Perception of Marriage

          In Pride and Prejudice, written in a time when marriage was perceived as the only path to lasting happiness and security, many characters, most prominently Mrs. Bennet, focused on gaining connections and wealth, rather than love.  Mrs. Bennet’s constant pursuit and obsession for advantageous marriages for her five daughters are often counter-productive and at the expense of her health.  Her irrational behavior regarding the proposal of Mr. Collins to Elizabeth, exemplifies her attitude toward marriage; she feels that to turn down ‘any’ proposal, is to go against a woman’s nature, as marital status is the primary goal which all women strive to achieve.  Ironically, Mrs. Bennet’s attitude is one of the reasons for Mr. Darcy’s objections to marrying Elizabeth.  Her obsession for securing a husband for wealth, rather than for happiness creates a poor reputation for her family.
          Moreover, although Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have been married for many years, she does not seem to acknowledge the fact that their ‘loveless marriage’ may not be the most sensible option for the happiness of her children.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s marriage can serve as a constant lesson about criteria for choosing a spouse; their marriage, based upon an initial physical attraction, has proven to be insufficient for both parties to be truly content.  Furthermore, the inability to express her own mistakes to her daughters could cause them choose unsuitable husbands. 
          Fortunately, Elizabeth and Jane acknowledge the state of their parents’ marriage and have decided that love and good character are key components in judging the suitability of marrying a man.  Despite the general perception that marriage provided happiness through wealth and societal connections, the story shows that ‘love’ continues to be the greatest reason for this important bond between a man and a woman.


Mr. and Mrs. Bennet