Theme: Difficult marriages

           In Pride and Prejudice when one thinks of marriage one thinks of  the women within the book always being in search of a man for economic security of their inheritance. The theme of Marriage is seen as of utmost importance to every woman within the novel.

            In the case of the Bennets, Mr and Mrs Bennet have a marriage that is not based on love. Mr Bennet is said to be a man that was ‘so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserved and caprice,’ in comparison to his wife of twenty three years where she was ‘ of mean understanding of little information and uncertain temper’ this was a recipe for disaster of marriage. Elizabeth Bennet looks upon this marriage and sees her father just tolerating her mother. And he even confesses regret in marrying her from this we can see their marriage was not as loving as it should be but actually broken.

            This broken marriage affects the children in the novel, this is observed when reading their behavioural patterns through out the novel. Children tend to take sides of either parent and in some cases such for love outside of the home. This is seen in the character Lydia running away with Mr. Wickham even though she is the youngest. In other cases it makes some children stronger such as in the case of Elizabeth and she views marriage as something she can do without; because she sees it as being a tolerable matter only.

            In today’s society staying in an unhappy marriage only brings distress to the children. It is better to be separated or divorced than staying in a house causing the children to have resentment for one parent over another.  However, if the parent remains in the marriage for the children’s sake the parent is further stressed and depressed as if trapped from their true emotions. Though there are many cases for which persons stay in unhappy marriage these include lack of finances, or they may have no where else to go. The parent should learn to become independent again and not dependent on anyone for the sake of their children.

Pride and Prejudice Character Sketches

Pride and Prejudice Character Sketches
done by
Daveniel Matthery
Siobhan A. Leandro
Sharifa George
Shakeema Edwards

Ms Jane Bennet

Jane is condemned by her sister Elizabeth as being “a great deal to apt… to like people”. While Jane’s endeavours to see the best in people contribute to her king and caring nature, it also blinds her from the malicious devices of persons such as Caroline Bingley who only pretend to have her best interest at heart. Jane is also described as being prone to “conceal” her affection; she divulges to Elizabeth alone her admiration for Mr Bingley, but is “cautious” when discussing him with everyone else. This secret reserve of Jane ultimately causes her to lose Bingley’s love.

Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth, second daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, is the thorn among roses; she is the intellectual gems among her sisters. It is reflected in her witty speech and opinionate composure. Elizabeth wows strangers with her unique nature, notwithstanding the fact that she is a woman.... She emulates the "Prejudice" in 'Pride and Prejudice'. Throughtout the novel, we learn of the prejudices Elizabeth hold strongly towards Mr, Darcy. This course relationship fostered by Mr. Darcy and prolonged by Elizabeth is outstanding because, as opposed to the average woman, Elizabeth has her views and opinions and makes them known.

 Mr and Mrs. Bennet

 Mr. and Mrs. Bennet; an interesting and contrasting duet. Mr. Bennet is termed in the book as "so odd a mixture of quick parts" A colourful blend of personality characteristics such as humour, sarcasm and interlligence, thus he is of a sound mind. His wife, Mrs. Bennet, on the other hand, is more of a simpleton. She busies herself with the fine, however idle things in life, such as clothes and gossip. Mrs. Bennet represents the average women of the novel; subject to poor education, matters of the home and family and lastly, a vivid example to the place of women being subordinate to men.

Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy

Mr Darcy is described as “the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world”. However, Darcy’s reserved nature stems, as much from his shyness and inability to be comfortable around persons he does not know as it does from his pride. His love for Elizabeth despite her family’s obvious shortcomings prove that there is more to Mr Darcy beneath his proud demeanor.

Mr Charles Bingley

“Good looking and gentleman like… [with] a pleasant countenance and easy, unaffected manners”, it is no surprise that the young bachelor is a favourite among all of the inhabitants of Hertfordshire; especially the young ladies. Bingley’s overall appeal is slighted only by his relation to such prideful people as his sisters Caroline and Louisa.

Mr. William Collin

The character Mr Collins is the nephew of Mr.Bennet and also is a clergyman. He is 25 years of age and is the heir to the property that Mr. Bennet owns due the fact Mr. Bennet has five Daughters. His character can be said of a bit boastful via his manner on speaking of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The author states Mr. Collins as  ‘not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society.” From this it is seen that Mr. Collins is a character that goes based on his instinct and not his common sense. The characters around him see him as prideful but he is seen as a person in good standing with Mrs. Bennet when he shows interest in marrying her daughter Elizabeth .