The Bennets who are at the centre of the novel 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen would have been comparatively 'well off' to most other people at that time. They were landowners and would have been known as the 'gentry' but they would have been towards the bottom of this class. This was the class in between the aristocracy and the common peoples.

Marriage was viewed as extremely significant at that time, especially to this class. Mrs Bennet would have considered it very important to ensure that her daughters were married to suitable and respectable men - and very importantly, for them to be in a high financial standing. This meant that not only would her daughters be secure but that in the event of her husband's death, there would be someone to support her because the property would automatically go to the next male in line.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, fashion was growing particularly among women in the class from which the Bennets came. This coincided with the industrial revolution, and whilst in France the revolution meant

that extravagant dress was unacceptable, it was quite the opposite in Britain.

Throughout the novel, letters play an important role. They were the only form of communication, except by mouth and therefore they had numerous purposes. It is important to note that in the novel, letters not only symbolise business and invitation, but also friendship. Where in this age, a telephone call would be used in certain situations, then, letter writing was the only option that was available. Despite these differing uses, the same formal style and structure were always used.

Firstly, I must tell you of the truly wonderful marriage of Lizzy to none other than Mr Darcy of Pemberly. I always knew that she would do well in life, but he has an annual income 10,000, yes 10,000! The celebration was truly wonderful, Mr Bennet insisted that the best was to be done for Elizabeth, but he does favour her so much over the others. Needless to say he did nothing to prepare for the day itself, that was all left to me, which did nothing for my nerves. Lizzy looked delightful for her wedding considering how unattractive she is compared with my dearest Jane. I ensured that she had the best dress that we could find in all of Meryton!

The greatest surprise of recent times was the Marriage of Lydia to Mr Wickham. I was of course very worried when they were away in London, it caused such upset to my nerves and Mr

Some common words found in the essay are:
Darcy Pemberly, Jane Austen, Rosings Bennet, Lydia Wickham, Britain Throughout, Needless Jane, Jane Lydia, Lizzy Darcy, Imagine Bennet, Dearest Friend, daughters married, novel letters, truly wonderful, fall love, makes effort,
Approximate Word count = 945
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)