Abstract

Pride and Prejudice was written by Jane Austen in the 19th century. At that time, women’s future could not be guaranteed without a successful marriage and the only way they can gain their social status is to marry a man who belongs to the middle or high class. But with the rapid development of the technology and society, people’s views of marriage have changed greatly, especially the young in modern society. However, some problems have also arisen. Therefore, through the discussion of different marriages in Pride and Prejudice, this paper attempts to show the four main factors influencing marriage: property; love; sense and sense of hierarchy, and tries to discuss the realistic significance of view of marriage expressed in Pride and Prejudice.

Keywords: marriage; property; love; sense; sense of hierarchy; 

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. Four Different Marriages in Pride and Prejudice-3

3.1 Jane and Bingley-3

3.2 Lydia and Wickham-3

3.3 Charlotte and Collins-4

3.4 Elizabeth and Darcy-4

4. Four Key Factors in Marriage-5

4.1 The importance of property-5

4.2 The necessity of love-7

4.3 The importance of sense-9

4.4 The influence of sense of hierarchy-10

5. Realistic Significance of the View of Marriage in Pride and Prejudice-11

6. Conclusion-12

Works Cited-14