Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a novel that explores the societal pressure on women to marry for financial security and status. The novel portrays different types of marriages, including those based on love, convenience, and social status. The marriages in the novel can be seen as a reflection of the society in which Austen lived, where marriage was viewed as an economic transaction rather than a romantic union. This essay will analyze how Pride and Prejudice portrays the different types of marriages in the novel, including those based on love, convenience, and social status.
Love-based marriages are presented as the most ideal form of marriage in the novel. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is the central love story in the novel. Elizabeth and Darcy’s initial interactions are marked by their mutual dislike and prejudice towards each other. However, as they get to know each other better, they begin to appreciate each other’s virtues and develop romantic feelings for each other. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, but she initially rejects him because of his perceived pride and arrogance. However, after Darcy’s intervention in her sister’s love life, Elizabeth begins to see him in a different light and ultimately accepts his proposal. The love-based marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy is presented as the most fulfilling and satisfying form of marriage in the novel.
In contrast to love-based marriages, convenience-based marriages are presented as unfulfilling and unsatisfying. The most prominent example of a convenience-based marriage is the marriage between Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins. Charlotte is portrayed as a pragmatic woman who understands the limitations of her social and economic status. She accepts Mr. Collins’ proposal because she believes that it is her best chance at financial security and stability. Mr. Collins is an unappealing and socially awkward man, but Charlotte is willing to overlook these flaws because of the security that the marriage provides. However, Charlotte’s marriage is portrayed as unfulfilling and unhappy. She is constantly having to put up with Mr. Collins’ ridiculous behavior and does not seem to have any real affection or love for him.
Social status-based marriages are also portrayed as problematic in the novel. The marriage between Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley is an example of a marriage based on social status. Miss Bingley is a wealthy and well-connected woman who is desperate to marry into a higher social class. She sets her sights on Mr. Darcy, who is one of the wealthiest and most well-connected men in the novel. However, Mr. Darcy is not interested in Miss Bingley, and he ultimately marries Elizabeth, who is from a lower social class. The marriage between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is seen as a triumph over the societal norms that dictate that individuals should only marry within their social class.
The novel also explores the negative consequences of marrying for financial security rather than love. The marriage between Lydia Bennet and George Wickham is an example of a marriage based on financial security. Lydia is a young and impulsive woman who runs away with Wickham, a charming but unscrupulous man. Wickham has no intention of marrying Lydia and only agrees to do so when he is offered a large sum of money by Mr. Darcy. Lydia’s marriage is presented as a cautionary tale about the dangers of marrying for financial security rather than love. Lydia’s marriage is unhappy and unstable, and she is constantly struggling to maintain her status as a married woman.
In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice portrays different types of marriages, including those based on love, convenience, and social status. Love-based marriages are presented as the most ideal form of marriage, while convenience-based marriages are portrayed as unfulfilling and unsatisfying. Social status-based marriages are considered problematic in Pride and Prejudice because they often result in unhappy and unfulfilling marriages.