The attitude towards marriage depends entirely on the
characters.
We can start by stating that the overall
attitude was that marriage was a symbol of status and a rite of passage that women and
men alike had to undertake in order to belong fully to society. Depending on the riches
and properties, the marriage will be considered socially powerful, and will ensure
benefits for both sides.
Men, when coming of age and
acquiring property, were expected to look for a wife.
The
women, however, had different views of it.
Elizabeth, who
was independent and did not think of the criteria of the time, was focused in finding
the love of her life. Her marriage would have to be for love. In that she shares with
her sister Jane, but Jane never specifically stated her views of marriage in general,
other than she loved Bingley.
Charlotte Lucas and Mrs.
Bennet, however, represent the side of society which found matrimony as a way out of
poverty and as a way for women to take a place in society. Charlotte went as far as
marrying Mr. Collins knowing that she may learn to tolerate him, and because she just
wanted the comfort of a home of her own. Mrs. Bennet, as we know, was nearly obsessed
with marrying her daughters so that (if their father dies) their entire property would
go to Mr. Collins, as the nearest male heir in the
family.
As of Lydia, Kitty, and Mary, we kjnow that the
three are superficial in their opinion. Lydia eloped thinking that Wickham was in love
with her and will undoubtedly marry her. We know that it was not the case. He was
forced to. Mary, since she had no chance due to her dull personality, would appear too
virtuous. Poor Kitty could only follow Lydia, and without her she was not
much.
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