Portrayal of Marriage in Pride and Prejudice by Jane...

Portrayal of Marriage in Pride and Prejudice Jane Austens novel Pride and Prejudice portrays varying attitudes to marriage. The intricate social network that pervades the novel is one that revolves around the business of marriage. Through her female characters the reader sees the different attitudes to marriage and the reasons that these women have for marrying. These depend on their social status and their personal values. The reader is shown the most prevalent and common view of marriage held by society in Austens time, and through the heroine, a differing opinion of marriage is explored. We are shown how marriage is viewed by the very wealthy and the values they emphasise in marriage. Through the characterisation of these†¦show more content†¦Collins character, he was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her must be imaginary . She perceives that their personalities are not compatible and realises that there will never be suitable feeling or passion between them to legitimise a happy, functioning marriage. But convenience is all that she is concerned with. She believes Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained . Charlotte believes herself to be lucky by obtaining the hand of Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins is a respectable man of moderate fortune. He occupies a suitable position as a clergyman and the parsonage is within a tolerable travelling distance from Lucas Lodge. Considering her values on marriage she is entirely satisfied. Through Charlotte, Austen has presented the commonly accepted views of her time about women and their place in society. They were expected to be accepting and grateful of the first offer of marriage which was made to them, putting aside their feelings for the opportunity to become a wife. Austen has made it evident to the reader that there is much beyond what Charlotte deems important in a marriage. By using gentle and subtle irony in her characterisation of Charlotte, Charlotte appears slightly irrational in her opinions. BecauseShow MoreRelated In Want of a Wife: Jane Austen’s Reaction to Marriage1624 Words   |  7 Pagesmany different authors, male and female. Jane Austen was only one of many authors in that era, and one of the longest lasting; through her many novels, she shows various views on love and marriage. In Jane Austen’s critically acclaimed novel, Pride and Prejudice, Austen spares no character, male or female, in her criticism of the understood custom t hat the only route to happiness was marriage. Jane Austen never married which influenced her portrayal of marriage throughout many of her novels. EveryRead MoreJane Austen s Pride And Prejudice1211 Words   |  5 PagesJane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was greatly influenced by the time period in which it was written, This novel follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters as they are faced with marriage proposals. The marriage and roles of women in this time period are shown throughout this story. During the time Austen was writing this novel, a woman’s role for her family changed. Daughters started to become a way for their family to achieve more money. Because their family depended on this financialRead More Feminism in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Essay1713 Words   |  7 PagesFeminism in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Jane Austen, the author of Pride and Prejudice, holds feminist views and uses the novel to show her opinions about womens issues. 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Indeed the heroines (Elizabeths) tumultuous relationship with Darcy forms the bulk of the novel, and the focal point of interest for the reader while Janes relationship with Bingley adds variety and interest to the novel.    ElizabethsRead MorePride and Prejudice Values Juxtaposed Letters to Alice1228 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Pride and Prejudice† and â€Å"Letters to Alice† contains many similarities yet some obvious differences even when considering the fact that they were written hundreds of years apart. Both texts provide strong perspectives on a variety of issues and are very blunt in their approach. The key issue throughout both novels is the ideology of marriage in the sense of whether one should marry for love or financial stability and standing. 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