Themes: Personal Desire and Marital Happiness
Marriage is a central goal of almost every character in Pride and Prejudice even though their approaches to marriage often differ. Over the course of the novel, four different couples marry. Austen uses these couples to highlight the outcomes of several different approaches to marriage:
- For Elizabeth and Darcy or Bingley and Jane, happiness is achieved for everyone involved.
- For Charlotte Lucas, contentment is achieved through compromise.
- For Lydia and Wickham, their elopement reads as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of neglecting duty and selfishly pursuing personal satisfaction.
As Mr. Bennet’s favorite daughter, Elizabeth has been encouraged to pursue her own happiness. Although she faces poverty and homelessness if she does not marry well, Elizabeth still hopes for a marriage based on love. Because of this, she puts both her own future and those of her mother and sisters at risk by rejecting Mr. Collins. However, Elizabeth’s commitment to her own happiness ultimately allows her to make a good marriage to Mr. Darcy. Darcy remarks that it is the “liveliness” of her mind that initially attracted him, and his reformed behavior is largely credited to her criticism of him. Austen uses Elizabeth to emphasize the importance of a marriage founded on mutual respect and attraction.
Elizabeth’s desire for marital happiness contrasts with Charlotte Lucas’s blunt practicality and her values of comfort and duty. By marrying Mr. Collins, Charlotte secures financial stability, if not marital bliss. Though Elizabeth judges Charlotte harshly for her decision, Charlotte does not seem unhappy. She doesn't love Mr. Collins, but she knows how to redirect his pompousness and is content to be his wife. Unlike Elizabeth, Charlotte’s happiness comes from knowing that she will have a stable living and a manageable home. Though Austen is critical of the idea of marriage as a financial transaction, Charlotte stands as an example of a woman who did what she felt was necessary and made the best of it.
Lydia Bennet takes an entirely different approach to marriage. Her radical exercise of personal autonomy nearly results in social ruin. Rather than carefully considering the consequences of her actions, Lydia impulsively elopes with Wickham. If not for Darcy’s intervention, she likely would have ended up impoverished and alone. Her marriage is ultimately unhappy, highlighting the limitations of love and attraction in a world ruled by wealth and status. However, beyond the personal ramifications of her choice, she also brought shame on her family. Had Darcy not forced Lydia and Wickham to marry, the other Bennet daughters would have become even less marriageable. Lydia demonstrates how selfishly pursuing personal satisfaction has dire consequences. Though Elizabeth risks her family’s future by rejecting Mr. Collins, she does not wholly disregard her reputation and responsibilities as Lydia does.
Expert Q&A
Why does Elizabeth marry Darcy in Pride and Prejudice?
Elizabeth marries Darcy in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice because she loves him. She will not marry for money or security as her friend Charlotte does. Elizabeth rejects Darcy's first proposal, but her view of Darcy begins to change when she visits Pemberley, noting its beauty, his loving relationship with Georgiana, and his housekeeper's admiration. When Darcy saves Lydia and convinces Bingley to marry Jane, Elizabeth loves him.
What does Charlotte's view on marriage as a "matter of chance" reveal about her?
Charlotte's view on marriage as a "matter of chance" reveals her pragmatic and realistic nature. Unlike Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte does not prioritize love in marriage, instead valuing security and social status. Her decision to marry Mr. Collins, despite lacking affection, reflects her understanding of the limited options available to women in 19th century England. Charlotte is content with a comfortable home and a stable status, demonstrating a rational approach to marriage.
What is the final message of Pride and Prejudice and the significance of the final pairings?
The final message of Pride and Prejudice is that love transcends social class and appearances, as demonstrated by the happy unions of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley. Jane Austen emphasizes that true love should be the foundation of marriage, defying societal norms of 18th-century England. Characters overcome personal flaws and prejudices, illustrating that genuine understanding and acceptance are crucial in relationships.
Is the ending of Pride and Prejudice a happy one? Comment on it.
The ending of Pride and Prejudice is generally considered a happy one. Elizabeth and Jane marry men they love and respect, ensuring the Bennet family's financial security. Elizabeth's growth in self-awareness and understanding is highlighted, particularly in her interactions with Lady Catherine and Darcy. Although Lydia and Wickham's relationship is less successful, Elizabeth and Darcy's mutual transformation from pride and prejudice to love provides a satisfying resolution.
How does the title of Pride and Prejudice relate to Darcy's proposal to Elizabeth?
The title Pride and Prejudice relates to Darcy's proposal to Elizabeth through its exploration of Darcy's pride and Elizabeth's prejudice. Darcy's proposal reveals his pride in his own social standing and his view of the Bennet family's inferiority. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's prejudiced judgment of Darcy, influenced by his initial snub and negative reports from Wickham, blinds her to his true character. As the story unfolds, Elizabeth recognizes her own biases and misjudgments.
Analyze this quote from Pride and Prejudice: "He is also handsome," replied Elizabeth, "which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete."
In this quote, Elizabeth Bennet humorously comments on Mr. Bingley's qualities, responding to her sister Jane's admiration. Elizabeth's playful remark that his handsomeness "completes" his character pokes fun at societal expectations and Jane's enthusiasm. This reflects Elizabeth's wit and skepticism about first impressions, a central theme in Pride and Prejudice. Her jest suggests caution in judging Mr. Bingley solely on appearance and initial impressions.
Compare and contrast male and female attitudes towards marriage in Pride and Prejudice.
In Pride and Prejudice, why is Elizabeth and Darcy's marriage exemplary?
Elizabeth and Darcy's marriage is exemplary because it combines financial stability, mutual respect, and personal freedom, unlike other relationships in Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth maintains her independence and liveliness, enhancing their bond. In contrast, Lydia and Wickham's marriage is dysfunctional and chaotic, while Jane and Bingley's relationship, though happy, lacks the depth and assurance of Elizabeth and Darcy's marriage. Elizabeth and Darcy's union represents an ideal balance of love, respect, and security.
How is life portrayed as a matrimonial game in Pride and Prejudice?
In Pride and Prejudice, life is portrayed as a "matrimonial game" where marriage is a strategic necessity, especially for women. Mrs. Bennet exemplifies this by obsessively seeking wealthy suitors for her daughters to secure their futures, given the entailment of their estate to Mr. Collins. Characters like Charlotte and Elizabeth navigate this "game" differently, balancing social expectations with personal desires. The novel highlights the tension between marrying for love and economic stability, a common theme in Austen's time.
How does Jane Austen explore personal autonomy in Pride and Prejudice?
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