Pride And Prejudice:Why is the news of the elopement of Lydia and Wickham in Chapter 46 such an important moment and how does it affect what follows in the novel?

Why is the news of the elopement of Lydia and Wickham in Chapter 46 such an important moment and how does it affect what follows in the novel? A very key moment in the novel is when Elizabeth is informed of the elopement of Lydia and Wickham by two letters from Jane (while she is visiting Pemberley in Chapter 46). The two letters instead of one create more suspense and anticipation. This chapter is very important because that single event changes everything and has far reaching effects on relationships (such as Elizabeth and Darcy, Lydia and Wickham, Jane and Bingley, the Bennet family and its distant relations), attitudes, and the development of characters in the story. It changes the perspective of many characters and the truth behind appearances begins to emerge. Everything in the novel builds up to this decisive moment of crisis where things could go either way; good or bad. The build up to this chapter is very crucial as Elizabeth and Darcy slowly come closer and are on the most civil terms before the news of the elopement breaks, which makes the situation sadly ironic. Elizabeth goes from rejecting him to having her prejudices lifted when he gives the letter, correcting her misconceptions and finally to respecting him and having a deep gratitude towards him: ‘She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him.’ Darcy even invites her to meet his sister and she

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How is marriage presented in the novel "Pride And Prejudice"?

English Prose Coursework: Pride And Prejudice. How is marriage presented in the novel "Pride And Prejudice"? "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of good fortune is in want of a wife." This is the immortal opening line of the novel, 'Pride And Prejudice' by Jane Austen. The statement is true for societies views on marriage in the Eighteenth century, which was when the book was written. There was a tendency to marry for money in 18th century England. A person sought a partner based on the dowry receivable and their allowance. This process went both ways: a beautiful woman might be able to attract a rich husband, or a handsome man could attract a rich young girl. In these marriages, money was the only consideration. In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen comments that marriage in her time is a financial contract, where love is strictly a matter of chance. This is evident from the opening line. The first marriage we encounter is that of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Their marriage is an unsuccessful one. Although it was thought that marriage should be for money, a few marriages were based on lust. The Bennet's marriage is an example of this. Mr. Bennet was "captivated by youth and beauty" and therefore married a 'woman of mean understanding'. As the marriage progressed, 'any true affection for her was put to an end very early in the marriage." The

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Pride and Prejudice. Mr Collins proposes to both Elizabeth and Charlotte, but their reactions are very different. What does the behaviour of all three characters, during chapters 19, 20 & 22 tell us about the different attitudes to marriage in the early n

Natasha Kay 10W2 Pride and Prejudice Mr Collins proposes to both Elizabeth and Charlotte, but their reactions are very different. What does the behaviour of all three characters, during chapters 19, 20 & 22 tell us about the different attitudes to marriage in the early nineteenth century? In the 19th century, men were rated higher than women in society therefore when it came to marriage, once women were married all of their belongings, earnings and wealth were passed onto their husbands and in return their husbands would take care of them. Men and women back then would very rarely marry for love and happiness but otherwise mainly for money, security and to be higher up in society in some cases. Jane Austin wrote the story 'Pride and Prejudice' which deals with some of the most important aspects of adult life in the 19th century and explores the different views of marriage thoroughly throughout the book. Elizabeth Bennet is the second eldest of the five Bennet sisters and plays a vital part in the novel where she believes that marriage should be about love, equality and respect. Her view is that marriage is to be an equal partnership and a meeting of minds. She is a girl of high principles and her marriage would have been one of equality as she quotes "And if I

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