Many motives besides love seal the bond of matrimony in Jane Austen's masterpiece Pride and Prejudice. The pivotal theme in the novel is that marriage is important to individuals and society. Throughout the novel, the author describes the various types of marriages and reasons behind them. The marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth are the outcome of true love between well-matched persons. This is one of the only relationships centered more on love than the transition of material wealth. This marriage is more contemporary in that one could see a similar relationship in today's society. The other end of the spectrum is displayed in the relationship between Charlotte and Collins who marry out of economic compulsions and not for love. Charlotte's marriage is completely different in nature from the marriage of her cousin Elizabeth. Of all the marriages in the novel, Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth is the greatest display of love conquering all.

The novel opens with a line that tells us that marriage in England during the 1800's is a very different institute than it is in today's society. Austen writes, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in

Upon hearing this, Elizabeth immediately loses interest in Darcy and thinks he is too pompous for her liking. At the next ball, Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance but she denies him. This shows the boldness of Elizabeth that will eventually make Darcy fall in love with her. Elizabeth does not pay much attention to Darcy again until she goes to visit her sister Jane. Jane falls ill while visiting the Bingley residence at Netherfield. While she is there, Elizabeth is forced to talk with Darcy but approaches him with wit and sarcasm. Since Darcy has known only flattery from others, he is charmed by Elizabeth's frankness.

Charlotte's age plays a huge role in her acceptance of Collins' proposal. A woman of 27 years would usually already be married in Austin's society. While it is not clear as to why Charlotte never married before, there is no hesitation in her acceptance upon Collins' proposal. A proposal from a wealthy member of the clergy is looked upon as a very good catch for her. The people closest to Charlotte look upon this proposal as an ideal situation for her. Many of them were beginning to think that Charlotte might grow old alone. To deny Collins' proposal would be a foolish decision on Charlotte's part. She knows that her age is a factor and this may be the last proposal she will ever receive.

The marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth began with an abnormal courtship. This marriage is unique, for a rich man marrying a woman below his class was almost unheard of during this era in time. Their relationship gets off to a bad start when they first meet but as they spend more time together and get to know more about each other, they fall in love. The couple meets at a ball in Meryton. Upon first glance, Elizabeth admits that Darcy is very attractive. However, he slights her when she over hears Mr. Darcy talking to his friend, Mr. Bingley. Bingley suggests Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance. Darcy replies, "She is tolerable, but not handsome

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Approximate Word count = 1311
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)