Essay on Theme of Marriage in Pride and Prejudice

How is marriage presented in Pride and Prejudice? Marriage is an important theme in the novel ‘‘Pride and Prejudice’’ by Jane Austin and it is portrayed in many different ways. Even the very first line displays this theme, as it says ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife,’ which is said by the narrator. This is a clever opening as it brings you straight into the main theme of marriage, while also introducing the subtle theme of satire. The irony of the line is that the truth, and the plot of the book, turns out to be a complete reversal of this phrase, with the point being that it is a single woman of little fortune who must be in want of a husband,†¦show more content†¦That is the way Austin intended it to be when she wrote the book, and everything in the book is calculated to make you sympathise with her. Elizabeth always makes clear observations and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, like when she say ‘I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person,’ to Jane. She has decided that she approves of Mr Bingley so her sister is allowed to like him, and she has judged many men before him that she has considered stupider. Elizabeth’s mother, Mrs Bennet, believes that marriage is purely for convenience as is shown in the quote ‘When a woman has five grown up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty.’ This shows that she is obsessed with getting her daughters married to rich or important men, without regard for their feelings. She is a complete opposite to Elizabeth, who believes that when you marry it should be for love, and with mutual respect, understanding and independence. She is also the opposite to her friend Charlotte Lucas who believes that ‘Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.’ Austin uses this, along with Mrs Bennet’s views, to show the most common point of view at the time while creating a parody of not just marriage but the whole class structure. When Mr Collins proposes to Elizabeth she refuses, saying ‘I am veryShow MoreRelatedThe Theme Of Love And Marriage In Pride And Prejudice1000 Words   |  4 PagesIn Jane Austen’s â€Å"Pride and Prejudice†, one of the major themes is love and marriage. Elizabeth is portrayed as a movement towards women’s rights and what is wrong with society and their views of women as material possessions or collateral. Jane Austen seems to do this in a satirical way by bringing light to these issues in a comical romance, hidden in the humor. 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