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How does Austen’s use of the four weddings/marriages contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole?

How does Austen’s use of the four weddings/marriages contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole in Pride & Prejudice?

Public Comments

1. So many marriages in one book and so many reasons why the women get married. There are marked differences in the reasons why Charlotte marries Mr. Lucas and Lydia marries Wickham. There are marked reasons why Elizabeth turns down proposals by both Mr. Lucas and Darcy. Once you understand why the women get -- or not get -- married, you will see how much of a commentary P&P is. What is Jane Austen saying about the state of marriage and the role of women? The answers are pretty clear.
2. Austen is reflecting on marriage as well as womens' rolls within the confounds of her own society. She discovers that marriage is more than just one thing; that, like love, marriage can serve different purposes for different people. Jane marries Mr Bingly for love and security, Charlotte marries Mr Collins for security only, Lydia marries Wickham to fulfill a greater need for social convention and redemption. Elizabeth marries Darcy for greater character growth, (the most noble marriage of the four). Austen uses each marriage as a means to better understand her society and not only the social expectations of a woman to marry, but also the sad burden of which is placed upon young women's' shoulders to choose money over desire and survival over love if the situation warrants. She is showing us, politely and maturely how under the good manners, we are still flawed and barbaric, and extremely oppressed by our own norms.