Firstly views of marriage and social class in the society of 19th century England were very different from views in modern society of today. In 19th century England there were two main concerns about marriage, to marry for wealth and stability. In the novel, Jane Austin stressed that marriage was not an act of love for most people in that age but and merely an act of survival, high ranking, and a place in society. An strong evidence which very well exemplify the general feelings against marriage for the period is the marriage of Charlotte Lucas to Mr. Collins. As she quoted:” I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collin's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness is as fair, as most people can boast on entering the marriage state."
Such concern with marriage also represented the social inferiority of women and the clear distinction between male and female roles in the society. No professions were open for women of the genteel classes, so independence on the woman's hand almost never occurred. The only profession available was that of being a governess, which meant educating the daughters of a family, but this was a job with low working conditions and lowly paid. Therefore women had to marry their life into money, happiness and a secured future.
Marriage is also 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 any women who hope for a happy marriage is very unlikely to do. In the case of elopement of Lydia and Wickham, is looked upon as something rather radical and misfortunate for the family.
The theme of pride also played a vital role in the novel. In his reading of pride and prejudice, William Parks focused on the different perspectives of pride and how it is related to a person’s statues in the society. He provided an understanding of pride in the cases of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Bennet. In his opinion, he felt that Darcy possessed a positive or right pride which consist of self-respect, honor, and integrity. Darcy is responsible for his sister, himself, his estate, and his family name. He takes pride in these things and does anything he can in order to protect them. Although seen as excessively proud in a negative way, Charlotte Lucas defends Darcy by saying that a man of his wealth and family background has the right to be proud.
Mr. Bennet on the other hand displayed a stark contrast to Darcy’s pride. He, who is responsible as a father of five daughters, a husband, and the holder of reputable conduct in the family, does not take pride in his family or his responsibility instead ridicules the members of his family and in turn does not control their unruly actions. Mr. Bennet lets his family do as it pleases and almost does not care. The reputation of the Bennet family is blemished by the behavior of its members because the head of the household lacks the pride to protect it.
In my opinion, pride comes in for the sharper criticism by Austen. I agree that Darcy possess the traits of positive pride, however his pride also consist of arrogance, haughtiness and a strong evidence of the powerful aristocracy in the Regency era. In the beginning of the novel, Darcy refuses to dance with Elizabeth on account of her not being "handsome enough to tempt me." His refusal is consistent with the rest of his snobbery and it is logical that he is slighting Elizabeth Bennet because he is excessively proud and does not feel that her handsomeness is worthy of his.
He would not socialise, declined being introduced to any other lady, and spent the rest of the evening walking about the room, speaking occasionally to one of his own party. His character only took a sharp turn when his proposal of marriage was refused, his disappointment lead to his judgement of himself, and his love for Elizabeth lead to the modification of his character.
Austen also personify this trait of pride in several minor characters. Lady Catherine is one of the main offenders, her airs, arrogance and pride are fuelled by other characters like Mr. Collins who is there to satire proud people and their followers. Lady Catherine's bullies Elizabeth in an effort to dissuade her from marrying Darcy as she argues "are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?" This is an act of extreme arrogance as a result believing that she is more important and should be respect and honour her.
Lastly, in the reading of “Jane Austen- structure and social vision” by David Monaghan scrutinizes the social events such as balls, dinners, evening parties and visits that evidently exhibits how Jane Austen perceives her society. These activities which we would not normally expect to be very revealing of social attitudes were immensely important during the period. A set of rules and social behaviors were written upon each of the social classes, and people were expected to behave in such way in order to fit in. the societies of course were governed by the members of the gentry of aristocracies who owned his authorities and prestige to the ownership of land.
Austen presents the high-society of her time from an observational point of view, ironically describing human behavior. She describes what she sees and adds her own comments to it in a very light and easy way. She never seems to be condescending or snubbing in her criticism but applies it in a playful manner. This playfulness, and her witty, ironic comments on society are probably the main reasons that make this novel still so enjoyable for readers today.
