Research Paper - A.Patterson
.pdf
School
Coral Shores High School**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
ENGLISH 123
Subject
Computer Science
Date
Dec 19, 2024
Pages
5
Uploaded by ProfessorSandpiperMaster1146
Ava PattersonB.GowlandAP Lit + Comp15 December 2024Jane Austen is one of the most popular female writers even today, although literature is nolonger viewed as exclusively a male pursuit. Austen spent her entire life in the Englishcountryside, belonged to the middle class, remained unmarried, and was a prolific writer. One ofher most outstanding novels is *Pride and Prejudice*. Many readers perceive this novel as awitty and romantic love story; however, a closer reading reveals that *Pride and Prejudice*serves as a critical examination of marriage and premarital practices among middle-class peoplein England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.Austen presents various attitudes towards marriage and relationships in her book to critique andanalyze the institution of marriage and its implications for women. It is important to note thatAusten does not neglect or criticize women for their desire to marry. The central narrative of thenovel focuses on the love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, suggestingthat Austen recognizes the importance of marriage rooted in mutual affection.To understand the novel more deeply, it helps to remember that it was published in 1813, a timewhen discussions about women’s emancipation and rights were virtually nonexistent (Mullan).The English middle class was a society dominated by men, who had access to education,inheritance, social mobility, and the freedom to travel. Women, on the other hand, were largelyconfined to the domestic sphere, with their opportunities for changing their social status andfinancial circumstances primarily linked to men—first through their fathers and later through
their husbands (David 100). Consequently, marriage was often the only avenue for women toimprove their lives and social standing.This situation is not only reflected in Austen’s works but is also characteristic of many prominentEnglish novels of the era, which portrayed women as mere objects or accessories that help menachieve stability, comfort, and parenthood, all while lacking rights or freedoms to pursue theirown lives. Thus, Austen’s female characters often find that their only option for personalfulfillment is marriage, which men sometimes view merely as an acquisition to attain afterreaching a certain age and status.In *Pride and Prejudice*, Austen depicts four couples with differing types of relationships, allculminating in marriage. As a masterful novelist, she convincingly portrays each character asrepresentative of specific societal views on marriage, reflecting perspectives that remain relevanteven today.The couple of Mr. William Collins and Charlotte Lucas represent a pragmatic view of marriage.They argue that marriage is not solely about love and happiness but rather about “market”relationships and the work required within a union. Charlotte states, “I am not romantic, youknow. I never was. I ask only for a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’ character,connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chances of happiness with him are asfair as most people suggest” (Austen). This quote illustrates that Charlotte understands the sociallimitations imposed on women and deliberately chooses to accept the role of wife and mother asa means to secure her own home and improve her social standing. This pragmatic approach tomarriage has been prevalent throughout history, as parents often select partners for their children
based on economic and social considerations (Mullan). Although Elizabeth feels sadness for herfriend’s fate, knowing that Mr. Collins is a tedious and miserable person, she recognizes therationality behind such relationships.In contrast, Lydia and Wickham marry merely to escape shame. Wickham, burdened with debts,accepts Lydia's hand in marriage partly because her family agrees to pay him off, allowing himto rebuild his tarnished reputation. Lydia’s marriage was also driven by the need to address thedisgrace stemming from her premarital sexual relations. This situation emphasizes Mrs. Bennet'sdesperation to marry off her daughters, driven by the fear of poverty and instability. Because thedaughters cannot inherit the family home, Mrs. Bennet obsessively dreams of their weddings,focusing solely on this goal. Her approach is often crude and selfish, disregarding her daughters'wishes and social etiquette. Lydia’s frivolous behavior can be partly attributed to the influence ofa mother who prioritizes marriage above all else. While Austen depicts Mrs. Bennet as somewhatpathetic, she does not express disdain or hatred for her. Instead, Austen acknowledges thesocietal context and the plight of women, understanding the intentions of the family matriarch.The analysis of two couples, Jane and Bingley as well as Darcy and Elizabeth, reveals that bothmarriages are driven by a shared sense of attraction and love. However, Jane and Bingley's unionoccurs somewhat by chance; both characters are uncomplicated individuals who passively followthe wishes of others. As a result, Bingley initially abandons his desire to marry Jane due toexternal influences, but he ultimately returns to his intentions under Darcy's guidance. Thiscouple perceives marriage primarily as a means to achieve a happy life, without any significantconsideration or critical analysis.
In contrast, Darcy and Elizabeth are the novel's central couple, and their relationship provides themost dynamic part of the plot. Their story sheds light on not only the issues surroundingmarriage but also on the central themes of pride and prejudice. There is a tradition of drawingparallels between Austen and Elizabeth (Johnson 213) because both women believed in marryingfor love as a means to understand the nature and societal implications of marriage.Austen depicts the world as she knows it. The focus of women's lives during her time revolvedaround marriage, so she does not criticize them for their aspirations to wed. Nonetheless, Austenquestions the institution of marriage itself and critiques a society that views women merely asmothers and guardians of the home. In the 2005 film adaptation of *Pride and Prejudice*,directed by Joe Wright, the striking disparity becomes apparent as young, capable women feelcompelled to bind their lives to men who do not truly value them.The main message of the novel is a critique of obligatory marriage and the absence ofalternatives for women, even as Austen recognizes and endorses marriages founded on love.Ultimately, *Pride and Prejudice* is a tale of a loving marriage set against the backdrop of othercouples whose unions result from societal pressure, lack of critical thought, or a desire to escapeexpectations for a new status. Austen does not condemn the women of her era for their obsessionwith marriage; instead, she understands the context of their desires and the consequencesassociated with defying societal norms. Therefore, *Pride and Prejudice* can be interpreted as acritical and ironic commentary on the institution of marriage in England during the late 18th andearly 19th centuries.
WORKS CITEDAusten, Jane. “Pride And Prejudice.” The Project Gutenberg, 2016,https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1342/1342-h/1342-h.htm.Mullan, John. “Courtship, Love And Marriage In Jane Austen’s Novels.” The BritishLibrary, 2017,https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/courtship-love-and-marriage-in-jane-austens-novels.David, Deirdre. The Cambridge Companion To The Victorian Novel. 1st ed.,Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.Johnson, Claudia L, and Clara Tuite. A Companion To Jane Austen. 1st ed.,Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell (An Imprint Of John Wiley & Sons Ltd), 2012.