Pride and Prejudice

The story takes place in the 19th century in England. It deals with various kinds of marriages at that time. Some marriages are based on true love while others are the intrigues or deals between men and women. From this perspective, I think this novel is quite modern and universal. However, Jane Austen does not judge or criticizethis kind of phenomenon. Instead, she invites readers to think about the meaning of life from different reasons behind marriages. Besides, Jane Austen also tackles the issues of class and gender differences in this novel. She indicates how gender and class differences hinder the marriages between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. When it comes to marriages, the daughters of the Bennet family represent two types of different marriages. One goes through all the difficulties and misunderstandings and eventually become true love. The other goes after vanity and pleasure and has the taste of its own medicine. The story begins with Mrs. Bennet’s desperate desire to marry one of her unmarried daughters to Mr. Bingley, who has just moved to their neighborhood and most importantly, he is quite rich. Much to Mrs. Bennet’s delight, the oldest daughter, Jane, who is the most beautiful girl in the Bennet family, quickly impresses Mr. Bingley with her beauty and elegance. As for thesecond daughter, Elizabeth, the battle between Mr. Darcy and her reveals the essence of this novel, the conversations between pride and prejudice. Elizabeth considers Mr. Darcy, the richest guest in the neighborhood, an arrogant person. Ironically, this idea represents Elizabeth’s inability to get rid of her prejudice against the person who she doesn’t know quite well. On the contrary, the pride of Mr. Darcy comes from his wealthy family background which gives him a sense of superiorityy and leads to his misunderstandings with Elizabeth. The novel shows the process of how pride and prejudice eventually reconcile and appreciate the true natures of eachother. Unlike Jane and Elizabeth, naive Lydia chooses the kind of marriage which is based on appearance and instant pleasure.

Some couples get married because of true love while others see marriages as one-way tickets to forever fortune, happiness or even a way to get away from being called a single old woman. Charlotte, who is quite old and not pretty, seizes the chance to comfort poor Mr. Collins and finally become his supportive wife. Before reading this novel, I think if people don't love each other, the marriage will become a torture and they will suffer from miscommunication or endless arguments. I even make up my mind if my mother wants me to get married with a rich girl who I don’t like at all, I will refuse her because this kind of behavior satisfies my mother’s desire, but sacrifices my life. However, Charlotte shows another possibility for girls at that time. She knows what she wants and actively pursues her own dreams of becoming someone’s wife. I believe there’s no love between Mr. Collins and Charlotte when they decide to get married with each other. However, during Elizabeth’s visit to their house, it’s quite impressive to see how they help each other in daily life. Therefore, I think Charlotte offers another kind of possibility which enables women at that time to gain their own identity positively. Although in a way all of the characters are still confined in class and gender differences, it is amazing that at least they have given it a try by speaking or acting out their own ideas. Like what Elizabeth says to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, “He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.”