Mrs. Bennet wants Mr. Bennet to go round and see Mr. Bingley so that her daughters and herself can become familiar with Mr. Bingley the new lodger. She feels by getting acquainted to Mr. Bingley he may take and interest in one of them and hopefully at least one will secure a husband rich enough to provide financially for the rest of the family. “But it is likely that he may fall in love with one of them.” The Bennet’s have neither spoken to nor seen him before and Mrs. Bennet is already planning for the future. This shows us that she is desperate to get one off her daughters married. The word “likely” indicates Mrs. Bennet is quite positive one off them will get married. The words “fall in love” I believe can not occur in one meeting, love should be a long process. Mrs. Bennet is being over optimistic about Mr. Bingley as she is so sure he will “fall” for one of her daughters.
The prejudice that she has are mostly directed towards the general feelings of characters and her own expectations for her daughters. In the very opening statement this is evident. The readers will observe Mrs. Bennet supporting this idea fully and trying to convince her husband that Mr. Bingley, a man of “four or five thousand a year” is the rightful property of one of their daughters. She also believes that Mr. Bennet is going to die before her, and leave her and the girls, without any home because of the circumstances on their estate, Longbourn. The words “fall in love” I believe can not occur in one meeting, love should be a long process. Mrs. Bennet is being over optimistic about Mr. Bingley as she is so sure he will “fall” for one of her daughters.
We can see Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are a formal couple as they do not refer to each other by their first names but opt to declare it as “Mr. Bennet” and “Mrs. Bennet.” This is very ceremonial for a married couple to a twenty first century reader. This could also portray a message that their relationship is not working out. The reader can understand this because it does not feel right, and is too conventional for a married couple to speak to one another in this manner. I feel as though they are imitating false respect and love to one another. They don’t mean what they are trying to imply and should be a little laid back and casual, when chatting in the house. Their marriage has been twenty three long years, yet the Bennet's seem to be so far apart from each other. We can see this in numerous ways this includes the way they speak, their understanding and personality. They are clearly not in love. Mr. Bennet was a man of average fortune and took interest on Mrs. Bennet for her looks and other pleasures. Mr. Bennet probably rushed into things and didn’t realise that beauty doesn’t last. They are not a great match as Mrs. Bennet does not understand her husband. “She was a woman of mean understanding.” This suggests she does not have great intelligence. Mr. Bennet uses this to his advantage, making fun of her lack of knowledge. “You mistake me my dear, I have high respect for your nerves, They are old friends.” The reader may now sympathises with Mr. Bennet as he is stuck in the relationship and there is no way out.
I think Jane Austen started the novel with this complex relationship because it helps us to create a feeling of conflict that could arise in the rest of book. After reading the first chapter the reader will start to expect that marriage will play a key part in the chapters to come. It will also help us to understand society and how marriages were at the time of Jane Austen. This is interesting as a modern day audience may not be aware off the circumstances in those days.
In chapter nineteen Mr. Collins asks Mrs. Bennet and Kitty if he could talk with Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet is overjoyed when she hears this even though Elizabeth is reluctant and eventually realises that she should deal with the prospect. “It would be wisest to get it over as soon as possible.” This shows us that Elizabeth already knows what her answer will be to the proposal, we understand that she is a strong established character and wants love out of the marriage, she realises this aspect will not be given to her by Mr. Collins. He then outlines his motivation for proposing and promises never to bring up the fact that she brings little money to the marriage. “should be uniformly silent” and “ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married” This is not an effective way to propose to you “love” as it is upsetting and makes Elizabeth feel lower than she really is. The words “when we are married” suggests Collins is an extremely confident person as he believes Elizabeth will accept his proposal. All of his preparation and hard work comes to an end as Elizabeth rejects him, “imposable for me to do otherwise than decline them.” This shows us Elizabeth is a sensible person, she doesn’t want to inflict and pressure on herself. She realises money will not make her happy and is looking for love. Collins believes he still has a chance and that Elizabeth is just playing hard to get, and eventually with a bit of persuading from Mr and Mrs Bennet Elizabeth will come to terms and accept his offer.
In chapter nineteen there is a vivid sense of immediate pressure on Elizabeth, as her mother Mrs. Bennet is not being supportive, and wants her daughter to marry Mr. Collins. “Lizzy I insist on your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.” This suggests that Mrs. Bennet is scheming and forcing her to stay and accept. On the other hand we can also interpret this as Mrs. Bennet is only thinking for the wellbeing of her daughters, she is looking out for them in years to come, its always a prosperous thing to do. She does not see that her daughter is unenthusiastic and loathes to speak to him alone and as a result Elizabeth pleas for her mothers stay. “Dear mama, do not go.” The reader may now sympathise with Elizabeth because in our modern society it is very rare for an arrange marriage to occur.
