theme of money and marriage in pride and prejudice

 

theme of money and marriage in pride and prejudice 

Theme of money and marriage in Pride and Prejudice

''Pride and Prejudice" is one of Jane Austen's most popular novels. Money and marriage are two of the most essential themes in "Pride and Prejudice." In Jane Austen's time, marriage was a major social issue. And she was well aware of the drawbacks of remaining single. 

 Jane Austen defines good and bad positive and negative motives for marriage through five marriages. The four newlyweds are Charlotte Collins, Lydia Wickham, Jane Bingley, and Elizabeth Darcy. Mrs. and Mr. Bennet's marriage is an old one.

In their inherent attitudes, Mrs. and Mr. Bennet are diametrically opposed. Mr. Bennet is a bright and intelligent character. Mrs. Bennet is both obnoxious and demure. They make an abysmal couple when they get together. "Her father, captivated by youth and beauty….had married a woman …. all real affection for her."

Mr. Bennet married for the sake of his appearance. Mrs. Bennet would not make an ideal wife for him because of her intellectual bankruptcy and narrow worldview.

Mrs. and Mr. Bennet never experienced the emotional and intellectual delight of marital happiness. The chasm between them had become much wider. Mr. Bennet becomes slacker and careless, with a strange blend of 'sarcastic humour, and caprice.' He makes fun of Mrs. Bennet and exposes her to their five daughters' derision. Elizabeth and Jane almost become who they are. Mary develops a conceited personality. Lydia develops into a ruthless and deceptive flirt who falls for a ruthless and corrupt rake. Kitty, who is foolish and weak-willed, follows Lydia's lead and flirts with military officers.

The first couple to marry is Charlotte and Collins. Collins hopes to marry after acquiring a nice home and a comfortable income. He pays a visit to the Bennets in order to choose a wife from among the Bennets' daughters. He sets out in detail his reasons for marriage:

"First…. it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly…. it will add greatly to my happiness, and thirdly…. that is particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom l have the honour of calling patroness"

Mr. Collins has no regard or devotion for the woman he intends to marry. As a result, Elizabeth says no to the proposition. Collins smiles as he looks across to Charlotte, who is eager to accept his proposal. 

Charlotte does not consider love. Under duress, she accepts Mr. Collins, despite the fact that she is about to marry an ass. Charlotte's engagement astounded Elizabeth. Charlotte defends herself by saying:

"I am not romantic …..I ask only a comfortable home"

Wickham and Lydia are the next couple to marry. Before they marry, they elope. Once again, there is a lack of compatibility and understanding. Lydia is enthralled by Wickham's personality's superficial glitz. She believes she is in love with him, but she is merely enamored with him. "They were always moving from place to place ……His affection for her soon sunk …… hers lasted a little longer."

Jane and Bingley have a genuine love for one another. There is a lot of emotional compatibility between them. By nature, both are sweet and gentle, free from hate,  affection and duplicity, unsuspecting, calm, simple and willing to forgive readily. There is every likelihood that they will lead a happy married life.

 Even so, their marriage remains shaky. Despite his intense affection for Jane, Bingley is too weak-willed to take any action. Their temperamental concord is weakened by a lack of intellectual development and comprehension.

"...… Bingley is too good ……. Jane is too good not to forgive even any offense."

Last but not least, Elizabeth marries the man she most desires. Darcy knew he'd get a positive response when he made his initial proposal. He pretended to be presenting a gift that no sane woman could refuse.

All of the other characters think Darcy is a prize and Elizabeth is falling for his money. Elizabeth rejects his proposal the first time, but accepts it a second time. Elizabeth and Darcy start with prejudice and work their way up to understanding. Elizabeth assists Darcy in letting go of his pride and becoming a true gentleman. Darcy, for his part, acts honourably and generously in order to win her heart. Mutual affection and respect evolved between them, laying the foundation for a successful marriage.

Elizabeth must demonstrate her respect and love  for Darcy. In a marital union, love and respect are most important, and Elizabeth does not make any false statement when she says half-jokingly:

"It is settled between ……. the happiest couple in the world."

Thus it is true that Jane Austen's heroines' chief preoccupation is getting married. Marriage, on the other hand, is not viewed solely as a passionate conclusion. Rather, it is treated with a great lot of diversity and seriousness in order to emphasise the importance of a "good" marriage based on love, common sense, mutual understanding and respect.