Discuss the Various Attitudes to Marriage and Courtship

Discuss the Various Attitudes to Marriage and cause that Jane Austen presents in feel and Prejudice In Jane Austens account book disdain and Prejudice she shows various attitudes of conjugation and courtship through each character. or so of these attitudes to coupling and courtship argon in truth different to the attitudes of most stack today. This book is of importly ab bug by sexual union so it is genuinely behind and interesting to comp are the flavours of marriage from the early nineteenth century to behavior straightway. Jane Austen mentions marriage for the initiative time, in Pride and Prejudice, in the in truth outset sentenceIt is a truth univers eachy acknowledged, that a maven humilitary personnel world in possession of a levelheaded fortune, must be in want of a wife. (Chapter 1, varlet 51) This is possibly the most grand acknowledgment in the book because it sets the tone for the rest of the novel and it is where we first resonate that the book i s actu completelyy about marriage. Marriage was more than than of a disdain arrangement consequently. For young women it was actually important, particularly for the white avenss, that you married a man who was as rich as possible. The amount of money that men had and the lifestyle based on that amount played a very important part in the stupefying of who to marry.How a great deal tell apart played a part in the equation was a lot smaller than how oftentimes the money did. Mrs white avens, throughout the book, we rout out see is a very loud, unparliamentary woman. Her character could be depict as being a caricature. We first hear of Mr Charles Bingley when Mrs Bennet is telling her husband, Mr Bennet, about him. We dont canvas besides much about him other than the position that he is very affluent and he is in the area. Mr Bennet asks at this lay to Mrs Bennet if he is married or single. She replies Oh single, my dear, to be sure A single man of large fortune four or five curtilage a year. What a fine thing for our girls (Chapter 1, summon 51) From what Mrs Bennet says we can instantly see that she is very excited at the news of Mr Bingley being in the area. All that she has heard is that he is wealthy and single and she is already picturing him marrying one of her misss You must know that I am ideal of his marrying one of them. (Chapter 1, page 51) We can see that Mrs Bennets main aim is to redeem her daughters married to rich men because while she is move to inform Mr Bennet of, in her opinion, great news that Mr Bingley has just arrived into the area, Mr Bennet shows no interest, which agitates her further. Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such(prenominal) a instruction? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves. (Chapter 1, page 52) Elizabeth, however, has different views to marriage compared to her mother. Her opinions of marriage are very much exchangeable the opinions of mos t women today. Of course she takes into account how much money she would have as a result of the marriage entirely having a rich husband is non all she considers in the decision of marriage. For Elizabeth love has to be included with the marriage no matter how wealthy the husband would be.This is why she refuses two marriage proposals from Mr Fitz exitiam Darcy and Mr Collins later in the book, because although accepting either marriage would financially improve her lifestyle she does not love either man. Of course later in the book she does veer her mind and fall in love with Mr Darcy. She shows this with various changes of her character and opinion of him throughout the book and later accepts Darcys abet marriage proposal. This book was set to be in the late 18th century at which loving gatherings were particularly important.Balls and musical evenings were seen as being the centre of social life. These gatherings were great opportunities to notice a partner. Jane Bennet fi rst met Mr Bingley at a wrap in Meryton. (They later marry). At the same town ball Elizabeth Bennet first met Mr Darcy too. (They also marry later in the novel). At this point in the novel, however, Elizabeth does not love or even akin Mr Darcy. Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings towards him. (Chapter 3, page 59) This was quoted just after Elizabeth overheard Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley talking at the ball.Mr Bingley was trying to persuade Mr Darcy to dancing with somebody and suggested specifically for him to dance with Elizabeth. He, however, did not think that she was good enough for him She is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me (Chapter 3, page 59) This signifies that Mr Darcy does not appreciate women that are of a much lower class than him. He would rather not marry a poor woman. Unfortunately for him he falls in love with Elizabeth later. During chapter seven Jane Bennet receives a letter from Caroline Bingley inviting lose Bennet out to lunch.In t he late 18th century women were very feisty in comparison to women today. They were delicate in that, for example, if they were in the heat for too long they would feel headachy or faint. Mrs Bennet obviously knew this because, when Jane asked for the carriage, Mrs Bennet purposely said no No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rainwater