In his first reasoning for his marriage proposal, he states that one of his reasons for marrying is: “that it is right for every clergyman”. This suggests that he feels it’s his duty as a clergyman to be married. In addition, another strong reasoning Mr. Collins has for his proposal to marry his cousin is that he feels that she will impress his patroness: “… my fair cousin… You will find her manners beyond anything I can describe…” Mr. Collins suggests that his patroness, in which provides him with financial support will be impressed by his cousin, which in itself is flattering to his cousin because of the fact that she is able to impress a “very noble lady”. Although there are strengths to Mr. Collin’s marriage proposal, weaknesses are present as well. It is important to note that Mr. Collin’s almost entirely appeals to his…
In the 19th century, marriage was the sole occupation of women and was the only way for women to rise in social status and to ‘support themselves’. Marriage was a fundamental aspect of Austen’s world and the importance of marriage is highlighted as Emma states that she is “not going to be married” and Harriet exclaims in a shocked tone “it is so odd to hear a woman talk so!”. For Harriet, and most women in the 19th century, marriage was an economic necessity to provide a stable financial future. This is reiterated by Emma’s use of short phrases in “a single woman, with a very narrow income, must be a ridiculous, disagreeable old maid” which expresses her disdain for those women who do not possess fortunes to match hers and reinforces the value of wealth in relation to marriage. Marriage was therefor, not for love but for wealth, as is demonstrated in Mr. Elton’s arrogant proclamation that he “need not so totally despair of an equal alliance as to be addressing myself to Ms. Smith!” The use of the word ‘alliance’ emphasizes the fact that matrimony was for financial benefits. Marriage in Austen’s time was valued unconditionally and was seen as a means to achieve financial and social stability.…
Charlotte portrays the belief that “happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance” this exemplifies the perspective of Austen’s time that one should marry solely for financial gain and standing. Elizabeth, the main character, refuses two marriage offers in the text even when…
Through the connections made between PP and LA, responders gain a deeper understanding of the purpose of a marital relationship within society, especially its importance in the lives of women. In the patriarchal society of Austen’s context women have no individual rights of their own and since inheritance was passed through the male linage marriage was the economic bases of life and the only option for women with limited fortune and beauty. The subsequent importance of marriage has been supported by the critic Ginger Graph, “the world of this novel; marriage is the market, and the young woman are the merchandise.” Austen has reflected the purpose of marriage as a tool for economic survival through her pragmatic characterisation of Charlotte Lucas who agrees to marry Mr Collins despite his, “conceded, pompous, narrow-minded nature,” she admits to Elizabeth that she “asks only for a comfortable…
The fundamental importance and value assigned to marriage in the context of Jane Austen and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is reinforced through Weldon’s discussion of the options for women outside marriage and its purpose of providing financial security for women. In ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Austen presents the historical context of her novel in the mock axiom of “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” The parody of this statement is presented through Austen’s satirical tone, as the novel focuses heavily on women, rather than men, seeking to marry. Austen conveys this by directly informing the audience of Charlotte Lucas’ pragmatism, as she lives “without thinking highly either of men or matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young…
In the novel Pride and Prejudice, the reader learns that the most successful marriages are those based upon affection and compatibility. Without these two essential pieces one will not have a truly ideal marriage. In a quality marriage there is an equal head of knowledge and heart of affection; with an equal head and heart the marriage is unbreakable. Some marriages in the novel do not follow this idea, so they do not always work. As Nelson Mandela said, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”; in the best marriage there is a balance of both of these aspects.…
In two societies where social hierarchy rules over love in marriage, the tones of selfish progression in teh passage from Pride and Prejudice counter those of loving sercurity in the passage from Our Mutual Friend. The character of Mr. Collins uses marriage fro social gain, having it take precedence over the feelings of the woman to whom he wants to marry. The other man longs to probide for the woman he loves and wishes to marry.…
This may be bad morality to conclude with, but I believe it to be truth’ (Austen, p. 232). All of this would mean is that Jane Austen’s society believes marriage should be noncommittal and one should only marry someone of high class, wealth, and connections.…
Although distortion is seen throughout the novel, it first becomes most apparent with the introduction of Mr. Collins. Austen has exaggerated his personality, distorting his character into a source of comic relief and humor. This has a profound impact on the novel as it creates the first tension between Elizabeth and her family seen in the novel. The distortion of Mrs. Bennet’s character is also seen here when she threatens Elizabeth that “I (She) will never see her again”(19) if she does not accept. This bold declaration certainly shows conflict and creates drama within the novel. The entire proposal scene is also fraught with social commentary. For example when Mr. Collins proudly declares “My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergy man in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his…
Austen’s speaker presents his proposal as if he is describing a business agreement, and lists ways that will benefit him rather than his intended. Mr. Collins arrogantly assumes Elizabeth will agree to his proposal, and doesn’t consider her feelings. Collins views the marriage as something that will…
The passages taken from Jane Austen's and Charles Dickens' novels show differences in marriage proposals. The type of rhetoric used by each man causes different effects .…
The grounds of marriage are formed on the basis of genuine love but can also be seen as an avenue taken to gain financial and social security. Austen challenges the incessant need for women to marry in her time while Weldon supports her views by recontextualising her context to fit the contemporary period. Through this, the reader’s understanding of women becomes enriched through the examination of what a woman values in both contexts. The necessity of marriage is stressed and explored through Charlotte’s character as she marries Mr Collin’s despite being the second option. Her pride is not compromised as it is outweighs the financial security she gains from him. She was well beyond the average marrying age and would have been left in destitution had she not married.…
"Pardon me for interrupting you, madam," cried Mr. Collins; "but if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state. If therefore she actually persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it was better not to force her into accepting me, because if liable to such defects of temper, she could not contribute much to my felicity." Pg.…
Throughout ’Pride and Prejudice’ Jane Austen conveys the theme of marriage of being of paramount importance. The first line of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ defines the main themes of Austen’s’ novel, as well as subtly giving the reader an insight of Austen’s views of marriage. Her use of hyperbole ‘That a man in possession of good fortune, must be in want of a wife’ hints at a somewhat mocking and ironic tone on Austen’s part, which indicates to the reader that Austen doesn’t agree with the general perception of marriage during her time.…
From the beginning lines of Pride and Prejudice, marriage is expressed as a central theme of the novel. Austen even makes the bold statement that “it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune, must be in want of a wife” (1). Throughout the novel, the question arises whether marriage is meant for love or for wealth and social status. Although Austen presents both sides of this argument in the text, marrying for love is favored.…