3-11
Rough Draft #2
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” (6,18). This
statement, spoken by Ms. Charlotte Lucas in the very beginnings of Pride and
Prejudice may seem harsh and unromantic when first encountered. On closer look,
readers find that it demonstrates the general attitude of society towards marriage
during the early 19th century– marriage should be about improving one’s social
situation, not about true love. Jane Austen did not agree with this then widely held
viewpoint, and she expresses her opposition to it through her heroine, Elizabeth
Bennet. Like Austen, Elizabeth is opposed to the idea that marriage should be about
bettering social standing rather finding true happiness. Elizabeth’s ability to rise
above the superficiality and pettiness of 19th century English society and her
rejection of the expectations that society has for her cause her and those around her
to learn what is truly important in love and marriage.
Elizabeth Bennet is quickly established in the novel as being unlike the
women of her time. She often makes bold decisions, and is not afraid of dampening
other’s opinions of her. As a result, she is viewed by the rest of society as showing
“an abominable sort of conceited independence”, the kind of thing not generally
accepted in women in that day and age (8,29). Although this independence is
displayed throughout the majority of her thoughts and actions, it is most strongly
manifested in her views on love and marriage. Elizabeth refuses the proposal of Mr.
Collins, despite his wealth, saying that “I am not one of those young ladies who are
so daring as to risk their happiness…you could not make me happy”. She then goes
on to admit to him “ to accept them [the proposals] is absolutely impossible. My
3-11
feelings in every respect forbid it.” By doing so, she sets herself apart from the rest
of society. It was considered absurd for an average middle-class British woman (like
the ones Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte Lucas symbolizes) to refuse a proposal that
could advance her socially and financially, yet Elizabeth does.
The possible reason for Austen’s choice to choose a heroine with such radical
and idealistic views of marriage can be found in the life of Austen herself. Austen
demonstrated throughout her life that she believed love to be the most important
factor in marriage, famously advising her niece not to wed if the affection is not
there. This is a profound insight into the mind of Ms. Austen and her heroines, who
do not to marry for money or power, but for love.
It is impossible for one to hold a view as unusual as this one and not meet
some opposition from society. In Pride and Prejudice, the views of society are
expressed through the character of Caroline Bingley, who makes it very clear from
the beginning that she is not at all fond of Elizabeth Bennet and her independent
nature. Caroline views Elizabeth’s “conceit and impertinence” as qualities that need
to be “checked” before Elizabeth will ever enter a successful relationship (10, 44).
Above all, she views a relationship between the lower class Eliza and the wealthy
Darcy as all but a crime, and shows no qualms about expressing this view to all
around her. This is similar to the widely-held view of society at the time – one
married either within or just above/below their social class – no huge jumps were
made. Elizabeth rejects this view by pursuing a relationship with Darcy despite
Caroline’s objections, and by aiding her sister in her courtship of Caroline’s wealthy
brother. Through contact with Elizabeth, those around her (such as Darcy and
3-11
Bingley) begin to realize the error of their previous judgments and prejudices
towards marriage. Caroline, however, is “very deeply mortified by Darcy’s
marriage”(61,333). By doing this, Austen shows that although some members of
society will take to new ideas, it takes more than one person’s success to change the
opinion of a society that is deep set in its traditions.
Elizabeth and Darcy end up happily married (despite their social differences)
by the end of the novel. However, this happy ending does more than just bring the
story to a satisfying conclusion, it also further expresses Austen’s view points on
marriage to society. As was previously stated, Elizabeth and Darcy end up quite
content in their marriage after they learn to overcome their social differences. This
directly contrasts with the marriages of a central character in the novel who marries
the way society tells her to: Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte settles for the best financial
offer, and pays for it in happiness. Charlotte’s failed marraige, combined with the
success of the marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy, shows that following society’s
rules may equal wealth and social status, but it does not equal happiness. She
believes that above all, happiness is what is most important in marriage, and she
delineates this by making the marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy successful.
Elizabeth Bennet’s rejection of society’s standards regarding propriety and
marriage leads to a happier life for both her and those she loves – especially Mr.
Darcy. One could say that the ripples created by Elizabeth Bennet’s choice to go
against society’s expectations of her cause a wave of change to pass through the
ocean of 19th century British society, albeit a wave that moves rather slowly.
3-11
Through the heroine Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen expresses her unconventional
views on love and marriage to society.