Introduction
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813) offers a profound exploration of marriage as a social institution, reflecting the economic and cultural constraints of early 19th-century England. The novel critiques the prevailing attitudes towards marriage through its diverse characters, particularly in the contrasting perspectives of Charlotte Lucas, who marries Mr Collins, and Elizabeth Bennet, whose ideals shape her romantic journey. This essay examines how Austen presents attitudes towards marriage in the union of Charlotte and Mr Collins, juxtaposed against Elizabeth’s values, and links these portrayals to broader themes within the novel. It argues that Austen uses these characters to highlight the tension between pragmatic and romantic notions of marriage, exposing the societal pressures that underpin such decisions. Through close textual analysis, supported by academic commentary, this essay will explore how these differing attitudes reflect the complex interplay of gender, class, and personal agency in Regency-era society.
Charlotte and Mr Collins: A Marriage of Pragmatism
Charlotte Lucas’s decision to marry Mr Collins epitomises a pragmatic approach to marriage, driven by economic necessity rather than emotional attachment. At the age of 27, Charlotte is acutely aware of her limited prospects as an unmarried woman in a society where financial security often depends on a advantageous match. Her acceptance of Mr Collins, despite his lack of personal charm and social graces, is a calculated choice. Austen writes, “Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune” (Austen, 1813, p. 122). This statement underscores Charlotte’s pragmatic resignation to marriage as a means of survival rather than a union of love. Her attitude reflects the broader societal expectation that women must secure a husband to avoid the stigma and vulnerability of spinsterhood.
Moreover, Charlotte’s marriage to Mr Collins reveals her willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for stability. She admits to Elizabeth that she is “not romantic” and seeks only a “comfortable home” (Austen, 1813, p. 125). This perspective is further reinforced by her management of domestic life at Hunsford, where she strategically organises her space to minimise interaction with her husband, indicating a marriage of convenience rather than companionship. As Tanner (1986) notes, Charlotte’s choice illustrates the stark reality faced by many women of her class, for whom marriage was a transactional arrangement rather than an emotional bond. Thus, Austen uses Charlotte to critique the economic imperatives that often dictated women’s marital decisions during this period.
Elizabeth Bennet: A Pursuit of Romantic Integrity
In contrast, Elizabeth Bennet’s attitude towards marriage is rooted in ideals of personal respect and mutual affection, setting her apart from the pragmatic considerations that govern Charlotte’s choice. Elizabeth rejects Mr Collins’s proposal despite the financial security it offers, as she cannot countenance a union devoid of emotional compatibility. Her sharp rebuff—“You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so” (Austen, 1813, p. 108)—demonstrates her commitment to individual happiness over societal expectation. Elizabeth’s stance is radical for her time, as it prioritises personal agency and emotional fulfilment over the economic benefits of marriage.
Furthermore, Elizabeth’s evolving relationship with Mr Darcy underscores her belief in marriage as a partnership of equals. Initially prejudiced against Darcy due to his apparent pride and her misunderstanding of his character, Elizabeth only accepts his second proposal after mutual respect and understanding are established. This is evident in her reflection on his transformation: “She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her” (Austen, 1813, p. 312). As Gilbert and Gubar (1979) argue, Elizabeth’s journey reflects a feminist assertion of autonomy, challenging the patriarchal norms that often reduced women to objects of exchange in marriage. Through Elizabeth, Austen advocates for a vision of marriage that aligns with personal integrity and genuine affection, positioning her as a counterpoint to the transactional unions prevalent in the novel.
Links to the Wider Novel: Societal Pressures and Gender Dynamics
The contrasting attitudes towards marriage embodied by Charlotte and Elizabeth resonate with broader themes in Pride and Prejudice, particularly the societal pressures and gender dynamics that shape personal choices. Charlotte’s pragmatic marriage mirrors other unions in the novel, such as the ill-fated match between Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham. Lydia’s impulsive elopement, driven by infatuation rather than reason, results in a marriage that secures her social position at the cost of familial disgrace and personal dissatisfaction (Austen, 1813, p. 298). This parallel suggests that, whether through calculated pragmatism or reckless passion, marriages lacking mutual respect and understanding often lead to discontent, reinforcing Austen’s critique of societal norms that prioritise superficial considerations over emotional depth.
Additionally, the contrast between Charlotte and Elizabeth highlights the limited agency available to women in Regency society, a theme pervasive throughout the novel. Mrs Bennet’s obsessive focus on marrying off her daughters—“The business of her life was to get her daughters married” (Austen, 1813, p. 5)—reflects the economic imperative that drives many marital decisions, echoing Charlotte’s reasoning. However, Elizabeth’s resistance to such pressures, seen also in her rejection of Mr Darcy’s initial proposal due to his condescending attitude (Austen, 1813, p. 193), underscores her determination to assert control over her destiny. Poovey (1984) suggests that Austen uses these varied portrayals to expose the constraints imposed by gender and class, illustrating how women navigate a system that often reduces their worth to marital status. Thus, the attitudes towards marriage in Pride and Prejudice serve as a lens through which Austen critiques the broader social order.
Conclusion
In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen presents contrasting attitudes towards marriage through Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins’s pragmatic union and Elizabeth Bennet’s pursuit of romantic integrity. Charlotte’s marriage reflects the economic necessities and societal expectations that often compelled women to prioritise security over happiness, while Elizabeth’s ideals advocate for mutual respect and personal fulfilment, challenging the norms of her time. These differences not only highlight individual character traits but also connect to wider themes in the novel, including the impact of gender dynamics and class constraints on personal agency. Austen’s nuanced portrayal invites readers to question the value placed on marriage as a social transaction versus a genuine partnership. Ultimately, through these contrasting perspectives, Austen critiques the limitations of a society that often forced women into compromising positions, offering a subtle yet powerful commentary on the need for reform in attitudes towards marriage. This exploration remains relevant, prompting ongoing reflection on the balance between personal desires and societal expectations in relationships.
References
- Austen, J. (1813) *Pride and Prejudice*. London: T. Egerton.
- Gilbert, S. M. and Gubar, S. (1979) *The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination*. Yale University Press.
- Poovey, M. (1984) *The Proper Lady and the Woman Writer: Ideology as Style in the Works of Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley, and Jane Austen*. University of Chicago Press.
- Tanner, T. (1986) *Jane Austen*. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
