Different societies share contrasting perspectives about marriage. In fact, there are multiple factors contributing to the establishment or dismissal of a marriage union in any community. In the title, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen provides a compelling argument about the different courtship and marriage perspectives shared by members of a society. She describes the marriage tales of numerous characters and explains the impacts of social class, pride, prejudice, arranged marriages and reputation in the advancement of courtships into marriage. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Charlotte and Lydia’s courtship advancements give a detailed overview of the predicaments encountered by individuals in comprehending one’s nature. Additionally, there are strategic reasons utilized in the establishment of a marriage agreement aside from love and companionship. Societal perception equally determines the outcome of a courtship through the pressure exerted on the people involved. This paper evaluates the tales of these characters and provides a rationale to the outcomes of their courtship endeavors. Undoubtedly, marriage is influenced not only by love and companionship but also social class, reputation and strategic reasons.
Marriage is often used as an escape clause to societal pressure and personal responsibilities. Precisely, the establishment of a marriage companionship does not necessarily imply the existence of love and understanding between the parties involved (Teachman 192). Charlotte uses her marriage to Collins as an escape to the pressure mounted by the community and the need to get a spouse due to her increasing age. Even though she does not love Collins passionately, she cannot think of a more appropriate way to settle her distress. She mentions, “I’m twenty-seven years old, I have no money and no prospects (Austen 11.n.p)” As such, she utilizes the opportunity posed by the wealthier spouse to solve her financial issues and to fulfill the societal demands of getting married when one is mature. Consequently, one can determine that Charlotte utilizes the opportunity of getting married to satisfy her selfish desires.
A marriage union is often used to enhance one’s social perception by hiding the lesser pleasant qualities. For instance, Charlotte is able to overcome unpleasant and lesser meaningful status in the community by marrying Collins. She is perceived as a lonely spinster from a peasant family. However, through this marriage she is empowered to a different societal perception as her role in the community changes (Robert and Lambdin 183). She moves from being a burden to her parents to a reputable woman in the community. Before her marriage, she tells Lizzie, “I’m already a burden to my parents and I’m frightened (Austen 15.n.p)” However, when Elizabeth visits her after her marriage, she notices her happiness in her new home and marriage. In spite of the fact that love was not an initial quality in the establishment of this union, it is one of the healthiest marriages in the entire title. As a result, marriage is used as a means of enhancing societal perception and dealing with the problems encountered by the lesser fortunate party.
Social class determines people’s perception thereby affecting the possibilities of the occurrence of a marriage. Jessica mentions that the rich married their equals within the community and this was a social barrier in their interaction with the larger community. Darcy’s social status influences his pride and overall perception of other people. The fact that he was raised in a noble family makes it almost impossible for him to acknowledge other people’s efforts in establishing good relationships. While at the ball party he gives a negative remark about Elizabeth when he is coaxed to dance with her. He states, “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I’m in no humor at present to give consequences to young ladies who are slighted by other men” (Austen 3,n.p). This is a proud remark and it reveals his pride because of his social status and his prejudice based on his lack of association with the lower classed people. Consequently, social class determines the possibility of the existence of a marriage.
However, love and affection overcomes people’s perceptions and overall values of other individuals. Specifically, having affection for someone makes an individual overlook their initial ideologies about their associations. The rich can change their ideologies about marrying from the same social class and opt to court people from a lower social class because of the affection towards these parties. Darcy develops an unending compassion towards Elizabeth in spite of his earlier dismissal about her nature and class. He makes multiple advancements towards the establishment of a proper association with her in spite of the social class differences and the impact of the society. After taking many initiatives for the establishment of a proper relationship, he confesses his affection for Elizabeth. “In vain I have struggled. I will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” (Austen 34,n.p). This proposal led to the marriage of these two individuals despite the societal barriers set by the differences in social class.
Marriages are used for strategic reasons to secure one’s reputation in the community. Precisely, individuals utilize marriage unions to preserve the values treasured in the communities thereby enhancing their overall reputation. For instance, Lydia is married off to Wickham to maintain the family’s reputation. Lydia Bennett runs off from home in pursuit of her happiness. She risks ruining her reputation and that of her family. As a result, the Bennetts pay off Wickham to marry the young lady and restore the family’s reputation. It is worth mentioning that this decision was made contrary to the happiness of their daughter (Handley and Jane 193). As a result, one is justified to claim that marriage can be used as a strategy to retain a family’s reputation in spite of the difficulties associated with the making of that decision.
In conclusion, there are multiple factors that contribute in the establishment of a marriage association. Aside from the conventional happiness and love associated with the decision of getting married, the society plays a major role in influencing people’s perception to indulge in this association. For instance, the higher class and wealthy tend to marry individuals from a similar class to maintain their reputation and overall societal perception. Additionally, there is a wide range of prejudice associated with the involvement of the poor and the rich. As a result, most people feel uncomfortable associating with such individuals due to the difficulty in establishing an effective communication rapport. Finally, strategic reasons may be applied in the establishment of a marriage union if one of the parties involved sees an opportunity to better their lifestyles through marriage. Consequently, the title, Pride and Prejudice gives an accurate representation of the society’s perspective on marriage.
Works Cited
Austen, Jane. "Pride And Prejudice". (2008): n. pag. Web. 10 Mar. 2016.
Austen, Jane. Pride And Prejudice. Champaign, Ill.: Project Gutenberg. Print.
Handley, Graham, and Jane Austen. Brodie's Notes On Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice. London: Pan, 2002. Print.
Lambdin, Laura C, and Robert T Lambdin. A Companion To Jane Austen Studies. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2000. Print.
Teachman, Debra. Understanding Pride And Prejudice. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2008. Print.
