Pride and Prejudice - Discuss the theme of marriage

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Jonathan  Morgan 11p                                                10/10/2000

Pride and Prejudice

Discuss the theme of marriage

Pride and prejudice opens with one of the most famous lines in English literature: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in need of a wife”.  The novel begins by the ambitious Mrs Bennet to find a husband, or at least a husband with good fortune, for each of her five daughters. Whenever Charles Bingley visits the village, Bingley and his friend Darcy heightens Mrs Bennet’s hopes. Jane falls in love with Bingley, but his snobbish sisters and Darcy effect the separation of the pair, leaving Jane lonely. Darcy, though attracted to Elizabeth, is aware of how common the Bennets are compared to himself. Whenever Darcy overcomes his pride and proposes marriage, Elizabeth rejects him because of his attitude and his ill treatment towards a redcoat called Wickham, who has made friends with the Bennets.

However, Wickham’s true nature is exposed when the couple elopes to Gretna Green, with Lydia. Darcy tracks the couple down; forces Wickham to marry Lydia, and guarantees the couple’s financial future. Darcy’s actions changes Elizabeth’s prejudices, and finally she sees Darcy’s good character, she accepts him; the two marry.

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Mr and Mrs Bennet’s marriage is ill matched because Mrs Bennet wants to get her five daughters off and married; Mr Bennet wants the best for his five daughters because he is in no hurry for them to rush into a life they might regret.

Mrs Bennets view on marriage is her five daughters should get married to a wealthy man. Mr Bennets view on marriage is he only wants his five daughters to marry for love.

Mr Collins and Charlotte’s marriage is based on convenience Charlotte thinks, “to find happiness is a matter of chance”.

Mr Collins view on ...

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