Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ has always been acknowledged as an unparalleled depiction, a great commentary on the
18th century English society. But, why is it that this bright romantic comedy continues to enthrall people even today? I myself have read the novel 10 times and know people who have read it 20-25 times. If you search the Internet, you will come across essays and articles on almost every aspect of the novel. Furthermore, this great work of fiction has inspired innumerable artistic adaptations and related works – books, dramas, films and musicals.
This mass appeal of the novel, I believe, has a lot to do with the main theme – Marriage. The theme is set out very wittily in the very famous opening lines of the book … “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
Marriage continues to be a popular institution even today and a close analysis of the theme will help you see the connection, the present day
resemblance with the world depicted in the novel.
The novel presents several marriages intertwined into the plot – the marriages of the Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley, Lydia and Wickham, the Bennets, Charlotte and Collins, the Gardiners – all the time giving the reader a clear perception as to how relationships work.
Speaking of the central characters, the Elizabeth-Darcy marriage is described as a doting, strong attachment; their
relationship matures over time, as they develop mutual understanding and start respecting each other. This is true to some extent for Jane and Bingley as well. Of course, in their case, others created the misunderstandings between them and their only flaw is that they take things lying down. Ultimately, however, theirs is a good, happy marriage.
Exactly contrasting are the relationships between Lydia and Wickham or that of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet - they are established as examples of bad, unhappy marriages. Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet are a mismatch and the latter is a subject of contempt/ridicule for her husband. It appears that Mr. Bennet was captivated by Mrs. Bennet’s beauty; when he discovered the truth, he preferred to cocoon himself in the small library. (This is not the way that family life should be led.) Like father like child! Lydia falls for Wickham’s looks and there is not much of involvement on Wickham’s part. (As the plot unfolds, we find that Darcy forces the marriage upon Wickham to save Lydia and the Bennets from being disgraced).
The marriage of Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins is a marriage of convenience. There is hardly any place for love in their relationship. Charlotte shows prudence in choosing Mr. Collins as her life-partner and thereby ensures her financial security. As Charlotte says to Elizabeth – “I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’ character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”
Although there is not enough details about the conjugal life of the Gardiners, their sensible nature (and talk) as well as Elizabeth’s sense of pleasure in their company is a proof that they enjoy a very balanced marriage.
Even in this 21st century, if you look around youself, you will come across many Lydias, Wickhams and the Bennets, who act on their impulse and are made to pay for their imprudence and recklessness throughout their lives. Many even share similarities with the Charlotte-Collins marriage (whether they choose it willingly or have it thrust upon them by fate/circumstances). The percentages of Lizzys (and even Janes) are pretty less for not many have the patience, rather forbearance, to wait until their Darcys and Bingleys turn up!