and then you must stay all night. (Chapter 7, page 77) This quote proves the point that ladies during this time wanted nothing more than to have their daughters married, Mrs Bennet in particular.She is willing to risk her daughters health and actually wants her daughter to feel ill so she can stay the night at Mr Bingleys support rather than just go out for lunch. It shows how farthermost Mrs Bennet is willing to push her daughters into the path of suitable men in order to secure a good marriage. Later in the chapter, when we find out that Jane in fact does have to stay the night callable to feeling ill, Elizab eth decides to visit her but intends on walking to Mr Bingleys house instead of using the carriage. Mrs Bennet claims that it is a foolish whim and will not be fit to be seen when she arrives. Elizabeth replies I shall be very fit to see Jane which is all I want. (Chapter 7, page 78) This quote supports the fact that Elizabeth has no intention of trying to impress the Bingleys or Mr Darcy by the way she looks. The opinions of her are very neo in terms of marriage so she does not really care for what she looks like. Mrs Hurst and sink Bingley both think of Elizabeth as quite disgusting at this point. It brought them great shock when she arrived in her rotten stockings (Chapter 7, page 79). When Elizabeth goes to go check on Jane after dinner Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley cant help but abuse her (Chapter 8, page 81) as soon as she leaves.Mrs Hurst says I shall never for dumbfound her appearance this morning. She looked intimately wild. (Chapter 8, page 81) The contrast of opinion s of Elizabeth and Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley again shows how much more modern Elizabeth is compared to every other lady in the novel. We soon meet Mr Collins. Jane Austen has create verbally Mr Collins to have a very exaggerated personality or character of smug pomposity making him, like Mrs Bennet other caricature. During chapter 19 he purports to Elizabeth I singled you out as the companion of my futurity life.But ahead I am run away with by my feelings for this subject, peradventure it will be advisable for me to state apprehensions for marrying - (Chapter 19, page 147) Mr Collins continues to communicate of why he has chosen to propose. He claims that the church says it is a good idea to get married so he would simply be setting an example for other people. He also claims that it would bring him cheer and that Catherine de Bourgh, his benefactor, wishes for him to be married also. He then goes on to say what would take a chance when they were to be married. Elizabeth interrupts him You are too hasty, Sir, she cried. You forget that I have make no answer. (Chapter 19, page 148) Indeed, Elizabeth is right. Mr Collins has not waited for Elizabeth to even agree to the marriage but is already referring to what he predicts will happen in the time to come when they supposedly get married. He does this because he expects her to accept the marriage proposal. The idea of Elizabeth rejecting Mr Collins marriage proposal was alien to him. If Elizabeth was to accept the proposal then she would have a better life financially so in that time there was not a great deal of reason for her to reject the proposal.When she does reject the proposal he doesnt seem to view it, declaring it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. (Chapter 19, page 148) He clearly thinks that all women initially refuse a propo sal so as not to appear too eager or too desperate to get married when in fact that is their intention all along. This is why he goes on to express his confidence that he will eventually winding her to the altar.Elizabeth again declines the proposal but Mr Collins will not have it. He again states his belief of women not wanting to sound too eager by accepting a proposal. Elizabeth again declines the offer before Mr Collins tries to persuade her to marry him. Jane Austen shows by this, how women were expected to accept proposals if it would financially improve their life. Jane Austen also shows how the modernisation of the character Elizabeth affects the other characters such as Mr Collins and his disbelief of her rejection.A few days after this Mr Collins proposes to Charlotte Lucas. For this moment, the centre of the first sentence of the novel seems defensible. Unlike Elizabeth she accepts the proposal. The views of this between Mrs Bennet, Charlotte Lucas and Elizabeth Bennet are all very different. The prospect of financial security outweighs any solicit or love for Mr Collins character according to Charlotte Lucas I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask single a comfortable home (Chapter 22, page 165) Charlotte Lucas and her family view the proposal as a triumph.This quote shows how Charlotte Lucas opinion of marriage is not modern like Elizabeths. Elizabeth views this as disappointing. She thinks that it is ridiculous that Charlotte would marry for such a reason as to financially improve her lifestyle. Mrs Bennet is also disappointed but at Elizabeth. She blames her child for letting such a great opportunity pussyfoot through the familys fingers. When Mr Bennet dies, Mr Collins will own his estate. straightway that he is to marry Charlotte Lucas instead of Elizabeth they cannot save it. This thought brings Mrs Bennet more distress. When Kitty and Lydia first ind out they think of it as nothing more than gossip as Mr Collins is only a clergy man (Chapter 23, page 168). Darcys first proposal to Elizabeth has a vital importance in the novel and could be described as signalling a turning point. Darcy is passing rich and earns ? 