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



How Elizabeth Bennet Was Different

          Throughout the novel Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet’s character was displayed as remarkably different than the women of that era. At the turn of the 19^th century, women felt that their most important goal was to marry men of wealth and good connections in society; this was thought to secure their happiness, even if the man chosen was completely indifferent to their nature. As the second daughter in the Bennet family, and notably the most intelligent, Elizabeth’s over-confident attitude often clouded her judgement of others. Her scepticism allowed her to view life more realistically as compared to her somewhat delusional family, who seemed to hold themselves far above their actual circumstances. Throughout her encounters with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth displayed both pride and prejudice and her independent nature went against traditional attitudes and opinions.
          Oftentimes, Elizabeth’s tone of voice was filled with an underlying defensiveness as she was unwilling to except her inferiority to those whom she felt were equal to her. Moreover, her feminist views on life were atypical and she believed that she would likely never marry, as it would not be possible to find a spouse to fulfill her almost unrealistic expectations. Her rejection of Mr. Collin’s proposal, was evidence of her assertiveness when she poignantly addressed the fact that, "[Mr. Collins] could not make [her] happy;" she was convinced that such a marriage would inevitably result in the resentment of the other. To actually turn down a "suitable offer" of marriage at that time was not only unheard of but unthinkable.

          In addition, Elizabeth had no trouble stating her opinions and put Mr. Darcy in his place on several occasions. Ironically, her contempt for him became a reason for his interest in her. While most women would have loved his attention, she dismissed him regardless of his wealth or social rank. When Elizabeth finally became aware that she had misjudged Mr. Darcy, her unconventional attitudes, opinions and charm were most prominently displayed, making her an unforgettable character.

Pride, Prejudice and Social Class

          Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen, and published in 1813, incorporates the themes of the title, including pride, prejudice and societal class, all being intertwined together. Pride in many of the different characters interferes with their relationships and places a barrier between various couples, as seen most prominently in Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s relationship. Upon first introduction, Darcy’s pride regarding his "superiority of wealth" or "rank of class," leads him to judge others and acts condescendingly to those who are not within his social circle. Conversely, Elizabeth’s overly confident nature clouds her ability to fairly judge others, and causes her to think ill of Mr. Darcy. Ultimately, both characters resolve that their opinions of each other may be ill-represented, and thus, are able to overcome their pride in judgement in order to find genuine happiness.
          Intermingled throughout the novel, is the theme of prejudice which is intimately related to that of pride. Elizabeth shares her prejudice against Mr. Darcy for his inconsiderate ability to scorn those who are not as financially stable as himself; whereas, Mr. Darcy must overcome his prejudice against Elizabeth regarding her low societal connections, in order to see that she may actually be a suitable wife. While the theme of social class or societal ranking is always present between any two individuals, the novel, "does not call for the leveling of all social classes." It does though overly criticize and emphasize the need for people to meet their "equal" particularly if one is to be getting married. As a result, Mr. Darcy, whose pride and prejudice is founded upon his high social class status, decides he cannot accept this position. By the end of the novel, Darcy even rebukes his upbringing saying that he was taught from a young age "to care for none beyond [his] own family circle; to think meanly of all the rest of the world; to wish at least to think meanly on their sense of worth compared with [his] own." The ‘perception’ of a higher status, caused those who were seemingly inferior, to despise those of higher rank. Could it be that almost 200 years later, we’ve actually become more tolerant about social status, societal classes and wealth? Perhaps, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, is actually timeless!

How the setting of Jane Eyre affected the plot:

          The setting of Jane Eyre is particularly interesting and greatly enhances the plot as it continually changes throughout her life. Jane’s early childhood is spent at Gateshead Hall, the home of her aunt, Mrs. Reed, and late uncle. This setting serves as an introduction to Jane’s outspoken nature and allows the reader to express their sympathy for the ill treatment of Jane Eyre. Gateshead is a place that seemed dark and gloomy, adding a depressing tone to Jane’s already unfortunate situation that is, having no parents and feeling unloved and unwanted. From Gateshead, Jane travels to Lowood School, an institution for girls whose financial situation presents an unhopeful prospect for their future, set in a new, far off land, Lowood is spacious and its’ classrooms have traditional and simple furnishings. Its’ atmosphere sparks a passion within Jane for learning and where she finally feels accepted by her peers. After realizing her need for change, Jane accepts a position at Thornfield Hall as the governess of Adele. Here, Jane’s prospect find true happiness and love seem quite possible. The estate of Thornfield is beautiful and grand revealing the enormous wealth of the owner, Mr. Rochester. There are many rooms and hallways, staircases and lavish furnishings. Although Jane is not allowed to enter the room on the upper floor, there are continual noises made throughout the halls of Thornfield. Thornfield serves as a point of suspense and superstition as it is unclear as to whether the place is haunted. When she could no longer live at Thornfield, Jane runs away and gains some independence at Moor House. The particular landscape of Moor House, presents a place where solitude can easily be found, allowing Jane the ability to gaze upon the fields while questioning her future. Moor House is small, simple and peaceful to Jane.
         Upon the conclusion of the novel, Jane returns to Mr. Rochester finding Thornfield in ruins after an enormous fire. They settle at his old hunting-lodge, Ferndean Manor nestled in the woods and far from any civilization; Jane Eyre and Mr.Rochester rekindle their relationship after being separated for so long. The variety of settings throughout the novel allows Jane to escape from her life instead of dealing with the problems at hand; she becomes dependent on the fact that if something goes wrong, she can always find her place in a new setting.