Elizabeth finally agrees to hear Mr. Collins proposal. Even though Elizabeth knows what this will all come down to, she begins to listen to Mr. Collins lecture on why he wants to marry Elizabeth and not one her other sisters. “I singled you out as the companion of my future life.” The audience now may believe Mr. Collins does really genuinely love Elizabeth, but I think the proposal was rushed, he should have got to know some of Elizabeth likes and dislikes before jumping in at the deep end. He genuine love short lived and he begins to talk about himself and how the marriage is going to affect his wellbeing and status. He wants to marry Elizabeth so he looks good for society. “Right thing for a clergy man” to “Set an example of matrimony in his parish.” This suggest he is self concerned and doesn’t care about the other characters effects of the marriage. The word “example” shows he is trying to do what’s best for society and not what’s best for himself. Mr Collins does not genuinely love Elizabeth as he doesn’t state his love, it could be that he is shy but I very much doubt it because of the way he speaks and acts. His confidence that he displays is evident and Elizabeth is doing the right thing to decline his offer. I think this is key to an unsuccessful marriage and believe if the marriage was to commence it would break down and they would be stuck in the relationship for the rest of their lives. This was also the case with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s marriage, as they rushed into things too hurriedly not realising the after affects, that are displayed in a Varity of ways in the novel.
Mr. Collins then goes on to talk about how the marriage will “add very greatly to” his “happiness.” The reader will now assume that Mr Collins is an extremely selfish being. The word “my” indicates he is narcissistic as he is excessive is in love with himself. Mr. Collins I imagine would have been nervous proposing, but he is not making the experience any easier by talking about his “inheritance” and the “death” of Elizabeth’s father Mr. Bennet. This is not an effective way to propose to your “love” It is an insult and not a very warming statement. Elizabeth doesn’t know how to convey her ideas so Mr. Collins understands her emotions. “Express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one” This shows us that Mr. Collins is that proud he doesn’t think anyone would refuse his offer. This is shown in his words of disbelief.
In chapter thirty four, Elizabeth reads “all the letters Jane had written to her.” She is angry that Jane’s love life was ruined by Mr. Darcy himself as he persuaded his friend Mr. Bingley to move out and abandon Jane Elizabeth‘s oldest sister. Elizabeth did “as much as possible” to “exasperate” against Mr. Darcy. The word “exasperate” suggest she is clearly angry and frustrated with him. I believe this is the main turning point in the novel, as the plot begins to develop the reader gets a sense of tension which is near to come. Elizabeth is furious with him and suddenly visited by an unexpected guest called Mr. Darcy. For the duration of the visit he astonishes her by declaring his love for her, and that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Mr. Darcy who I admire has fought against his feelings because of her family’s status, “liked” her “against” his “will.” The reader may begin to feel sympathy for Darcy as the proposal was not conceived at the correct time. Elizabeth resentment and anger towards poor Mr. Darcy could have had a dramatic affect on her decision. Elizabeth acknowledges the fact that Mr. Darcy has driven Mr Bingley away from her sister Jane. Mr. Darcy then goes on to propose to Elizabeth but she is in a state of remorse and declines the offer. The reader may commence to think that Elizabeth is a superior character as she is not selfish and has put her sister as the main priority. From this we get a sense that Elizabeth is one of the stronger characters and knows what she wants from life.
Mr. Darcy walks “into the room. In an hurried manner” This shows the reader that Darcy is clearly agitated and is been put into a situation past his comfort zone. It is evident that he feels as though he is vulnerable and will be easy to manipulate and upset. The words “hurried manner” suggests that he wants the time to pass quickly. I believe Mr. Darcy is panicking and has put himself in a pressurised state. With all Mr. Darcy’s effort Elizabeth, however does not accept, stating that he should be “ashamed” of that speech as well as his “treatment” of “Jane” and “Wickham”. Darcy freely admits to his separation of Jane and Bingley and his dislike for Wickham. He cannot understand why Elizabeth would hold these accusations instead of forgiving him and that she is being prideful about his speech against the inferiority of her family. She not only refuses but assures him that he could not have said anything to make her accept his proposal. “You could not have made me the offer” in “ any other way that would have tempted me to accept.” The reader gets a sense that Elizabeth is breaking Darcy down slowly and this has a direct affect on his behaviour and actions. “You have said quite enough, madam” he is visibly distraught and doesn’t know how to act and “with these words hastily left the room.” Mr Darcy both enters the room agitated and leaves the room tensely. Mr. Darcy is upset about the decision and feels as if he has lost everything. He has been humbled and it is apparent that he has genuine love for her.
Vivid anxiety is shown by the fact that Darcy’s love is equal to the influence of Elizabeth’ hate. This is an interesting concept and the reader may get a sense of Elizabeth’s prejudice as she responds to Darcy in an angry tone. “But I cannot- I have never desired your good opinion.” This suggest that she has “never” like him, probably because of the accusation about the poor treatment to Wickham. “ what can you have to say” about “Mr. Wickham” Elizabeth not knowing is prejudging Mr. Darcy, because she has not heard Darcy’s side of the story and doesn’t know what’s right from the wrong which she speaks so enthusiastically about. Mr. Darcy states his love for Elizabeth, but is so proud that he is compelled to criticize her family while doing so.
