates just how obdurate she could be.  Anne’s life was not shaped by love but rather by her ambition to become a teacher-something a lot of women can learn from her. Another confident and inspiring heroine, once again from the pen of Jane Austin, is Mary Crawford, the world-wise, funny, and musical femme fatale from Mansfield Park.

We are very fortunate that we are absolutely spoiled for choice as far as indulgent heroines are concerned. Whether you can relate better to a damsel in distress or a strong, feisty leading lady is of no consequence in the vast and varied world of historical romance novels.