10,000 a year. If Darcy were to propose to anyone other than Elizabeth they would probably agree to the marriage due to the large sum of money he receives per year. Elizabeth however rejects him This actually does show how her opinion is different in comparison to other women in terms of marriage.Elizabeth informs Darcy about her knowledge of Wickham and Jane and Bingley, justifying her reasons to reject his proposal. We can tell that he is shocked at this His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was microscopical in every feature. (Chapter 34, page 222) His anger signifies that he was not expecting rejection. Mr Darcy is described in the book many times as being very proud and snobby. He must find it exceedingly confusing as to why a lady with such a poor context a nd family would reject his proposal, as he believes that he is quite magnificent.However his loyalty to his recall dose Mr Bingley allows us to forget the arrogance when he gives Elizabeth a letter the side by side(p) morning explaining that he did not believe that Jane loved Bingley, and that he thought that if Bingley was to propose to her then he would make a fool of himself. He merely was trying to protect Bingley he claims. When Elizabeth visits Darcys estate with the Gardiners to her impress Darcy is there despite the fact that she had been told he would be out of town until the following day. After a few conversations between them Elizabeth thinks Why is he so altered?From what can it proceed? It cannot be for me, it cannot be for my interestingness that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford could not work such a change as this. It is impossible that he should still love me. (Chapter 43, page 276) Elizabeth ponders to herself as to whether Darcy loves he r still or not. She is wondering how it is that, after her incivility when she rejected his proposal, he can appear to be so gauzy and polite to her and the Gardiners. She considers the fact that he may still love her, as he is more gentlemanly than she has ever seen him to be. This shows how much love he has for Elizabeth.You could also look at it from the point of view that he is fleck for Elizabeth by trying to flatter her. He does in fact propose to her again later in the novel. Lydia is well aware of the attitudes of courtship and marriage but because she is so besotted with Mr Wickham later in the novel she forgets all of the rules and elopes with him. The family are so shocked and disgusted at the behaviour of Lydia (and Wickham). eventide Elizabeth who has more modern views on courtship and marriage is worried how Lydias misbehaviour will reflect on her family and what its consequences will be for her family with Darcy.When she hears of Lydias elopement she tells Darcy that she is distressed by some dreadful news (Chapter 46, page 294) and Darcys response is to declare that he is grieved shocked. (Chapter 46, 295). Elizabeth soon observed, and instantly tacit it. Her power was sinking every thing must sink to a lower place such a proof of family weakness, such an assurance of the deepest disgrace. (Chapter 46, page 295) This shows how sincerely yours embarrassed Elizabeth was. Her views on everything are so modern compared to most ladies and gentlemen in the 18th century however this even shocked her.We find out that Lydia and Wickham agree to get married later in the novel. The reactions of her family are very predictable. Mrs Bennet is so overjoyed that Lydia is getting married at such a young age that she forgets about her disgusting behaviour. Jane hopes they have a happy life together. Elizabeth is happy that they are marrying but is disappointed at Lydias behaviour. Mr Bennet is angry at Lydia for putting the family in the lieu of havin g to give the Gardiners money. Lydia is so happy with herself because of her marriage that she is completely taking improvement of it all.She says to Jane Ah Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman. (Chapter 51, page 329) Lydia and her mother are very alike in terms of how excited and proud they are to the fact that Lydia is now married. They are both very proud so Lydia in this chapter tries to find any way she can to show off the fact that she is married. When Darcy proposes to Elizabeth the second time, ironically it is all due to the fact that Lady Catherine de Bourgh visited Elizabeth and tried to stick them apart.When Lady Catherine told Darcy he was delighted that Elizabeth refused to promise to turn down a proposal from him if he was to make one. Of course Elizabeth accepts the proposal. Darcy and Elizabeth have a stick wedding with Jane and Bingley. To conclude, one of the main features of Jane Austens writing is to carefully set out how young ladies should behave in the late 18th century. In Pride and Prejudice, by using a heroine such as Elizabeth she gives an secondary and possibly more modern view of behaviour. In this novel, Elizabeths views on marriage are particularly modern.