In her novel Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen suggests what constitutes a good marriage by contrasting Charlotte Lucas and Lydia Bennet with the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet. All three young women have similar economic predicaments, though they all maintain different attitudes toward marriage. Charlotte values monetary safety and social status over love, demonstrated by her marriage to Mr. Collins, towards whom she feels little affection. Lydia, on the other hand, solely looks for passion in a relationship, and does not consider the economic or social repercussions of her actions. Her marriage to Mr. Wickham is a disaster, proving that lust alone cannot produce marital happiness. Charlotte and Lydia's narrow approaches to marriage contrast with Elizabeth's desire for both social stability and love. Since only Elizabeth experiences a successful marriage, Austen expresses that the most rewarding marriage is a companionate marriage, one that requires not only money or social respectability, but also a true emotional connection.
[...] Wickham is the perfect example of her complete disregard for her family, society's norms, and her own future. By running off with a man without many means, she not only ruins her financial future, but she also destroys whatever social respectability she previously had. Elizabeth's pure disgust with the situation, and her own rejection of Mr. Wickham, shows that she would prefer a blend of the monetary safety and social respectability that Charlotte obtains and the wild passion that Lydia craves. [...]
[...] Darcy the freedom to act whichever way he wants, demonstrating that for her, and for society at the time, the link between money and respect is merited. Despite Charlotte's opinion of Mr. Darcy, it is evident that Elizabeth values her friend's opinion and finds her to be insightful. After all, Elizabeth, who is reluctant to accept criticism due to her self- confidence, admits to Charlotte that she “could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified (Austen demonstrating that Charlotte is astute enough to understand Elizabeth's true feelings. [...]
[...] Wickham, rather than following the standard procedures leads to a shameful and, eventually, unhappy marriage. While Charlotte is not happy in her new home, she is still seen as respectable in society, whereas Lydia is not. The difference between the two resolutions demonstrate that even if one understands oneself, only when one abides by society's rules and remains rational will one be pleased with one's circumstances. Unlike Charlotte and Lydia, Elizabeth takes a considerable amount of time to decide her future. [...]
[...] Because happiness and a companionate marriage between these two characters are out of the question, Elizabeth immediately decides against becoming his wife. On the other hand, Charlotte flirts with Mr. Collins to secure an engagement, “solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment” (Austen 105). Elizabeth is understandably stunned, because she believed Charlotte to be similar to her. In fact, Elizabeth sees it as less likely “that Charlotte could encourage him as that she could encourage him herself” (Austen 108). [...]
[...] Since Elizabeth spent the most time considering her feelings toward her suitors and marriage in general, and yet becomes the happiest of the young women in the novel, Austen expresses that it is best to contemplate one's actions thoroughly before making a hasty decision, and that one must have a strong knowledge of oneself before engaging in a relationship with another person, such as a spouse. The relationship between the themes of self-knowledge and marriage is highlighted during Elizabeth's epiphany, when she realizes that had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd” (Austen 176). [...]
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