Abstract

This thesis, based on Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, centering on their writing styles, themes and backgrounds, analyzes their respective values on wealth, carnal desire, and love exposed in these both novels. The thesis mainly analyzes the similarities and differences of marriage values, discovering these two novels are similar in attitudes towards marriage --- the pursuit of true love. However, the focus of these two novels is somewhat different. Pride and Prejudice implies a significant impact on the economic situation of marriage, while Jane Eyre emphasizes equality as the basis of marriage. Finally, this thesis also extends to modern marriage values and does research on their present situation and practical significance: Both love and money are necessary to a happy marriage.

Keywords:  Pride and Prejudice; Jane Eyre; marriage value

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction .1

1.1Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice .1

1.2 Charlotte Brontë and Jane Eyre2

1.3 Significance of this study3

2. Literature Review.4

2.1Jane Austen’s writing Styles and Themes .4

2.2 Charlotte Brontë’s Styles and Themes .6

2.3 Realism and Feminism 7

3. Comparison of the Marriage Values in the Two Works9

3.1 Marriage Values in Pride and Prejudice 9

3.1.1 Marriage for Wealth 10

3.1.2 Marriage for Carnal Desire.11

3.1.3 Marriage for Love.12

3.2 Marriage Values in Jane Eyre13

3.3Similarities of the Marriage Values in Two works14

3.4 Differences of the Marriage Values in Two works 15

4. Conclusion.16

5. References .18