“If marriage is such a blessed state, how is it, you might say, that there are so few happy marriages? (Astell 2421). Marriage is one of the main themes of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, a key motivator for many of her characters. Set during the Napoleonic Wars (1797–1815), the novel presents marriage as a formally unified institution; however, personal motivations for marrying differ considerably. In Some Thoughts on Marriage, predating Austen's novel by over a hundred years, Mary Astell explores the dysfunctional motivations leading to marriage and the results that can be expected from it. The application of his views to marriages in Pride and Prejudice suggests that the ladies in Austen's novel would have done better to heed his advice; According to Astell, most unions are designed from flawed motivations and therefore will not bring happiness to their participants. Astell's feminist perspective on marriage was radical at that time. Today, as a typical happy ending in novels and films, marriage "represents, from a feminist perspective, submission to a masculine narrative imperative" (Newman 693). Indeed, Karen Newman argues that the fairy tale ending of Pride and Prejudice does not devalue the work from a feminist point of view, but that the novel's attention to conflicts in the situation of women at the turning point of the 18th century is more valuable than “parody”. ing] of male models of action” (705). Exploring Austen's novel from seemingly contradictory feminist perspectives will show the complex commentary on the position of women in society that this work contains, from the developing plot to what appears to be a happy ending. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In Some Thoughts on Marriage, Astell argues that a man's first inquiry in seeking a wife is into her worth; how rich is she, how many acres of land will she bring her? These considerations are notably expressed by Mr. Darcy, who explains to Elizabeth Bennet his attempt to prevent Mr. Bingley from proposing to his sister Jane. Darcy calls “reprehensible” “the situation of your mother’s family” (Austen 228), that is, their lower social class and less than moderate wealth (228). Marrying for wealth is a motivation that surfaces repeatedly in Austen's work: Wickham, who eventually marries Lydia Bennet, only agrees to do so after Darcy promises to repay his debts and the Bennet guaranteed him a small income. Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins, whom Elizabeth rejected, thinking that marriage is "the only honorable arrangement for young women well educated and of small fortune, and even unsure of giving them happiness, must be their most agreeable preservative of the need ". (163). Charlotte does not romanticize her marriage; living a relatively comfortable life is his primary goal and happiness is a secondary consideration. Some Reflections Upon Marriage emphasizes the goal of being happily married, and so the final statement on the theme of marrying for wealth is at odds with Charlotte's view: "But as an estate must be considered, it should not be the main element either. , and even less the sole consideration; because happiness does not depend on wealth. (2421).If financial security is not the primary consideration when choosing a partner, this must be a rare case of marrying for love; Astell argues that there is no ifbig difference between “marrying for the love of money or for the love of beauty; man does not act according to reason in both cases, but is governed by irregular appetites” (2422). Perhaps the clearest example of marriage for the love of beauty is the union between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet; "[Mr. Bennet] captivated by youth and beauty . . . had married a woman whose feeble understanding and illiberal spirit had early put an end to any real affection for her" (262). Astell adds that in addition to obscure a person's less attractive personality, beauty also tends to fade Darcy's love for Elizabeth focuses on her mind and personality to many, this seems compelling as a basis for a marriage; happy However, Astell argues that the greatest appeal of wit is its surprising, light and inexplicable nature; it has no "excellence or real value in itself" (2422) and therefore will not entertain for long. Especially in the case of Elizabeth, with her outspokenness that can be described as angry at times, it is not improbable that Darcy would "induce such a woman to exercise her wit, that is, her blasphemy on him, and then it is not difficult to guess how pleasant it will be for him ”(2422). Lydia Bennet, whose elopement with Wickham causes a scandal-free scene, can also be seen as motivated by love. As mentioned previously, Astell recognizes the need to consider succession; Lydia and Wickham have no money to their name when they decide to run away. Lydia's motivation to marry for love can only end in regret, according to Astell: "there could be no true kindness among those who can agree to make themselves unhappy" (2421). At the time Pride and Prejudice was set, women could not rightly be said to have a choice in who they wanted to marry; all they could do was refuse or accept the offer(s) made to them (Astell 2422). Astell encourages women to learn, educate and improve themselves; women should learn that finding a husband is not the highest goal they can have. This feminist view is supported to some extent by Elizabeth; not only does she reject Mr. Collins' relatively wealthy proposal because she knows their marriage will not be happy, but she even declines Mr. Darcy's first proposal, ignoring his considerable wealth and status, which would elevate him to the higher ranks of society. society and provide it with a comfortable life. Both times, Elizabeth weighs more heavily on her deep dislike for the person of her suitor than on the advantages that marriage would bring. These decisions show that Elizabeth refuses to be motivated by wealth when it comes to marriage, and reveal that finding a husband is not her first priority. Eventually, realizing that she has judged Darcy's character too rashly, she gives in and agrees to marry him when he proposes for the second time. Elizabeth, too, falls into the trap of marrying for love – although some argue that she is more motivated by wealth than she lets on (Newman 698). The only reason a woman marries, according to Astell, is a heroic desire to marry. sacrifice as a service to God and humanity, an act that may well earn him a place in heaven after this life; none of the women in Austen's novel seem to have this motive. All seem to adopt a selfish perspective, marrying to obtain a comfortable life, to avoid scandal, or to conclude a pursuit of happiness. Additionally, aside from Elizabeth and Darcy, none of the couples seem to waste any time getting married. In Charlotte's case, the. 2016.