Marriage is arguably the undertone of Jane AustenÕs novel, Pride and Prejudice. Marriage was a ladder in which one would hope to climb into a higher social rank. Even those who are comfortable with their current status, it is imperative that they only marry someone of at least equivalent rank. This idea possessed many characters in the story modifies the motivation of marriage during this time. In the novel, the conflict between reason and emotion is conveyed through the marriage of several characters. In the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, it is quite clear that the two have never experienced much love and was united for financial benefit and out of infatuation. Similarly the marriage between Charlotte and Mr. Collins is done out of convenience and also lacks passion. However the marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is a perfect example of matrimony of companionship and love. Austen uses these marriages to show the growing change in male/female relationships in this era.

The marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet demonstrates the struggle amid reason and emotion. Mrs. BennetÕs motivation in marrying Mr. Bennet is that he will be able to provide her

with his wealth, the norm for many women of the time. While Mrs. Bennet married for money, it is evident that beauty and youth captivated Mr. BennetÕs choice. Such a sharp-witted man would not marry such an absurd woman for any reason other than a temporary crush. It is obvious to the reader that the couple has lost that initial attraction. Perhaps the finest example of the lack of passion in the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet is when Elizabeth tells her father of her plans to marry Mr. Darcy, who as far as Mr. Bennet knows, Elizabeth detests. Mr. Bennet begs his daughter not to marry

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in of a wife" (Austen 3). This clearly shows the connection between money and marriage that Austen portrays throughout her novel, Pride and Prejudice. The marriage between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is definitely the idea marriage. Austen illustrates the importance of love and respect in marriage by showing such marriages as Mr. and Mrs. BennetÕs and Mr. and Mrs. CollinsÕ. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet can never seem to agree on any subject matter, while Mr. and Mrs. Collins make an effort to avoid each other. The unity of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well as Mr. and Mrs. Collins demonstrate the lack of rationalism and sentiment within these marriages. On the contrary, Elizabeth and DarcyÕs marriage is a perfect example of matrimony where reason and emotion are at equilibrium. Through these relationships, Jane Austen shows how the only acceptable marriage is one where there is a balance between respect and love.

merely for worldly consideration but to unite with someone whom she admires. "My child ", he explains, "let me not have

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Approximate Word count = 1164
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)