The novel mainly focuses on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, the opinions of him are mostly negative. Elizabeth is a character who openly prejudice against him. In chapter thirty four it is noticeable that Pride and Prejudice are two topics that are continually presented in a number of ways during the period of chapter thirty four. It shows us the reader how hard and painful love really is. It come to terms with reality and displays a constant theme that everyone is not perfect. Even though Darcy is not the best of men he has attributes that another man might not have for example honesty. This is also the case with Elizabeth, the reader may feel she is a rude women as she talks with no manners when she speaks to particular characters such as Mr. Collins and Darcy. She also prejudges others and doesn’t take in accountant ones thoughts. She realises on rumours and knowledge past around to make her descision. The novel mainly focuses on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, the opinions of him are mostly negative. Elizabeth is a character who openly prejudice against him. It is a critical turning point in the novel when Mr. Darcy unexpectedly declares his love for Elizabeth. However, at this point Elizabeth’s feelings are further away from loving him. It is not surprising that Mr. Darcy is rejected. Elizabeth has long believed that Mr. Darcy is of the complete opposite nature, but in fact, she was only blinded by the wrongful first impression she had of him.
In chapter fifty eight Elizabeth is presented with another proposal however not like before accepts Mr. Darcy’s offer. This chapter demonstrates two fine lovers finally reaching their peek, they have been through rough patches but they have just bounced back even more stronger. In the chapter Darcy had told Mr. Bingley to marry Elizabeth sister Jane. This is an interesting thought because this could in fact have a great affect on Elizabeth’s descision to the proposal. She is greatly thankful for Mr. Darcy’s invoice to Mr. Bingley. “ thanking you for your” kindness to her “poor sister.” Some may say that Elizabeth refusal in chapter thirty four was initially because Mr. Darcy had driven Mr. Bingley away from Jane. Now that Darcy has corrected his ways Elizabeth feels it is her duty to accept his proposal. This would make Elizabeth a considerate character as she is putting her sisters happiness before hers. The reader may feel that Mr. Darcy realised that if he corrected his ways Elizabeth would accept his proposal, making Mr. Darcy a selfish man the opposite to Elizabeth who is a generous person. This could also be interpreted in several other ways, some may say he is just doing what a friend would do he did not see the circumstances and rushed into things. Now he has realised his flaw and corrected it.
Both Darcy and Elizabeth are a match made in heaven. They both feel the same for each other, their families approve of it and there is nothing stopping them from loving each other. Elizabeth is a desperate character at the end of the novel. She demonstrates this in several ways this includes the way she speaks and acts. I believe she is desperate because now that she is in love with Darcy she is on the back foot and doesn’t know if he still loves her. She “forced herself to speak” this is the only time in the novel where we can vividly see that Elizabeth is nervous as she can not get her words out. This shows the reader that love plays with our emotions and tend to have a feeling of uncontrollable “awkwardness.” Elizabeth and Darcy both do not know how to act and what to do as they “walked on, without knowing in what direction.” They are both lost in a trail of love.
In chapter fifty eight of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ the marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth is inevitable and a great example of a successful marriage. There love has been established not by appearances, but by progressive development involving the two people as they get to know one another better. In the beginning, Elizabeth and Darcy were distant from one another because of their pride and prejudice. The ongoing events not only gave them an experience but also provided them the opportunity to understand each other. I believe this will lead them to a peaceful and eternal marriage. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy reveals the importance of getting to know the partners before marriage. This is an interesting perception because it demonstrates true love. Jane Austen has presented these ideas in various ways. The marriage of Jane and Bingley was reliant on love at first sight, which I do not believe can never occur.
Love and marriage are significant issues in ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Jane Austen understood that the perfect relationship existed between two people who respected and treasured one another. At first, Elizabeth and Darcy do not appreciate each other, they both believe they are better than one another. Darcy is wealthy but the Bennet’s are of a lower social class. This creates views and tension of pride and prejudice. These have to be concentrated before the two of them can be merged at the end of the novel. Furthermore Jane Austen shows us the reader relationships that do not work out. Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins marry for convenient reasons whereas Lydia and Wickham are physically attracted to one another. Mr. Bennet makes fun of his poor wife and neglects his duties by retreating into his office. We presume that Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane and Bingley will be content because they have chosen their companion wisely. Jane Austen shows us that, in the nineteenth century, it was vital for a women who had little or no money to marry a wealthy man. However, also show the reader that there must always be love in order for the relationship to work. The definition of love is an important factor to consider in a relationship to money, for it appears many types in the novel. The main distinction is between false love for material purposes as in Charlotte and Mr Collins case, or love appearing genuine, existing despite social difficulties, in Darcy and Elizabeth marriage. Money and power are the main motives for marriage without real affection.