The Popularity of the “Elizabeth is Rich” Trope

Have you ever noticed that almost all of the most popular Pride and Prejudice variations include some element that gives Elizabeth Bennet either more money or variations include some element that gives Elizabeth Bennet either more money or more status than the original? Many of these show Elizabeth using her wealth or status to put people like Miss Bingley or Mr. Collins in their place.

I’ve long been aware of this trend, and I’m guilty of that preference myself. Some of my early favorites in the genre were Sydney Salier’s Don’t Flatter Yourself and Unconventional Ladies, which are iconic in this way.

The preference shows up in my own sales as well. The books where I raise Elizabeth up, such as Blessing or Burden and Elizabeth’s Inheritance, are always the ones which sell the best and get the most attention. I have to wonder, though, why this is the case. There are some absolutely beautiful stories and highly romantic tales where this doesn’t happen. Why do we as readers gravitate to this particular trope?

The question has been pinging around in my brain for the last few months, ever since I finished writing Elizabeth’s Heritage. This is because the next two books I will be putting out also use this idea, though in very different forms. It was only this week that I realized that meant putting out three books in a row where Elizabeth was wealthy for some reason or another.

I think that part of the reason is that we as readers want some small revenge for the way Elizabeth was treated in the first half of the book. She was looked down upon by both of Mr. Bingley’s sisters. She was insulted by Mr. Collins’ proposal. And worst of all, she was snubbed then insulted by Mr. Darcy. Of course, we would want revenge for her.

In the original work, she gets her revenge by marrying a wealthy man and living an extravagant life full of love and happiness, but we as readers never get to see what that looks like. Since writers are readers, too, we writers try to bring that happiness and revenge forward just a bit so that we can experience it rather than hide it away.

I can also say that, as a writer I find it to be an interesting thought experiment to brainstorm as many ways as I can to put wealth into Elizabeth’s hands without killing too many characters in the process. My next book, Three Wishes, which will be out on or around May 25, 2026, is an example of my most unique version of this to date. It may seem obvious by the title, but it is much more than a mere wish for wealth. You should check it out.

So, the next time you pick up a book that gives Elizabeth Bennet a fortune, perhaps you should ask yourself why. Why do you like that trope?

Happy Reading, my friends, and I shall see you again next month.