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What Is The Theme Of Marriage In Pride And Prejudice

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“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” This is the first line of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie and is significant to the analyzation of attitudes towards romance and marriage during the early 1800s. The relationships described in the movie were unique from each other but all had a similar underlying theme throughout, money. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen showcases the correlation between marriage and financial survival in the early 1800s. Woman using auspicious relationships for their economic gain did not seem out of the ordinary. In Mr. Collins and Charlotte’s relationship this seemed to be the only reason for their courtship. Mr. Collins was to inherit Mr. Bennet’s estate when he passed away because he only had daughters and Mr. Collins was the next male inherent. This touches on how women were not viewed as equals and men controlled social status in the early 1800s. He attempted to marry a daughter in the Bennet family (Elizabeth) but was rejected so he proposed to Charlotte, Elizabeth’s friend. In the movie Charlotte is explaining to Elizabeth that she is engaged to Mr. Collins and says “Not all of us can afford to be romantic. I’ve been offered a comfortable home and protection.” This quote showcases Charlotte’s reason for marriage is for financial stability. Additionally, she explains how she is twenty seven and a burden to her family. Unlike modern times, in the early 1800s

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