Pride and Prejudice

A detailed Summary of Pride and Prejudice

In the 19th century, a controversy arose over what the true foundation and purpose for marriage should be. The basis of this conflict was whether one should let reason or emotion be the guide of their love life and if a balance between the two could be maintained. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy in Jane Austen's book Pride and Prejudice depicts such a balance, thus becoming the model for Austen's definition of a perfect couple and for true love. Their relationship is neither solely based on a quest for money on Elizabeth's part or emotions that blind the couple from all other important aspects of life. The significance of having this balance is portrayed through the inability of the other couples in the story to reach an equal amount of happiness as Elizabeth and Darcy because of their pursuit of either reason or passion.

Austen's view of true love is clearly evident in the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth Bennet is an unfailingly attractive character, but what everybody notices about her is her spirited wit and good sense. She has a keen, critical mind when expressing her opinions and is unwilling to believe only the best of everyone. It is this intelli

The relationship between Mr. Bingley and Jane seems to be a more perfect marriage than the others. From the first time he had ever seen her, he had started to take a like in her. They saw each other on and off and Jane tries to explain to Elizabeth and convince herself that she and Bingley feel only friendship for each other. She was mistaken when Bingley eventually does propose to Jane. The future marriage of Jane and Bingley will produce the first real marriage in the novel. Between the two, there is understanding and a similarity of feelings. Whereas with the Bennets, there was no understanding and, as noted earlier, Charlotte and Lydia's marriages were for the wrong reasons. Thus, we now see the difference between Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage and that of Jane and Bingley. Jane and Bingley have always remained the same, and will always do so, but Elizabeth and Darcy can question each other's motives and can undergo change.

Elizabeth and Jane, in analyzing the situation, realize that Wickham will not marry Lydia for a small sum, and they conclude that Mr. Gardiner must have promised to pay off the large amounts. Lydia is more in love with Wickham than he is with her, and he only took her along in Brighton because she was there and willing. It is evident that Lydia's marriage was for lust or sexual satisfaction.

Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship is contrasted with the other couples in the novel. It can especially be seen between the relationship Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have. The sensible characters in the novel accept the standard of intelligence and sensitivity and their relationships are determined by it. Mr. Bennet cannot be happy with his wife because he does not respect her. He retreats from the ridiculousness of much of his family into sarcasm and carelessness. A sense of responsibility also goes along with this standard. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are not sensible when they fail to guide their family.

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Category: English