In Austen’s time; in the late 18th and early 19th century, the main objective of marriage was based on financial stability. Marriage was an honorable provision which could save women from the dependency of spinsterhood. Austen was against the kind of marriage which was solely based on some financial gain and not on love. She spent her life alone and remained a spinster because she thought that marriage should be based solely based on love rather than financial gain.
Marriage as the main theme in Pride and Prejudice
There are a series of marriages in this novel, some marriages are based on financial gain, some on love and understanding, and some on superficial qualities. Through these series of marriages, Austen wants to convey this moral message that marriage is supposed to be based on love and understanding.
Types of Marriages in Pride and Prejudice
There are three types of marriages in this novel. Firstly, the marriage between Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas is an example of marriage based on financial gain and stability in Pride and Prejudice. Charlotte marries Mr. Collins even though she knows that it may hurt Elizabeth because she knows that this is the only way through which she can gain economic stability.
There are three types of marriages in this novel. Firstly, the marriage between Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas is an example of marriage based on financial gain and stability in Pride and Prejudice. Charlotte marries Mr. Collins even though she knows that it may hurt Elizabeth because she knows that this is the only way through which she can gain economic stability.
Secondly, the marriage between Lydia and Wickham is a marriage based on superficial qualities that end in mutual forbearance. Though Lydia loves Wickham their marriage is a disaster because a marriage should be based on mutual understanding. Another example of a superficial marriage is that between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet as said in the novel was “captivated by youth and beauty” of Mrs. Bennet but because of the impulsive behavior of his wife he had long lost real affection for her.
Thirdly, the marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth and Jane and Bingley is based on mutual love and understanding. At first, Darcy and Elizabeth were distant due to their pride and prejudice towards each other but soon understood each other after a series of events which they experienced together. Elizabeth was prejudiced towards Darcy because he had mortified her pride and thought him to be rude and unreasonable but after receiving his letters all her bias disappeared.
Marriage and Classism in Pride and Prejudice
In this novel, the lines of classism often overlap with the lines of marriage. Even from the start of the novel, it is shown that how Mrs. Bennet tries to find a wealthy suitor for her daughter and persuades Mr. Bennet to arrange a meeting with Mr. Bingley. She is even convinced that how Lydia marries Wickham. Similarly, Lady Catherine wants her daughter Ann de Bourgh to marry Darcy as they are of the same class i.e marriage at that time among the wealthy was viewed as a kind of “ Financial merger”.
Conclusion:
In Austen’s point of view, marriage should be based solely on mutual love and understanding and not on any other thing. Though she admits the importance of money and financial stability that should not be the only reason for marriage.
Contributed by, Syeda Areeba Fatima
