“The younger son of an Earl can know very little of either” (125). An Earl was originally the head of a shire. During the late middle ages, Earls became the highest ranking behind princes, so by Austen’s time Earls were very powerful. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy are spoken of, by Elizabeth, as sons of an Earl--indicating the importance of social stature in the novel. Marriage to such high class is first mentioned to Elizabeth; she is initially “coloured” by the idea. Austen continuously flirts with the conception of marrying into the upper class, especially with the members of the Bennet family."Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournament Glossary of Terms." Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournaments Resource Library. Web. 20 Mar. 2010.
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