Elizabeth And Mr Darcy example essay topic

Pride and Prejudice Marriages "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife". (P 5) Used to begin the novel, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin, this phrase is also a key line for the comparison of marriage as it is portrayed throughout this story. It is greatly presented, especially by Mrs. Bennet, that money, during the time this book was written, is the most important factor when getting married. However, there can be many other reasons for a couple to live in holy matrimony. Whether it is for convenience, out of foolishness, or pure love, Austin presents many exceptions to the rule of marrying for money. When Charlotte Lucas decides to marry Mr. Collins, Elizabeth thinks it to be out of foolishness on Charlotte's part, however, it is simply out of convenience.

While talking to Elizabeth she replies, "I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state". (P 108) It is also easy for her to adapt to a life with Mr. Collins by forgetting about him.

She encourages him to spend as much time as possible out in his garden and also decides on the room that is least appealing to him to be her favorite. It can also be assumed that she has built-up a tolerance for his behavior for the reason that her father has a very similar personality and therefore, she is immune to it. All the while, Charlotte leads a very comfortable and convenient life. Lydia, on the other hand, agrees to marry Wickham out of pure foolishness. Being the youngest, and therefore the most immature and inexperienced of the Bennet sisters, it can be gathered she feels marriage will give her an edge.

However, there are many things that she does not realize about the situation. The first being that Wickham does not actually intend on marrying her until Mr. Dairy offers him a large amount of money to do so. She also does not realize that running off and getting married without her parent's consent, or worse, running off and not getting married at all, can ruin the reputation of the entire Bennet family. Lydia's entire decision is ill conceived for she knows nothing of Wickham past, is un noticing of his poor financial state, and does not consider the long-term effects her decision can have on her family. All that she really knows or cares about is that he is an officer, which is a very foolish reason for anyone to get married.

Although Lydia definitely creates one of the many conflicts during this book, as with many books of this sort, it concludes with a happy ending. Jane and Mr. Bingley marry, as well as, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy; however, both marriages are based on true love instead of money, convenience, or foolishness. Love, which is dreamed about by most young girl wishing to marry, comes at first sight between Jane and Mr. Bingley, and, though it is delayed by Mr. Darcy's interference, is only strong during the happily-ever-after type of ending. The progression of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's love, on the other hand, takes a considerable amount of time longer to come about.

Even during the first few chapters their mutual dislike for each other is established. Elizabeth thinks of him to be him proud and vain, while Darcy thinks she is merely "tolerable". (P 12) As the story continues, it is shown that he is beginning to have feelings for her, although her dislike for him only grows stronger. However, when she realizes that she is basing he judgements on false accusations it only takes his second proposal to turn the fire of hatred into the passion for love. Even though love may not always come easy, it seems to be the happiest and most delightful reason for getting married.

Though the main reason to get married during the time of this book was for money, however, convenience, foolishness, and love each have the power to defy this idea. These reasons are still present in today's society, but, with the exception of love and foolishness, are not as prevalent. If this book were written in today's times, Austin might have written about marriage for fame or legalities as well.