Pride and Prejudice in the modern world

A trophy gleaming on a shelf does not have to be made of metal; often times it also consists of flesh. In the days,of Jane Austen and the birth of Pride and Prejudice, wives were just prizes for men to adorn much akin to a medal. But has marriage seen evolution since then? Does there exist a palpable deviation? The social hierarchy and the unspoken requirements still remain against the ebb and flow of time. Social status, a long list of accomplishments, and a considerable collection of wealth are still sought for in matrimony despite centuries of buffer between the modern times and the 18th century.
As the times advance, so follows in its example the structure of society but scant progress does the hunger for status see. Mr. Darcy’s initial prejudice of Elizabeth’s class and his contempt in wishing for her hand is exemplified in his proposal alone, “...he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on…”(Austen 160). It is not laborious to recognize how doubtlessly prominence could outweigh love in the era of the novel as in the case of Charlotte Lucas and her husband, the dull Mr. Collins. However, so parallel is that singular want in this generation, as marriages continue to aid in the perilous climb of the social ladder to this day. The A-listers of the red carpet generally do not stoop to marrying the average joe when compared to the glitter of the fellow surrounding diamonds. The rich often utilize the union like a business merger with love unwritten as a clause. Amidst society, marriages occur between the lines of familiar communities as well as corresponding social circles. Although the idea of love has been sophisticated over time, it stays only an option among socialites. While the romantics might beg to differ, the thought that love will reign over all is recognized as flawed as there appears to be a certain qualification requirement in antecedent and of the modern marriage. In the 18th century, woman’s talents were not only revered; it was almost a necessity in the pursuit of matrimony. In page 35 of chapter 8, Mr. Bingley comments that he does not believe he has heard of a girl unless it was said that she was talented as well and Miss Bingley adds, “A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages…besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions.” The standards women had to meet in order to find a husband then might appear ludicrous but it solidifies the fact of life; individuals prefer the adept over the demure. Regardless of era, the talented will always shine brighter than the rest. The catalyst of love often begins with the introduction of appeal and likewise to the current times, affection becomes far more yielding when done for one skilled in every aspect. Although in today’s world, women do not have to keep such inordinate talents, the average pale against the appeal of the accomplished.
Since its introduction to society, money has never lost its influence over the course of time. Representing power and success, affluence has held a position high above most in both the 18th century and the modern times. Currency dictates the value of each member in Pride and Prejudice, as embodied throughout the novel, “Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications.” (Austen 94). It was a fixed opinion of the neighborhood that only a man with a fortune would be in search of a good wife (Deresiewicz 3). In an age of which marriage was the “only provision for well-educated young women of small fortune,” wealth becomes a unconditional factor for the female counterparts (Austen 106). Holding such significance, “… it is rather foolhardy to marry without having a more-or-less guaranteed income in advance…” (The Republic of Pemberley 1). The pattern sees repetition today, however, as money still provides security and possessions in a material driven world. “It's a kind of spiritual snobbery that makes people think they can be happy without money,” (Camus 77). In a capitalistic world, wealth endures as a valuable characteristic in a potential spouse.
The 18th century differs from now in an infinite set of ways. The culture of the past only stays residual and the public holds a never satisfied thirst for improvement. The matters of marriage in contrast, appear timeless. Parallel to Pride and Prejudice, prestige in society, aptitude, and affluence are deciding factors to be found in the espousals of today. Although the world acts unyielding in its path towards progress, human desires will always be predictable along the spectrum of time.