Five Marriages in Pride and Prejudice.

1413 Words6 Pages
Five Marriages in Pride and Prejudice. Marriage is the main theme addressed in Pride and Prejudice. It questions the tradition, definition, and purpose of marriage. Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen, is a classic romance from the 19th century. The title itself gives away two out of the three main themes of the story: pride and prejudice. The last theme, constantly referred to during the novel, is marriage. In the novel, Jane Austen presented many different couples, each with their own nature and characters. No two are alike. From the pure love which was experienced through Elizabeth and Darcy. To the love and attraction shared by Jane and Bingley. The convenience of marriage was portrayed through Charlotte and Mr Collins while Lydia and Wickham's marriage was based on their desire, attractions and financial status. Mr and Mrs Bennet's marriage was for their necessity. Austen reveals many messages through her characters on her major theme, being marriage. Through this, she is able to communicate her belief regarding an ideal marriage, which should include a high degree of love, understanding, and commitment. Pride and Prejudice's first sentence, 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,' introduces the theme of marriage, and money, in an ironic way. Jane Austen starts off using intellectual sounding words to introduce the hunt for a rich husband. The sentence contains a mixture of comedy, humour and irony that will continue throughout the novel. It clearly shows the connection between money and marriage. It lies in the interest of a woman to marry a man with a fortune, or at least some good deal of money. The husband is meant to support his wife, since he is the one with a profession and she is not (something that will be discussed further down). So, naturally,
Open Document