Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay

Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice The key theme of pride and prejudice is marriage. This is indicated in the opening of the novel, when Jane Austen muses, somewhat sardonically, that it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. This sets the tone appropriately for the rest of the novel, as all Austens core plots centre around marriage. It was an institute of paramount importance to people of Austens time. As a young lady, marriage was not only for love, but also for fortune, convenience, stature and respect. Elizabeth Bennet is the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, who finds her self in the marrying market, having†¦show more content†¦In loneliness and boredom Mrs Bennet has alternatively chosen to live her life through her daughters. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news. As a result of their personal discontent neither husband nor wife is a proficient parent. Mr Bennets lack of resp onsibility combined with Mrs Bennets indulgence gives their younger daughters freedom to act without consequence, with disastrous results. Mr Bennet disapproved of his wifes shallow disposition, and derived great pleasure from mocking his wifes shallow nature, feigning ignorance to her insinuations. On one occasion when his wife implores him to visit a rich new male neighbour, for the sake of his daughters, he questions How so, how can it affect them? to which Mrs Bennet responds impatiently, fuelling his sardonic mockery. Their relationship orbits around these petty jokes, and they otherwise lead separate existences. Clearly Austen disapproves of marrying for lust, as the Bennets have, and believes that there must be substance to a marriage for it to be successful. Austen uses the Bennets to show us that the decision of marriage should not be taken lightly; good sense and logic must be ingredients. If they are forgotten in lust, the consequence will burden you for the rest of your life. The Bennets have not only been unfortunate in their matrimony, but also inShow MoreRelated Views on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice5150 Words   |  21 PagesViews on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Pride pride n., v., 1. high (or too high) opinion of ones own dignity, importance, worth, etc. 2. the condition or feeling of being proud. 3. a noble sense of what is due to oneself or ones position or character; self respect; self esteem. prejudice n., v., 1. an opinion In the novel by Jane Austen, displays a severe contrast between Elizabeth and Darcy in the story. 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