Compromise and Marriage in Pride and Prejudice Essay -- Pride Prejudic

Compromise and Marriage in preen and Prejudice It is not unusual for an individual to disagree with social customs or expectations. Some people are only happy when they can rebel against society. Most mature adults eventually realise that compromise is necessary to achieve happiness. This is the case in the early nineteenth century England setting of Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. In the novel, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a lively, independent woman, whose familys financial situation and whose strong mindedness suggest that she may never link up. Mr. Darcy, is a rigid and proper man, who falls in love with Elizabeth, despite their differences. By the end of the novel, Elizabeth and Darcy learn to compromise, and, in doing so, become truly happy. In marrying, they not only fulfill themselves as individuals, but also affirm the principle determine of society. The marriage at the end of the novel shows Jane Austens ideal view of marriage as a social institution. The novel Pr ide and Prejudice, by Jane Austen gives us the endorser a very good idea of how she views marriage, as well as society. The theme of marriage is set in the very opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in requirement of a wife (Austen, 1) As Norman Sherry points out, this is Austens way of implying that a single man in possession of a good fortune is automatically destined to be the bearing of desire for all unmarried women. The statement opens the subject of the romantic novel courtship and marriage. The sentence also introduces the issue of what the reasons for marrying are. She implies here that many young women marry for money. The question... ...s, Jane Austen makes them all right. (Sherry, 92) By having Darcy and Elizabeth end the novel engaged in an ideal marriage is a significant detail. Jane Austen, in doing this is suggesting that society would be better if it followed Eli zabeth and Darcys example. By tyrannical pride and prejudice, and by learning that compromise is sometimes the best way to happiness, society can hope to improve itself. Marriage in the end, is the perfect ending, since it is two an affirmation of the values of society as well as a personal fulfillment, which it is for both Elizabeth and Darcy since they improve themselves by being together. Works Cited Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. innovative York. Bantam Books, 1813,1981. Butler, Marilyn. Jane Austen and the War of Ideas. Oxford. Claredon Press, 1975 Sherry, Norman. Jane Austen. London. Montegue House, 1966