The Theme of Marriage in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

The Theme of Marriage in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Marriage has been one of the main themes portrayed in Jane Austen's

novel of 'Pride and Prejudice.' The author skilfully discusses,

through most of her characters about the general views on marriage,

the usual outcomes of marriage and most of the general problems the

low class people are facing in marriage. There are four marriages in

the novel and each of them differs in the way they are set out. The

author speaks about marriage right in the first sentence of the first

chapter emphasizing the importance she has given to the theme of

marriage in her novel. She says that "it is a truth universally

acknowledged, that a single main in possession of a good fortune must

be in want of a wife," an aphorism that offers an ironic statement of

the theme of marriage (and more themes) of the novel. The topics of

marriage (and money) are introduced in relation to 'truth' who should

acknowledge it. The aphorism states that money is one of the

favourable factors for marriage and a warning is made about the

uncertainties of marriage. Different ideas about marriage are

discussed through many characters.

Mrs. Bennet is portrayed as a woman who desperately wants her five

daughters to be married for her ambition is to see 'her daughters

married.' Her character is defined as 'mean understanding, little

information, and uncertain temper' and moreover' her mind was less

difficult to develop.' She never really cares about whether her

daughters will be happy in their married life or not, but just wants

them to get married, representing a typical mother of five poor and

low class daughters whose ...

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... deep feelings towards her and evidently promises the reader that his

matrimony with Lizzy will be as happy and smooth as he has wished.

The novel starts with conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet about

Mr. Bingley marrying one of their daughters and ends with the marriage

of Elizabeth and Darcy. The theme of marriage lies in the heart of the

novel. The author distinguishes between successful and unsuccessful

marriages through different marriages mentioned in the novel. Jane

Austen clearly explains the role of money and social connections

affecting the socially inferior class marriages. She also clearly

reveals the husband hunting women at the seventeenth century as being

foolish. Austen says that to make a marriage successful understanding

between the couple is very important along with fortune connections,

etc.