Marriage characterizes the ideal life. This ideal life imposed by society consists of money, friends, and a wife. Marriage becomes a vital event in a person's life if he wants success. This doesn't differ when compared to the standards of marriage in Pride and Prejudice. Every character in the book seeks for a husband or wife, desiring marriage. No one is exempt from this standard that society imposes on them. Mr. Collins, when talking to Elizabeth, proposes the following reason for him to marry "First, I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish" (Austen, pg 80). Mr. Collins sees marriage as setting an example for his community. Setting an example means that a person wants to show others how things are done, but at the same time he makes himself superior to the others by making them follow his example. A way of gaining power and public respect is by marriage. In the ideal life, marriage will also bring friends along with it.
In Pride and Prejudice marriage also involves the gain of wealth. People marry for many different reasons including money. According to Mrs. Bennet: "She is a very headstrong foolish girl, and does not know her own interest; but I will make her know it" (Austen, pg 84). Mrs. Bennet wants to marry her daughter Elizabeth to Mr. Collins because of money. Mr. Collins is a wealthy and powerful man but he lacks an attitude that pleases Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet will not make Elizabeth know her own interest but rather she will teach her the family's interest. The Bennet family will gain prestige if their daughters marry wealthy men, bringing the family name to a better status. Elizabeth doesn't like Mr. Collins but the only thing needed to wed is money. Mr. Collins's wealth has instantly won Mrs. Bennet's help
No comments:
Post a Comment