Dating Vs. Marriage In The 1800's

Choosing a life partner is probably one of the most important decisions one could make in their entire lifetime. It could either make one’s life abundantly happy, or exceedingly miserable. Standing at the alter and saying “I do” is probably the easiest part of it. The process before that special day is where it is challenging. “Do I truly love this person?” “Is he/she the right one for me?” These are the usual questions asked by modern couples before they wed. But in the 1800s, when Pride and Prejudice was written, the only question that filled the minds of single men and women was, “Will this person be beneficial to my social and/or financial status?” This is the one of the most significant differences between dating and marriage in the 1800s, and dating and marriage in our contemporary world. People today and in the 1800’s take into account the qualities that are incorporated in a person that make them fit for marriage. Financial stability is an essential element that determines whether that person is worthy to be one’s partner, or not. However, that is not the main aspect that is looked upon by single people of our modern era. Most people today take into account happiness, love, family, appearance, talent, and character when choosing a lifelong partner. But in the 1800s, it didn’t matter if
It takes years before couples marry or even consider marriage. The reason for this wait is so that the couple could get to know one another. After all, they will be spending the rest of their daily lives with the one other. Therefore, choosing correctly is incredibly vital to one’s lifelong happiness. However, in Pride & Prejudice this is not a consideration that is emphasized. One can get married a few months after meeting a suitable man or woman. If the person was of good social and economic standing, then their marriage application has already been accepted. Why wait when you’ve found “the