In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
utilizes Elizabeth Bennet’s journey to marry for love, as a vehicle to convey
her own beliefs and values. The institution of marriage is depicted through a variety
of attitudes. However, during the nineteenth century, marriage to many women
meant social status and financial security, not love, which makes Austen’s view
radical for her time. During this period, women were considered property of
their husbands. Thus, Austen writes the novel, originally titled First Impression, in a satirical tone to
criticize the mercenary nature of nineteenth century society. Through her
illustration of Elizabeth’ quest for marriage, Jane Austen effectively reveals
that although matrimonial harmony can be swayed by social power and money, love
is undoubtedly the primary principle of marriage.
Characteristic
to nineteenth century society, Mr. Collins’ high social power causes him to
assume that his proposal to Elizabeth will result in approval. However, Elizabeth
differs substantially from society.
Austen ironically illustrates
how the tempting effects of wealth can oscillate the potential for a successful
marriage. Indeed, Darcy and Elizabeth’s first encounter at the Meryton Assembly
successfully exemplifies this idea. Blinded by his hubristic nature and
arrogance due to his wealth, Darcy completely dismisses the possibility of a
relationship with Elizabeth, a women with less fortune. “She is tolerable; but
not handsome enough to tempt me (Austen 9). Clearly, Darcy’s evident pride Austen ironically demonstrates how their
prejudice thwarted any chance of marriage between them.
