RomanceEverAfter

Quotes & Poetry

Pride & Prejudice:
Chapter Commentary & Definitions
Chapters 1-5

Marriage

One of the pleasures of opening up the first chapter of Austen's Pride & Prejudice is that she immediately engulfs the reader into the action.  In fact, the opening dialogue sets the stage for the foundation that the story will revolve.  Mrs. Bennet's sole goal for her five daughters is marriage.

Mrs. Bennet addresses her husband by querying whether he has heard the news - that "Netherfield Park is let at last."  The reader quickly discovers that it has been let to a single man of great fortune (four or five thousand a year). 

Why Marriage Mattered

In order to comprehend the import of securing a marriage during Austen's time, it is necessary to understand the position and role of women during the late 18th century and early 19th century.

Education

Women of the middle and upper classes were more fortunate than women of the lower classes.  At least the upper classes were afforded some opportunity for educational self-development.  Although their formal education was merely endeavoring to be "accomplished", i.e., etiquette, learning a language, playing the piano forte, etc., extending intellectual development depended solely on their own desire to do so.  Elizabeth exemplifies this desire to expand her mind by reading.  

Unfortunately, the lack of continuing education was viewed as unnecessary.  As women did not pursue a profession, Society saw little need for intellectual pursuits.  As a result, due to Society "rules" of the period, women had few options for supporting themselves financially.

Making A Living 

A woman of the upper classes had basically two options of making a living during this period.  A woman could take a position as a governess or a lady's companion.  Either position would allow a lady to maintain her position in society.  The downside to such a fate was the challenging working conditions of these two positions.  A woman was looked down upon who held the job.

A danger that potentially lurked at every corner for a governess was the ill-treatment from men in the household.  In short, a governess had no one to protect her from the unwanted advances of any males in the household.  

Dependence Upon Relatives

Women of this period were absolutely dependent on their relatives if they did not secure a marriage.  In short, a woman needed to get married so a man could take care of her.  

In the case of the Bennet sisters, they were under the care of their father.  However, since the small fortune that Mr. Bennet possessed would be entailed (passed) to cousin Mr. Collins, the Bennet sisters could be left in a dire situation.  Mrs. Bennet and her daughters would be completely at the mercy of their relatives charity, i.e., Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. and Mrs. Gardiner, and Mr. Collins.