The Theme of Marriage in Jane Austens Pride And...

The Theme of Marriage in Jane Austens Pride And Prejudice One of the main themes in Pride And Prejudice is marriage. Throughout the novel, the author describes the various types of marriages and reasons behind them. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. The novel demonstrates how many women need to marry men they are not in love with simply in order to gain financial security. The first instance of marriage seen in the novel is that between Mr and Mrs Bennet. However it is far from perfect, with the couple barely speaking to each other. Mr Bennets extreme sarcasm that is seen throughout the book makes Mrs Bennet†¦show more content†¦For the most part, women could not acquire money on their own without inheriting or marrying into good fortune. Austen promotes gender equality throughout the novel, and considers womens inferior status to be socially unjust. Ironically, Mrs Bennets single-minded pursuit to get her daughters married tends to backfire, as her lack of social graces alienates the very people whom she tries desperately to attract. Austen uses her continually to highlight the necessity of marriage for young women. Mrs. Bennet also serves as a middle-class counterpoint to such upper-class snobs as Lady Catherine. In the 19th century it was common for women to marry purely for money and for social status, this can be seen in Charlottes marriage to Collins. Charlottes marriage to Collins injects a grim note into the comedic presence of Collins character so far. Whereas Elizabeth is an idealist who will not marry solely for money, Charlotte, lacking a fortune, finds this opportunity too good to miss. I believe that Austen is showing the reader that marrying only for physical appearance is wrong - beauty fades with time. Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins for money. Charlotte accepts his proposal for the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment.Show MoreRelatedThe Theme of Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay1801 Words   |  8 PagesThe Theme of Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Marriage has been one of the main themes portrayed in Jane Austens novel of Pride and Prejudice. The author skilfully discusses, through most of her characters about the general views on marriage, the usual outcomes of marriage and most of the general problems the low class people are facing in marriage. There are four marriages in the novel and each of them differs in the way they are set out. The authorRead MoreComparative Study: Letters to Alice and Pride and Prejudice1502 Words   |  7 Pagesportrayed in Pride and Prejudice are creatively reshaped in Letters to Alice. 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