Rough Essay

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.