Author(s)

Chengyan Zhang

Corresponding Author

Chengyan Zhang

Abstract

The social exchange theory provides a theoretical framework for the study of character relationships, helping us understand the exchange of interests, power dynamics, reciprocal relationships, and the development of behavior and relationships in interpersonal relationships. Through the application of the social exchange theory, we can explore more deeply the nature and meaning of character relationships, and the impact of these relationships on individuals and society. Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel by the British writer, Jane Austen. It tells mainly the love story between Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Character relationships are of great significance in literary works. They are not only the driving force of stories and carriers of emotional expression, but also demonstrate the diversity and complexity of society, culture and humanity. By delving into relationships among characters, we are able to better understand and explain the interactions between individuals, the emotional connections, and the motivations and meanings behind them. Therefore, the theoretical perspective of social exchange theory will be used to theoretically explain the relationship between characters in Pride and Prejudice, and propose relief methods and combing, in order to better understand the relationship between characters in the work.

Keywords

social exchange theory, family relation, character relationships, Pride and Prejudice