Comparing between two main themes from Pride and Prejudice and The Mayor of Casterbridge - Essay Example

Austen in her novel, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ very aptly presents the social problems of her era, particularly the marriage related troubles faced by women. Young women in Austen’s time, particularly those in lower classes, did not possess the liberty to marry men of their choice or pursue a career of interest. She depicts this discrimination of gender through the lives of Jane, Elizabeth and the other 3 Bennet sisters’. Due to poor financial conditions and having no sons, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were finding it very tough to get their daughters married (Kalil, 2000).

The story of Charlotte, Elizabeth’s friend is a prime example of the crisis which women were facing in those days. Though Mr. Collins was not a wise man by any means, Charlotte married him just for the sake of financial protection. In this way, Austen shows that marriage was a great social concern in those days as young middle and low class women married undesired men mostly to overcome the financial challenges of their lives and not out of love and affection. The situation can be understood quite well in the words of Charlotte herself when she tries to justify her marriage with Mr.

Collins to Elizabeth, “I am not romantic you know, I never was, I ask only a comfortable home, and considering Mr. Collin’ character, connections and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair, as most people can boast on entering the marriage state” (Austen, 1892). Another important facet of Austen’s novel is related to family and upbringing of children. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are criticized for the manner in which they brought up their children. Though Jane and Elizabeth managed to develop honorable personalities, the bizarre mannerisms and characters of the other three sisters Mary, Lydia and Kitty quite clearly highlight that the parents did not impart moral education and appropriate demeanor to their children.

Lydia’s shocking and