Pride and Prejudice - Research Paper Example

For women, the disadvantages of economic inequality among genders are the main reasons that drive them to get married. First, society dictates that women need to marry even undesirable men in order to gain financial security. Austen gave a hint on this aspect particularly on the marriage of Charlotte to Collins, “Mrs. Collins… was neither sensible nor agreeable… But still he would be her husband… marriage had always been her object; it was the only honorable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune.

” Bhattacharyya (23) explained that Charlotte “believes in the practicality of marriage as happiness is entirely a matter of chance.” Moreover, women of the “genteel” classes equate marriage as the expected means for them to gain or retain social and economic stability (Gast 3). Mrs. Bennet has personified this attitude, as she was engrossed with the pressures of society enforced upon women of her class. To be established comfortably after getting all her daughters married in affluent men, was a state of indicative of middle-class bliss (Bhattacharyya 74-75).

Lastly, there are few job opportunities for women since their formal education is limited. Elizabeth exemplifies her complaints in this area, “…such of us wished to learn, never wanted the means. We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle certainly might.” Darcy also criticizes the contemporary idea that music and needlework alone are sufficient accomplishments and lays emphasis on the improvement of mind by extensive reading.

(Bhattacharyya 24). On the other hand, financially abled men have the ability to choose a wife for personal needs other than social and economic factors. Men may freely choose a wife out of fancy as Blackwell (49) noted, “A single woman of no fortune is the one in want of a husband… A single man with money wants nothing at all to complete his happiness.” Austen has also discussed how Mr. Bennet chose to marry his wife mainly because of her youth and beauty, only learning too late of her weak understanding and liberal mind.

In addition, men marry for convenience as Mr. Collins emulates in the novel for marrying Charlotte, First… it is a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly… it will add very greatly to my happiness, and thirdly… that is particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honor of calling patroness. (Austen). However, a few men and women still chose to enter matrimony because of mutual love, respect and understanding.

Blackwell (47) maintains that amidst the skepticism and cynicism of Austen, she still believes in the power of love as driving force to marriage. An interpretation of the author’s spinsterhood proves to be the strongest testament to the certainty that one should marry only for love. Furthermore, the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth at the end of the novel substantiates the power of love and mutual understanding even when the main motivation in the 19th