Theme of Marriage in Pride and Prejudice

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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, preferably of good fortune. One way in which marriage is displayed in the book is the way Austin uses the different characters to display all the various views on marriage in her time and then uses this to show her opinion through the characters. For example, Mrs Bennet has, in Austin’s opinion, rather silly views on marriage so her character is shown as a silly person to represent this, and Mr Collins is satirised throughout the book as Austin uses this to display her opinion of his views as well. Mrs Bennet’s attempts to get her daughters married are also satirised throughout the book to create an ironic parody of people’s aims and of the way they lived at the time.

Elizabeth is one of the most prominent characters in the novel. She is the character whose views on marriage are the most closely related to Austin’s, so she is portrayed as the most sensible character and, since her views are the most modern, she is also the most modern person in the story. This is because Austin considers her own...

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...yed so prominently is in Mr Collins’ proposal but it is present in all her views on marriage, social etiquette and most of society.

Marriage is portrayed as many things in his book, as a thing of convenience, a matter of the heart or a tool used to gain status and wealth. The idea that is most commonly shown is that if you act mainly with your heart, not just your head, you will achieve happiness. This is a sweet, if unrealistic, idea. Austin uses many literary tools such as satire and character manipulation to build up or mock the characters, and through them the ideas of marriage. She displays her opinions on status, etiquette, love and connections very well, leaving us in no doubt of her opinion on all aspects, if nothing else. By making us relate to certain characters Austin manipulates our views to match her own and displays marriage as she sees it to be.

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