Novel on: pride and prejudice - Essay Example

The novel deals with the marriage of three individuals, how each one of them sees a different perspective as to the purpose of marriage. The traditional concept of marriage is the union of two hearts; they come together from the day of marriage, to find a new identity, a common goal and to be precise a common all! But not in the different marriages explained by Jane Austen in her book. Elizabeth is judgmental, quick-witted and gives credence to her first impressions and that is the main cause her prejudice against Darcy, whom she eventually marries.

Elizabeth’s younger sister is childish in addition to being foolish. She is after money. Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s friend, acts according to the needs of time. Elizabeth marries for love, her friend to enjoy lavish lifestyles. Lydia marries Wickham, a man of dubious character and who indulged in fraudulent financial dealings. Marriage is money and trade for him and he would do anything, and terminate the relationships once his money-objectives are achieved. The Theme of Pride Pride is something more than self-respect.

Pride has a trace of ego, but if one’s pride is for right reasons, no qualms about it. It is normally not a negative attitude. In the pursuit of love, it is certainly an obstacle. Vanity is a negative trait. Pride consists of one’s superior talents, educational status and one’s position in life. If it does not lead to haughtiness, pride is a good quality. But one has to exercise caution, so that pride does not lead to vanity, as the margin between the two is less and the road between pride and vanity is slippery.

Pride relates to superiority complex but it must stop at that level. Jane Austen explains these concepts through Mary thus: “Pride is a very common failing I believe…..Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others to think of us.”(p.15) The quality of pride is not a constant factor with an individual all through the life. It will change as per the demands of the situation depending on the station in life.

The Theme of Family The role of congenial atmosphere in a family impacts the upbringing of the children to a great extent. Children take moral and intellectual education in the family, apart from the school. Mrs. and Mr. Bennet have failed in this front. It results in humiliating situations for the family due to the shamelessness, and immoral acts of Lydia. Elizabeth and Jane have managed to mold themselves into strong characters, notwithstanding the negligence of their parents, thanks to their interest in studies and the support they get from Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, their relatives who tender good advice and take care of their well-being.

Their mother is unable to guide them well on account of her poor judgment on issues, bordering foolishness. Their father will not discipline Lydia and succumbs to her pressure, which ultimately results in her elopement with Wickham. Wickham ditches her soon. Jane Austen writes, “Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia, we may draw from it this useful lesson: that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable—that one false step…” (p.246)Their parents were unable to present a unified front on parenting.

The Theme of Money The characters of Elizabeth and Darcy show how money affects their relationships. Elizabeth