Examine the themes of love and marriage in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Examine the themes of love and marriage in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice"
Pride and Prejudice is the best known and best loved novel of the English writer, Jane Austen, who first gave the novel its modern character through the treatment of everyday life. Austen started to write for family amusement as a child, and received a broader education than many women of her time, as she grew up in an upper-class environment, which she wrote chiefly about. The reader can learn much about the upper-class society of this age, and also gets and insight to the author's opinion about 18th century society, which at the time was divided into three: aristocracy, gentry and common people, although these divisions were becoming blurred. Austen presents the high-society of her time from an observational point of view, ironically describing human behaviour. She describes her views 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.
She was greatly inspired by woman writers of the Romantic Movement such as Fanny Burney, and even though this movement was reaching its height, the reader is kept unaware of this, much like the many events that occurred during Austen's life. Her generation lived in a period of great social and political upheaval, that saw events such as the French Revolution, the American War of Independence, the Battle of Trafalgar, Stephenson's first locomotive and the Battle of Waterloo. Instead, Jane Austen devoted herself to very limited canvas. Her main concerns were those of universal fascination today - love and money. In a world in which an advantageous marriage was the only realistic and legitimate was for an impoverished woman to better herself and secure her future, love stories of necessity were stories about money, or the lack of it. Even so, marriage was starting to become less of a financial agreement and allowed a bigger freedom in the choice of marriage partner, although in the Bennet family Mrs. Bennet was endlessly seeking a man who would allow her to stay at Longbourn or would bring fortune to her family. And so, it has to be considered whether love and marriage of necessity could have co-existed particularly at the time of the novel, which revolves around relationships and the difficulties of being in love. Jane Austen is known for her perceptive depiction of relationships. In Pride and Prejudice, she shows us all kinds of marriages, no two of them alike: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Charlotte and Mr. Collins, Lydia and Wickham, Jane and Bingley, and, finally, Elizabeth and Darcy.
The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy is arguably the most central and exciting, not only because they are the main characters, but because their relationship isn't as simple as all the others. Even though they see all the obstacles and flaws of one another, they cannot help but fall for one another in the end. Elizabeth Bennet is an authentic character, allowing readers to identify, sympathise, and grow with her. Unfortunately, Austen does not create a match for Elizabeth who is her equal in terms of characterisation. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth's sometime adversary, beloved, and, finally, husband, is not so carefully crafted as she, for his character is somewhat undefined, made up of only mystery, inconsistency, and conventionality. Elizabeth is, initially, quick to make judgements and just as quick to hold fast to those preconceptions. In effect, Elizabeth represents both aspects of the novel's title, being both proud and prejudicial.
In contrast to Jane and Mr. Bingley, their love wasn't as sudden, but over time they got to know each other as they really were, and prejudice for one another soon vanished. Their relationship begins with mutual contempt, but moves forward as they mature and learn that their first impressions, based on pride, prejudice and illusions, were incorrect. Their paths first crossed at the assembly room, where "Mr. Darcy drew attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report...of his 10 thousand a year". "He was looked at with great admiration ...
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In contrast to Jane and Mr. Bingley, their love wasn't as sudden, but over time they got to know each other as they really were, and prejudice for one another soon vanished. Their relationship begins with mutual contempt, but moves forward as they mature and learn that their first impressions, based on pride, prejudice and illusions, were incorrect. Their paths first crossed at the assembly room, where "Mr. Darcy drew attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report...of his 10 thousand a year". "He was looked at with great admiration for about half of the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud." (Ch.3, p.10). This is a great example of prejudice, as Darcy's 'pride', as Lizzie begins to discover on her visit to Pemberley, is more of an insecurity, shyness, and inability to trust people he has not been properly aquatinted with. Because of his stubborn and headstrong and intolerant character, these perfectly innocent qualities are masked into pride, which is one of the reasons why him and Lizzie get off on such a bad start, as she too is prejudiced towards him. She is very much surprised, when on her visit to Pemberley she meets with Mrs.Reynold, Mr. Darcy's housekeeper, who he had known since he was four, and had "never heard a cross word from him". Elizabeth thinks this to be too far-fetched, but gets to see him in a totally different light when Mrs, Reynold says that "some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it is only because he doesn't rattle away like other young men." (Ch.43, p.191) The second, and probably more apparent reason why Lizzie dislikes him so much this early on in their acquaintance is because Darcy managed to hurt her own pride. She overhears him speaking to Mr Bingley, saying that she is "tolerable" but then he also says that she "is not handsome enough to tempt me." (Ch.3, p.11) She takes this quite unflattering comment well, as she doesn't care much for his opinions, after the way he had behaved that evening towards everyone. She tells the story with "great spirit" amongst her friends, and it becomes a matter of amusement rather than pity or hurt, although (as her actions towards Mr. Darcy show) deep down her pride was hurt. Because of this, throughout the novel, Elizabeth misreads his forthcoming conduct.
