• Love and marriage are the dominant issues focused in ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Elaborate. [NU. 2018] /the theme of love and marriage. [NU.2016]

Or,

Money and marriage are the chief concerns of the society depicted in Pride and Prejudice. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Or,

What is Jane Austen's attitude to marriage and love in Pride and Prejudice?

Or,

Write a note on Jane Austen's treatment of marriage in Pride and Prejudice.

Or,

Comment on the theme of love and marriage as treated in Pride and Prejudice.

Or,

Describe the picture of contemporary life depicted in Pride and Prejudice?


Ans. "It is universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." This opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice introduces the theme of the novel which is courtship and marriage. The main theme of the novel is the problem of marriage and the selection of partners. 


The kind of marriage Jane Austen deals with in Pride and Prejudice is based on money. Mr. Collins was fortunate enough to get the living of Hansford under the patronage of Lady Catherine. Having now a very good house and very sufficient income, he intends to marry. But his choice of marriage shifts first from Jane to Elizabeth, and then from Elizabeth to Charlotte. Thus he is not a sensible man. Similarly, Charlotte Lucas does not think of love. She accepts Mr. Collins under economic pressure, with full awareness that she is going to marry an ass. In this marriage, Jane Austen shows how women had to marry undesirable mates in order to gain some financial security in her time.


The next to be married are Wickham and Lydia. Lydia is captivated by Wickham's external glamour and charm. Wickham had no intentions to marry Lydia in the beginning. He had many debts. It was not possible for him to pay off his debts. He wanted to escape from paying the loan and to make his good fortune through marriage. When Darcy agrees to pay off his debts, he consents to marry Lydia. 

Thus Lydia-Wickham marriage is based on infatuation on the side of Lydia, and economic pressure on the side of Wickham. 


The marriage of Jane and Bingley is based on good foundation. Jane and Bingley are of course sincerely in love with each other. They are sweet and gentle. Both of them are free from malice and ill-will. Above all, both of them are easy going, unsuspecting, undemanding and willing to forgive readily. But it is true that Bingley's social status also influenced Jane to wed Mr. Bingley.


Elizabeth and Darcy marriage last. The novel centres round Darcy's pride and Elizabeth's prejudice. Darcy is a rich and handsome man. He is proud of his high social status. He looks upon the middle class and lower class as being beneath his notice. For this reason Elizabeth became prejudiced against him. At last Elizabeth accepted Darcy's proposal when she realized her misunderstanding and knew Darcy's real character. No doubt they loved each other deeply, but Darcy's ownership of money and property also contributed to her love. 


Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are different in nature. Mr. Bennet is sharp and witty. Mrs. Bennet is vulgar and indiscreet. Together they constitute a very ill-matched couple. When the story begins, they have been married for twenty three years. It is not hard to imagine that the two have never enjoyed marital bliss. The disadvantages of such unsuitable marriage also affect the daughters.


Thus Jane Austen successfully deals with the important aspects of social life: money and marriage. Both of them are related to each other. One influences the other greatly. These aspects of social life are equally important even today.