Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in

possession of good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

Taken from Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, this is

probably one of the most famous opening sentences in English

literature. It is clear to see from this one sentence that the novel

is going to be about money, marriage and morals. The question is, from

whose perspective, is a single, rich man in want of a wife?

As we begin to read the novel, it becomes apparent that it is Mrs

Bennet who believes that all rich, single men must be in want of a

wife when she says at the beginning of the very first chapter, "A

single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine

thing for our girls," (volume 1, chapter 1, page 1). Mr and Mrs Bennet

have just five daughters. Unfortunately for them, they have no sons

and in the time of Jane Austen writing Pride and Prejudice, it was

only the sons who could, and would, inherit the wealth of the family.

Therefore, with the Bennets having just daughters, it meant that the

closest male relative, a cousin in this instance named Mr Collins, to

the head of the household, Mr Bennet, would inherit his wealth. The

ladies would then be left having to rely on family and would hope to

be provided with all they needed. So, it was imperative to Mrs Bennet

that at least one of her daughter's, if not all, married well. Well

enough to be able to provide security for herself, the other daughters

and of course, Mrs Bennet, should anything happen to Mr Bennet. In

fact, as we see at the beginning of chapter three, when Mrs Bennet

says, "If I can see but one of my daughters happily settled at

Netherfield, and the others equally well married, I shall have nothing

to wish for," (volume 1, chapter 3, page 5), that she would want for

nothing else.

As interactions between potential couples didn't happen very often, it

was difficult for them to get to know each other properly. Generally,

the only chance potential couples had of interacting with each other

was at assembly balls, arranged by fellow family members or friends.

Even then, they didn't get much chance of privacy and could only chat

privately whilst dancing. "To be fond of dancing was a sure step

towards falling in love," (volume1, chapter 3, page 5).

As we progress through the novel, we see the heir to Mr Bennet's

wealth, Mr Collins, plan to marry one of the Bennet girls as an "offer