This theme is central to the novel as much of the narrative is concerned with love and marriage and, in particular, the idea of marrying for love rather than for convenience, social status or financial stability. Austen explores the theme of love and marriage through a range of characters and suggests that those who have chosen love over fortune or status are ultimately the happiest at the end of the novel.
Knowledge and evidence:
- Throughout the novel, idealised notions of romantic love are frequently contrasted with more prudent or pragmatic ideas about marriage:
- Austen explores the social expectations of marriage in the early 19th century and conveys the stark realities of life for unmarried women who are forced to marry for social status and financial security
- Charlotte Lucas accepts a proposal because of external pressures associated with her age and social standing, underlining the economic inequalities of women in Austen’s society
- She marries Mr Collins to secure her financial and domestic future
- The novel also emphasises the importance of personal choice when it comes to love:
- Characters like Elizabeth and Jane pursue relationships based on genuine love and compatibility, despite their vulnerable financial status as daughters who can never inherit their father’s estate
- Love and marriage also offer redemption; Elizabeth and Mr Darcy grow to love each other and their love deepens as they come to understand each other’s flaws and true characters
- The novel also highlights the difference between romantic love and the consequences for women of infatuation and imprudence:
- Lydia Bennet is forced to marry Mr Wickham quickly to avoid a scandal after her impulsive decision to run away with him
- Ultimately, they are forced to marry to save her reputation and that of her family
What are Austen’s intentions?
- Austen seems to underline the importance of personal choice when it comes to love and marriage:
- Characters like Jane and Elizabeth pursue relationships based on genuine affection and, as a result, their marriages are ultimately happy and successful
- Lydia Bennet pursues an immoral, scandalous relationship and she faces the consequences of her rash decision in her unhappy, financially insecure marriage
- Charlotte Lucas marries for convenience; she avoids her husband’s company and does not truly love him
- Characters who are self-interested or pragmatic in their marital choices, like Mr Collins, are presented as comic caricatures:
- His obsequious proposal to Elizabeth and his refusal to accept her rejection also highlights how women were objectified
- Austen also highlights how initial impressions and judgements could prevent people from forming successful relationships:
- Elizabeth’s initial pride stops her from seeing Mr Darcy as a potential partner and Mr Darcy’s prejudice prevents him from truly admitting his love for Elizabeth