Abstract

Jane Austen was one of the greatest realistic novelists in the 19th century English literature. Pride and Prejudice is one of her greatest works, which published in 1813. This novel shows readers the situation of love and marriage in the 19th century by describing four marriage patterns. From the perspective of feminism, Jane Austen reveals the social problem that man is superior to woman. She shapes a completely new image of women with her own experience and the feelings of life. It profoundly reflects the marriage problems on the prevalence of different representative point of view. In the first decade of the 19th century, marriage was the main way to change destiny and gain social status for women. The rapid development of industry and the decline of agriculture widened the gap between the rich and the poor. At the same time, it had a deep effect on women’ s view on marriage. 

This paper will analyze the four marriage patterns from the perspective of feminist consciousness awakening in west to discuss Jane Austen’ s views on marriage: Love is the basis of marriage. Without love, marriage can’t be happy, but love is not the only condition of marriage. The marriage based on wealth can’t be long, while the marriage without wealth is not rational. An ideal marriage should be based on respect and mutual affection with no conclusion. The author of this paper is meant to draw some inspiration from Jane Austen and provide some hints for women’ s views on marriage in modern society.

Key words: views on marriage; feminism; love; property; realistic significance

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the study-1

1.2 Brief introduction to Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice-2

1.3 Brief introduction to feminism-2

2. The analysis of four marriages in Pride and Prejudice from the perspective of feminism-4

2.1 The most realistic marriage--Charlotte and Collins-4

2.2 The most ridiculous marriage--Lydia and Wickham-4

2.3 The happiest marriage—Jane and Bingley-5

2.4 The most admirable marriage--Elizabeth and Darcy-5

3. Theory of mate decision-7

3.1 Mate gradient theory-7

3.2 The similar match theory-7

3.3 Complementary needs theory-8

4. Reflection-10

4.1 Implications for modern marriages-10

4.2 Realistic significance-10

5. Conclusion-12

6. Reference-13