“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar beforehand, It does not advance their felicity In the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life. ” This is a quote from Charlotte Lucas, one of the female characters in the novel, and a quote which very well exemplify the general feelings against marriage for the period and the people In upper-class England.
Marriage Is central for all characters In the novel: not Just daughters and sons, but parents, aunts, uncles and everybody else who has some interest in the subject. Though it is of course most in the interest of the daughter herself to get married, the interests of the own family can be important for the choice of husband and wife. It is not appropriate for the daughter to choose whoever she likes for her husband, which she- If she wants a happy marriage- is not very likely to do. Jane Student’s novel, Pride and Prejudice presents five married couples. No two are alike.
In the novel we see different reasons for marriage between the different matches made in the novel. Austin reveals many messages through her characters on her major theme, being marriage. Elizabeth and Dared share common interests that help reflect their love and marriage. During Elizabethan stay In Pembroke while Jane Is Ill, Austin reveals to the readers, that Elizabeth and Dared share a common Interest. For example, Miss Bentley states that ‘Miss Elise Bennett… Is a great reader… ‘ pop. While in a conversation between Dared and Miss Bentley, it is stated, What a delightful library you have at Pembroke,… ‘ pop.
This illustrates to the readers that the two share the same interest of reading. Having the interest reading portrayed to the readers as an interest, reveals that Elizabeth and Dared may be suitable match for one another. It clearly shows how common Interests can Increase the chance of marriage as It makes the bond for one another stronger. Thereby demonstrating that the love between Elizabeth and Dared reflects on their interest shared by each other. The marriage of Elizabeth and Dared was also pure love for one another. Though this is not established until the end of the novel. Darers love for Elizabeth Is expressed room his heart.
Austin Illustrates this when he states to Elizabeth, ‘You must allow me to tell you… I admire and love you,’ Pl 57. Austin portrays Dairy’s character as being very proud, so they way he expresses his love for Elizabeth seems pure and genuine. A proud man would find hard to express such feelings in that manner. Thus it proves his love for Elizabeth is clear. Elizabeth also shows her love towards Dared. Mr.. Bennett calls Elizabeth into the library after his proposal. In a conversation between the two Elizabeth states, ‘… L do like him…. I love him. ‘ IPPP. She is aware that he is able to make her happy.
Elizabeth believes happiness is the first sign to a DOD marriage. The marriage of Jane and Bentley was one for physical attractions and love. This is portrayed to the readers during the early stages of the novel. For example, Bentley states at the ball, ‘she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! ‘ pop. This clearly illustrates his attraction towards Jane. Bangle’s love for Jane is strengthened by her beauty. The love between them is shared equally. Cane’s idea of marriage is to find someone who loves her and respects her as much as she does him. Jane and Bentley also are alike in the fact that they see the good in people.
For example, Bentley, even though he likes Jane, Allows Dared to talk him out of marring her. When this is done lane simply goes along with it, she knows that Bentley Jane married Bentley for love. Their marriage was a perfect match and their feelings for one another were undeniably from the heart. Charlotte and Mr.. Collins’ marriage was one for convenience. Mr.. Collins was in the position of needing to be married whilst Charlotte was never romantic and wanted to be happy. For instance, in a conversation between Charlotte and Elizabeth, she explains, ‘l ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr..
Collins’ character, I am convinced happiness with him is as fair… ‘ IPPP. Charlotte connections . Idea of marriage is completely different of that of Elizabeth. Charlotte doesn’t’ need love to make her happy, Just that of social security. Charlotte wishes for a stable life. As Mr.. Collins was a man of connections, a tolerable situation in life, and offering her comfortable home, Charlotte thought her reasons for marriage were as reasonable as Elizabethan. Hence, the reason for Charlotte and Mr.. Collins’ marriage was convenience. The marriage of Lydia and Hickman was mainly that of desire, attraction and financial reasons.
Lydia married Hickman as she believed he was one with large fortune and high social status. For example, ‘… Their elopement had been brought on by the strength of her love, rather than his,… ‘ IPPP. Lydia believed that a man of this fine countenance could not go unnoticed and was immediately drawn in by him charm. Lydia found Hickman to be good looking and was sure that these reasons Nerve good enough for marriage. Hickman, however, married Lydia for her money and position in society. He saw Lydia to be good looking be never married her for love. For Instance, ‘Hacksaw’s affection of Lydia… Not equal to Lady’s for him.