Elizabeth is the main heroine of the novel, and the reader mostly sees everything through her eyes; for example Mr. Darcy's comments could be seen in a different manner to how she interprets them. She herself is not the narrator, who describes and comments on given situations throughout the novel. The narrator serves to represent Jane Austen, who in most cases seems to share Lizzie's views. Elizabeth is an acute observer, who likes to ponder about what she sees and who dares to make judgements. At times Austen uses her to get her own comment across. It could be thought that Jane Austen is most similar to Lizzie, and that the book was her own life fantasy, as Lizzie not only got the man in the end, but also love and romance as the basis of her marriage - everything Jane Austen believed in and probably wanted. Elizabeth's character, is one that the reader automatically loves, although at points Austen laughs at her as well as the other characters. Elizabeth usually speaks her mind but covers up the meaning of the statements with iron (which she inherited from her father), in order not to offend the rules of conduct in her society. She likes to play with people's expectations, which she openly admits to Mr. Darcy in a scene where he wants to invite her to dance. She declines his offer to dance with him (most probably because she wants to revenge herself) with the following sentence: "You wanted me, I know, to say 'Yes', that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste, but I always delight in overthrowing those kind of schemes, and cheating a person of their premeditated contempt." At this point, Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth were still confused, although she had become "an object of admiration" and "he had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her", but "were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger" (p.43). As the novel progresses, Darcy shows enough flexibility and good sense to change his opinion of Elizabeth. Thus, his first inclination of scorning her is erased as he becomes enamoured of Elizabeth as a result of her witty intelligence and spirit, such that he began to find that "her eyes were rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression." After repeated meetings and verbal parries with Lizzie, Darcy's first impression of her is completely replaced by ardent affection, as he sees her in a comrade spirit. It is his prudent judgement and flexibility which temper his inclination to scorn and criticise, such that he is able to recognise Elizabeth a worthy wife and companion, despite her social standing and Lydia's elopement.
Elizabeth is deeply hurt by Darcy's presumptions about her family, although, when she reads his letter at Rosings, just after her refusal to Darcy's proposal, she gets to see her family from his perspective. She becomes ashamed of them and finally understands why Darcy would not want to have a connection with them. Towards the end of the novel, Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy gradually change for the better. Thanks to his letter, her visit to Pemberley and news of him rescuing her family honour after Lydia, her opinion of him changes as these events take place. She realises she was prejudicial and her admiration transforms into love. The themes of love and marriage are very easy to identify in this relationship, as their marriage is one that is most romantic, in contrast to Mr. Collins and Charlotte, the basis of their marriage was love.
The heroine's tumultuous relationship with Darcy form the bulk of the novel, and the focal point of interest for the reader while Jane's relationship with Bingley adds variety and interest to the novel. Jane and Bingley's relationship doesn't follow such a complex pattern as Elizabeth and Darcy's, although it encounters a number of obstacles that only their love for each other could have conquered.
The two characters are immediately charmed by each other at the Meryton assembly. Bingley is instantly enchanted by Jane, the eldest and most physically attractive of the Bennet girls. She is even-tempered, kind and patient without having the outspoken tendencies of Elizabeth. Her gentle temperament is so pleasant and amiable that it is almost a failing due to its questioning tolerance of other characters. Elizabeth describes her in p. 14 when she says: "You never see a fault in anybody. All the world are good and agreeable in our eyes. I never heard you speak ill of a human being in my life." Unlike Darcy, Bingley has no problems with Jane's lack of breeding, or her embarrassing family. Bingley's lack of pretensions and honest disposition make his feelings for Jane obvious to all. Jane's ability to hide her feelings makes her appear reserved at times and leads Darcy to think that she does not love Bingley as passionately as his attentions deserve. Charlotte Lucas is surprisingly accurate when in her declaration that less prudent judgement is required and that "he (Bingley) may never do more than like her (Jane), if she does not help him on."
It is Jane's guardedness which is the sole reason for Bingley and the Netherfield party to leave the country, as he is so "modest" that her apparent lack of affection had led him to trust in Darcy's advice and to leave. Bingley and Darcy are very close, and as the story proves, Bingley cares very much about Darcy's opinions and judgements. Therefore, his compliant nature makes him susceptible to pressure from his sisters and Darcy to quit Netherfield for London. Even when Bingley decides Jane is designed for him, he still needs a blessing from Darcy. After his departure for London, Jane completely hides her inclinations of affection for Bingley beneath her prudent judgement and distance, such that his affection is not encouraged, but crushed, and any prospect of marriage seems an impossibility. It is only after Lizzie reveals to Darcy her sister's feelings, that Jane realises her own fault in his leaving her: "he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of my being different, would have prevented his coming down again."
