Kin Altruism, Spite, And Forgiveness in Pride and Prejudice

Magdalen Ki*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper argues that Jane Austen reconfigures the dynamics of kin altruism and reciprocal altruism in Pride and Prejudice. The previous generation has in mind the welfare of the family and the household’s dependents; however, Mr. Darcy, the Bingleys, the de Bourghs, and the Bennets prioritize the lineage family. The plot is further complicated by the social logic of tit for tat and the behavior of spiteful individuals. Austen highlights the pros and cons of kin altruism and reciprocal altruism, and ultimately likens social harmony to forgiveness and the triumph of a modified nuclear-extended kinship system.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)210-228
    Number of pages19
    JournalPhilosophy and Literature
    Volume43
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 2019

    Scopus Subject Areas

    • Philosophy
    • Literature and Literary Theory

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