From the start of Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, her readers are introduced to the marriage theme. Mrs Bennet, the mother of five daughters, is obsessed by getting them married to suitable men. Whilst this may seem odd to modern readers it was perfectly understandable in the nineteenth century context of this book. When Mr Bennet died their family home was entailed to the nearest male relative so unless the girls married they might all become homeless. For this reason Mrs Bennet asks her husband to visit Mr Bingley, a wealthy gentleman, who has just rented Netherfield Park because she hopes that Bingley might wish to marry one of her daughters.
Mr and Mrs Bennet
Ironically, Mr and Mrs Bennet, in Pride and Prejudice, do not present an ideal model of marriage. They seem to be very mismatched. Their initial attraction was probably physical but this has faded. Mr Bennet is not as interested in marriage schemes as his wife appears to be. He makes fun of her and often shuts himself away in his study. He is close to his daughter Elizabeth, the heroine of the novel, whilst his wife prefers their younger daughter, Lydia, who has inherited many of Mrs Bennet’s characteristics.
Mr Bingley and Jane
Mr Bingley does eventually marry Jane, the Bennet's eldest daughter. Jane and Bingley are attracted to each other from their first meeting and their relationship is used to contrast the more complex relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. Jane and Bingley are both sweet natured and optimistic. They tend to see the best in everybody they meet. Elizabeth is more perceptive than her sister but she is also more inclined to show prejudice.
Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins
Austen also uses the character of Charlotte Lucas, in Pride and Prejudice, to contrast Elizabeth’s views of marriage. Whilst Elizabeth only wishes to marry for love, Charlotte is more practical. Modern readers may find it difficult to understand why Charlotte accepts the proposal of the foolish clergyman, Mr Collins. Collins is pompous and obsequious and he is only marrying because his patroness, Lady Catherine, has told him to do so. He is used by Austen to develop her marriage theme.
Collins visits the Bennet family in order to find himself a suitable wife. First, he proposes to Elizabeth but she refuses him. Her mother is horrified by this refusal but her father is pleased. Once again this shows the mismatch between the Bennet parents. When Elizabeth refuses Collins he quickly shifts his attentions to Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte represents the accepted nineteenth century views on marriage as she accepts Mr Collins in order to gain financial security. She states: “happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” Once she is married she arranges her life so that she does not have to spend too much time with Collins. Elizabeth comes to admire the way that Charlotte has arranged her new life.
Lydia and Wickham
The most dubious marriage in the book is the one between Lydia and Wickham. This couple elope without thinking of the consequences. At that time, it was considered disgraceful to live with a man without being married to him first. Lydia’s rash actions could have plunged her whole family into disrepute but she is enchanted by Wickham’s charm and good looks. Luckily Darcy intervenes in order to compel Wickham to marry her. He does this for the sake of her sister, Elizabeth, even though he has plenty of reasons to dislike Wickham.
Elizabeth and Darcy
The marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth is only achieved after both characters undergo a process of change. Darcy has to overcome his pride and Elizabeth needs to conquer her prejudice about him. Darcy is a very rich man, who is probably used to flirtatious, eager women, like Miss Bingley. Elizabeth surprises him because she is willing to challenge and stand up to him. Their verbal exchanges show Elizabeth’s dazzling wit and his appreciation of her intelligence. Darcy is also captivated by Elizabeth’s beautiful eyes. However, it takes Elizabeth time to realise that Wickham is not as charming as he seems and that Darcy has hidden depths. She refuses Darcy’s first proposal because her process of realisation is not yet complete. Later, after she has witnessed his true nature, she changes her mind. Their marriage is presented in a positive light because they have had to work hard to achieve it.
Through all of these marriages Jane Austen encourages her readers to reflect upon the marriage theme. Nineteenth century readers might question whether the traditional views of Charlotte Lucas and Mrs Bennet could be challenged by the more modern perspective presented by Elizabeth.
Susannah White - Susannah White lives in Gloucestershire, England where she works in education. She has an M.A degree in Writing For ...
Join the Conversation