In this relationship, it almost seems like love at first sight, and the two Jane and Bingley are drawn to each other from then on, although a series of misjudgements, misunderstandings and obstacles would have been enough for their relationship to dissolve, had it not been for Darcy's approval. Bingley then woos Jane, which eventually precipitates a joyful marriage. This is a case, where the men are pursuer, women the pursued.
Wickham and Lydia's marriage is one of little "understanding of one another's characters," no "good dispositions," no "similarity in feeling and taste" and as we later find out, there is no "financial security" either. In the novel, Wickham is the sly fox of the story, always after money, financial security and attractive women. Lydia is indeed attractive, as she inherited her good looks after her mother, but unfortunately, also the personality. The initial attraction was based on good looks and affection for one another. But after the initial attraction, Mr Wickham becomes disinterested in Lydia and this is even more of a problem. Lydia had to try and persuade Wickham to marry her, although she was unaware of it at the time. Wickham had no interest in marrying Lydia until Darcy offered him a considerable sum of money to pay him off. Lydia doesn't understand the shame she has brought upon her family and boasts that all her sisters should "look up" to her because she is a "married woman." In this case, the man must be persuaded in some way; whether it be flaunting physical beauty or financial means, to marry a woman. Men are the enticed, women the enticers. Marriage is an achievement but without any tangible reward.
One of Elizabeth's dearest friends is Charlotte, who at twenty-seven would have been considered a mature bride in Jane Austen's day realises that any real chance of love has probably passed her by. Although she realises her chances of true happiness are limited, she marries Mr Collins, a pompous and ridiculous character with an egoistic attitude, in the hope that she will avoid poverty and loneliness in old age. Luckily for her, Charlotte's views on marriage and partnership strategies differ immensely to Elizabeth's. Elizabeth believes love and romance should be the basis of a good marriage, and that marriages formed by passion alone are just as bad as marriages formed without love, which reflects greatly on her sister Lydia's marriage. Charlotte believes that marriage of necessity is perhaps better than no marriage at all. "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."
After Charlotte has voiced her personal views, the more progressive Elizabeth reacts with laughter, assuming that Charlotte's strategies are in actuality much like her own, and that she would never actually act the way she says she would. Only later, on page 84, do we find that Elizabeth is wrong, and see their different partnership strategies collide when Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collins because she does not love him, followed quickly by Charlotte accepting his marriage proposal out of practicality.
It could be thought that one of the Bennet family was the relationship between Elizabeth's father, Mr. Bennet, and her mother, Mrs. Bennet: she had never felt so strongly as now, the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable a marriage (pg. 210). Mr. Bennet, though "made up of an odd mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice" (Ch.1, pg.3), he was "a man of few words and was clearly unable to make his wife understand his character" (Ch.1, pg.3). In the decade of the Bennets, marriage was clearly seen through beauty and fortune. It became evident, after resentment had settled in, that Mr, Bennet had married for other reasons besides love: "Mr. Bennet, captivated by youth and beauty/ had married a woman whose weak understandings and illiberal mind, had very early in the marriage put an end to all real affection for her." (pg. 209).
Mrs. Bennet had not made marriage between her and Mr. Bennet any easier as "her ignorance and folly had contributed to his amusement". "She was a woman of mean understanding, little information and uncertain temper, she often exaggerated small incidents and was very demanding in her ways. As a mother of five daughters, it was acceptable for her to be concerned with their future. But Mrs. Bennet's "entire business of her life was to get her daughters married".
The novel gives the reader a very good idea of how Austen views marriage, as well as society. The theme of marriage is set in the very opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice; "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife". This is Austen's way of implying that 'a single man in possession of a good fortune' is automatically destined to be the object of desire for all unmarried women. The statement opens the subject of the romantic novel; courtship and marriage. The sentence also introduces the issue of what the reasons for marrying are. She implies here that many young women marry for money, but I feel that she tried to give a more balanced look on marriage and love, to show the overall morality of this statement. She did this by giving different looks to all her relationships - in her two happy and successful marriages, Jane and Bingley experienced love at first sight and Elizabeth and Darcy learned to compromise, change and grow. In marrying, they not only fulfil themselves as individuals, but also affirm the principle values of society. As in many of her novels, this marriage at the end of the novel shows us Jane Austen's ideal view of marriage as a social institution.
She also showed us less successful marriages such as Lydia and Wickham's, or Mr. And Mrs. Bennet's. In conclusion, it is clear that the themes of love and marriage are repeatedly mentioned in the novel through the relationships stated in my essay.