Gateshead Hall


 

Lowood School


 

Thornfield Hall


 

Moor House


 

Ferndean Manor



The Evolution of Edward Rochester

          Throughout the novel Jane Eyre, the character of Edward Rochester progressed considerably. At first introduction, Edward Rochester presents himself as a cold, stern and independent man, most notably through his less than cordial meeting with Jane Eyre. While riding towards Thornfield Hall, Rochester is thrown from his horse after being spooked by "something" in the shadows; while Jane happens to witness this unfortunate event and helps him mount his horse again, he believes that she was the cause of such a mishap. From their first encounter, Edward becomes quite enchanted by Jane and finds himself wanting to see her more and more. Shortly after realizing his love for Jane Eyre, despite her social and economic inferiority, Edward begins to play with Jane’s feelings. He decides to play a deceptive game by disguising himself as a gypsy; Rochester then pretends to foretell that the master of the house, is to be married to Blanche Ingram. Although Jane conceals her feelings well about this news, she grieves at the thought that the man she loves will marry another who is not his intellectual equal. Ultimately, Mr. Rochester’s heart softens toward her as she conveys her emotions upon the thought of their separation after his marriage to Miss Ingram. Finally, when Jane accepts his proposal of marriage he becomes overtly joyful and exuberant knowing their future will bring him happiness rather than loneliness.

          However, upon the disclosure of Rochester’s first marriage to Bertha Mason, Jane runs away in fear that she will be tempted to become his mistress, and one can not help but sympathize with his inevitable depression. Since Mr. Rochester’s contentment had become dependent on his "one true love," Jane’s departure leaves it questionable as to whether his misery and pain will ever dissipate. Moreover, after Rochester is blinded by the fire at Thornfield Hall, his character becomes incredib

ly weakened both emotionally and physically. It is only upon the return and possible relationship with Jane Eyre, that he regains his passion and vivaciousness for life if only he can marry her as his equal.

Jane Eyre and Love

          Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte, presents many thought-provoking themes, the most prominent being the desire for love and for some people, it seems that love is an elusive dream. From the first chapter, I was hooked with a feeling of sympathy and compassion for young Jane Eyre who, no matter what she did, was never loved by her own family, as every child should. Her supposed ‘guardian,’ Mrs. Reed (her aunt by marriage), treated Jane as if she were the devil (like a child of that age could truly be a devil), locking her in the "Red Room" where her uncle died for hours; this was punishment for standing up to the cruelty of her cousin, Mr. John who was abusive to her. Finally, when she was rid of Mrs. Reed and sent to Lowood School for girls, Jane eagerly sought for a place of belonging, where she could start fresh and leave her past behind. Once again, a cruel school master presented her as an ungrateful and outspoken girl, someone to avoid befriending. Although Jane wishes to be loved and accepted she cannot let anyone close enough to her heart, in fear of getting hurt. This occurs in her love for Mr. Rochester, whereby, for weeks she tries to hide her feelings, not giving into the notion that Mr. Rochester, in his position of wealth, could ever love "poor and plain" Jane Eyre. Ironically, however, when Jane excepts Mr. Rochester’s proposal and is about to embrace ‘love’ she finds out that he has a wife still living; rather than sacrifice her own integrity "for the sake of emotional gratification," she chooses to leave him and move on.

          At this point, Jane’s hopes of ever feeling love again, whether it be in friendship, family or romance seems very slim as she has no money, only independence. When Jane, by luck, finds her only living family members, her heart opens wide to the chance of having "sisters and brothers." Although Jane still desperately seeks love, her nature will not allow her to marry her cousin, St. John Rivers, as she can foresee that the marriage would have no love in it; thus, she does not jump at the first chance she has for love, after leaving her one and only, Mr. Rochester. After a sudden turn of events, Jane, in worry over Mr. Rochester’s physical being, rushes back to him, only to find him blind and cripple. Her love is notably strengthened for him, possibly as she can now view herself as an equal, and ends up marrying Mr. Rochester, not for wealth or a higher social class, but for the sake of that elusive dream of love.