Themes in Pride And Prejudice.

     One of the most evident themes in Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice is the reputation of women within society. The necessity of a woman fulfilling all the standards of what it means to be "feminine" was crucial at this time. Any woman who defied what society held as normal for a woman, was often looked down upon by other women. For example, when Elizabeth walks all the way to Netherfield and arrives there with her shoes and skirt full of mud, Miss Bingley turns up her nose at her and treats her with less respect. Since it was uncommon for a woman to disregard the way she presented herself, this was shocking to such a reputation oriented Miss Bingley. Also we see the importance of a woman's reputation in the emphasis put on marriage. Mrs. Bennet is a character who cares so much about the reputation of her children that she is nearly obsessed with the idea of her daughters marrying. For instance, in chapter nine Mrs. Bennet brags of Jane saying "I do not like to boast of my own child, but, to be sure, Jane—one does not often see anybody better-looking. It is what everybody says. I do not trust my own partiality." Mrs. Bennet takes pride in the fact that her daughters possess the qualities of a good spouse. Since reputation was so important in this society, Mrs. Bennet would often brag of how well her daughters were. These necessary feminine qualities for women were what determined the essential reputation of a woman.
        The ideal reader would interpret the marriage theme as mocking the view that marriage is essential in society. The ideal reader should recognize that within this point in history marriage was viewed as important to further one's social status. This point is proved in the first few lines of the novel when it states that "it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Not only did the novel acknowledge that society made it necessary that one finds a spouse, but it also assumes that all singles must be in WANT of a spouse. The fact that Austen says that this point is universally acknowledged shows that this was a very common view at this time. Marriage throughout the novel is seen more as something you must do for financial comfort and stability (as seen the the marriage of Mr. Collins and Charlotte). The only exceptions of this are in the relationships of Elizabeth and Jane to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. Therefore the ideal reader should recognize that marriage in this time was more for financial and societal reasons.
           I believe that marriage is sacred and should be between a man and a woman who both share the same values and therefore plan to spend the rest of their lives together no matter what the terms. I do not think that marriage is a necessity for all people but is for those who long for companionship and commitment. Therefore nowadays I don't think that marriage is seen as more financial and status based, for in most cases it is seen as occurring when you love another. Overall I want to marry someone who treats me well and shares my values, if I don't find someone like that I most likely will not marry.