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Pride and Prejudice as Austen’s most famous novel, was published in 1813. Similar to her other novels, this novel mainly talks about the life in the genteel rural society of 19th Britain, and deals with the marriages of daughters of Mr. Bennet. The theme of this novel is revealed in the opening sentence, “ It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must in want of a wife.” (Austen 1) Through this sentence, Austen has made it clear that the theme of this novel will be courtship and marriage. She also held the view that if a girl was born in a low class family, she would desire to find a man with good material conditions as her husband. Pride and Prejudice is a story about this subject.
Austen’s works embody the high literature value as well as rich social significance. Many scholars in different areas have done many researches about Pride and Prejudice aim to obtain a further understanding of social and cultural context at that time. Based on the previous researches, this paper integrates and refers to many references, finding that there are fewer people do research on the views of marriage in Pride and Prejudice in China. Therefore, this paper intends to probe into distinct views of marriage in Pride and Prejudice of different characters. And hopes to attract more readers to give new concern of this novel as well as to enlighten the young people what is the most significant when they choose a future marriage. Finally, the paper will encourage the young to keep a rational attitude towards marriage.
II. Introduction to Marriages in Pride and Prejudice
2.1 Introduction to Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is a story about the five daughters of Mr.Bennet , Jane, Elizabeth, Marry, Kitty and Lydia. They are all at marriageable age, unfortunately, they have very little fortune as their dowry. And if Mr. Bennet dies, according to British law, his distant cousin will inherit their house; therefore, his five daughters must make good marriages for the family’s future security.
At the Meryton ball, Mr. Bingley first appears with his companions. He meets Jane and takes a liking to her. Mr. Bingley is a handsome and rich man, he is appreciated by people to be good-tempered and friendly. Mr. Darcy, who is Mr. Bingley’s best friend, however, tries to persuade Mr. Bingley not to contact with Jane. Besides, his arrogant behavior irritates Elizabeth, he snubs her and is viewed as obnoxious man. Elizabeth is furiated by Mr. Darcy and she even swears to abhor him forever. After a further contact, Jane and Mr. Bingley have formed an attachment to each other and fallen in love. When Jane is invited for dinner, she catches a cold because of heavy rain, and she is forced to spend several days at Netherfield. Elizabeth meet Mr. Darcy again when she arrives to Netherfield to nurse her sister. During the days at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy gradually finds himself attracted by Elizabeth, but he is too proud to express his feeling. Meanwhile, Miss Bingley (Bingley’s sister), who loves Mr. Darcy, very disgusts Elizabeth and tries to stop Mr. Darcy from getting in touch with her.,源^自,优尔"文'论.文]网[www.youerw.com
When Elizabeth and Jane return home after Jane recovers, they find Mr. Collins, a distant cousin of Mr. Bennet, visiting their household. According to British law, Mr. Collins should inherit Mr. Bennet property. Mr. Collins is a flatulent man, he states clearly his intention that he wants to find a suitable girl among the five daughters as his wife. He makes a proposal to Elizabeth just a few days after his arrival, but Elizabeth refuses him immediately. Then Mr. Collins changes his attention to Charlotte Lucas, the best friend of Elizabeth. He makes a proposal to Charlotte and she accepts him immediately.
Meanwhile, the Bennet girls gradually attracted by the militia officers. Wickham, a young soldier is one of them. He shows preference for Elizabeth, and tells her that he is badly treated by Mr. Darcy, despite he has been a ward of Mr. Darcy’s father. This tale makes her more disgust to Mr. Darcy.