The Attitudes Toward Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and...

The Attitudes Toward Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Jane Austin wrote the novel Pride and Prejudice in 1813. The novel provides a great deal of information and gives us a detailed insight to the different attitudes towards marriages at the time. Pride and Prejudice is focused and written about the lifestyles among gentry. The gentry was the middle to upper class citizens in England. In the novel Jane Austin shows us that social status is a very important factor and that is was essential to have connections with people higher up in the gentry. Proposals and marriages at the time were very†¦show more content†¦This shows us how important it was to marry a person who was richer and higher than yourself just so that you could improve your status and stature. Most marriages into richer families gave women the chance to be secure in their future life and to improve their status. This shows that marriages were more like business deals, for money or shares, and rarely ever for love. This is the same situation faced by Elizabeth when Mr Collinss proposes to her. Almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future lifeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for marriage. This proposal to Elizabeth is quite insulting and shows that Mr Collins does not care for Elizabeths feelings, and shows that Mr Collins is intent on marrying Elizabeth for reasons, not for love. An important reason that Mr Collins proposes to Elizabeth is because when Mr Bennet dies the Bennets house and grounds will all go to Mr Collins. The proposal of marriage by Mr Collins is for the security that the Bennet family will have somewhere to live after Mr Bennet dies. Mr Collins also feels by proposing that he is doing Elizabeth and the Bennet family a favour by marrying, because he will be giving the Bennet family safety and security in the eventful future of the death of Mr Bennet. Making sure thatShow MoreRelatedComparison of Mr. Wickhams and Elizabeths Attitude Towards Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice863 Words   |  4 PagesComparison of Mr. Wickhams and Elizabeths Attitude Towards Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice The novel, Pride and Prejudice revolves around a mother of five daughters, Mrs. Bennet, whose sole purpose is to marry off her daughters to suitable men. Her eldest, Jane, is her most prized daughter. Mrs. Bennet is assured that Janes beauty and meticulous manners will win her a prized husband. 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