Jane Austen’s Love, Marriage, and Money in Pride and Prejudice

Answer

 Write a note on Jane Austen’s love, marriage, and money in Pride and Prejudice.

Jane Austen’s (1775-1817) novel “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) is a brilliant portrayal of love, marriage, and human relationships in the early 19th-century English society. Through different couples, Austen explores how people marry for different reasons. Some for love, some for wealth, and some for social security. The central idea is that true love must be based on mutual respect and understanding.

Elizabeth and Darcy – Real Love:  The central love story between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is the heart of the novel. At first, both characters are imperfect. Darcy is proud of his wealth and social class. Elizabeth is prejudiced. She believed Wickham’s lies and judged Darcy too quickly. Darcy’s first proposal is full of pride.  At first, he says, 

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you,” 

He also says that he loves her, 

“Despite the inferiority of her connections.” 

However, Elizabeth rejects him because he insults her family. He appears arrogant. Later, Darcy writes her a letter and explains everything, including why he thought Jane didn’t love Bingley. After reading the letter, Elizabeth says:

“Till this moment, I never knew myself.”

This moment marks the beginning of self-awareness for both. When Darcy proposes a second time, Elizabeth accepts. Their relationship becomes a symbol of mature and true love. Their love is formed through personal change and mutual respect.

Jane and Bingley – Innocent and Sweet Love: Jane and Bingley’s love is simple, innocent, and sweet. However, it faces obstacles due to social pressure. Darcy believes Jane does not truly love Bingley because she hides her emotions. As a result, Bingley is influenced to leave her. Eventually, the misunderstanding is cleared, and they marry. Their relationship shows that honest and kind-hearted people can have a happy and stable marriage.

Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins – Marriage for Money: Charlotte is 27 and fears remaining unmarried. She marries Mr. Collins, not out of love, but for security. She openly admits to Elizabeth:

“I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home.”

This marriage reflects the social reality of that time. Many women marry to gain security and comfort, not love.

Lydia and Wickham – Foolish Love: Lydia is the youngest of the Bennet sisters. She is only 15 years old. She runs away with Mr. Wickham. This brings shame to the family. Wickham does not love her truly. He agrees to marry her when Darcy pays him. Their marriage is based on lust and foolishness, not love. Austen shows that such foolish marriages lead to unhappy lives.

Marriage and Society: The novel reflects how society viewed marriage as a business. Mrs. Bennet’s only concern is to get her daughters married to rich men. Austen writes:

“The business of her life was to get her daughters married.”

Mr. Collins, a clergyman, wants a wife to impress his aunt, Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine herself interferes with Elizabeth and Darcy’s love because she values class and rank over feelings. But Elizabeth and Darcy show the right kind of love. They respect and understand each other. That is why their relationship becomes successful.

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen shows us many kinds of love and marriage. Some good, some bad. She teaches that real love needs:

• Respect
• Truth
• Personal change
• Understanding

Elizabeth and Darcy’s story is the best example of true love. Their love grows slowly, but becomes very strong. Austen’s message is clear: Real love is more important than money or class.