Difficult Marriages

           Throughout the pages of Jane Austen’s novel, ‘Pride and Prejudice’, it often places much emphasis on women and their views on marriage. This motif is a very significant theme in the book due to the fact that many of the characters within the book concentrate primarily on this matrimonial ceremony.

            Mr. Bennet, as the novel progresses, admits to the main character, Elizabeth that he had made a terrible mistake in marrying her mother. The reader, prior to his admittance, realizes that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s marriage is seemingly very odd and in complete shambles.

          Elizabeth sees that although, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have been married for twenty-three years, they are complete opposites and thus, share absolutely no common interest whatsoever. Mr. Bennet is described as a man who ‘was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve and caprice’ whilst Mrs. Bennet is describes as being ‘a woman of mean understanding, little information and uncertain temper.’ They thus can be said to have very little compatibility.

            In the book’s entirety, Mr. Bennet does not exhibit any affection towards his wife.  Similarly, Mrs. Bennet does not understand Mr. Bennet and shows very little regard towards his feelings, opinions and views. There is, hence, a lack of communication between both counterparts.  

            This is understandable since their marriage was based entirely on ‘physical attraction’. Mr. Bennet was ‘captivated by youth and beauty’; however, after experiencing her true ways he loses all respect for her.

            Children are, in fact, affected by difficult marriage. They may show signs of such in their behaviour, actions and values and even in their attainment or achievement of grades in school. For instance, Lydia’s impertinent behaviour in the book could be said to have been as a result of the ‘difficult marriage’ between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. She in seeing the way her parents behave elopes with Mr. Wickham, a man she barely knows, just as her father did in marrying Mrs. Bennet based entirely on physical attraction.

            Furthermore, Lydia, in her poor learning ethics and manners, shows her disinterest in the book Mr. Collins insisted on reading in a rather impolite manner. This could have been uncivil behaviour she adapted from witnessing her parent’s behaviour towards one another.

            It is completely unacceptable and intolerable to stay in a marriage just for the sake of the children. Both partners usually, in that kind of situation, show signs of resentment towards each other which would make the atmosphere within the household very uneasy and deficient (much like Mr. and Mrs. Bennet). This could also affect the child mentally and emotionally in being in such an atmosphere and the parents would constantly be at war with each other.

            However, it may be considered unfair to the children since both partners are necessary to contribute to the household and attribute their different functions. It is, hence, often said that both partners are required in the household in order for the functional prerequisites of family to transpire. They may develop signs of depression because of this and may not be able to see one of their parents as often as they used to. Therefore, it is important to consider the child, in the situation of divorce or separation, to a certain extent.

Pride & Prejudice: Character Sketch

Siobhan A. Leandro
Sharifa George
Shakeema Edwards
Daveniel Matthery


Ms Jane Bennet: Jane is condemned by her sister Elizabeth as being “a great deal to apt… to like people”. While Jane’s endeavour to see the best in people contribute to her king and caring nature, it also blinds her from the malicious devices of persons such as Caroline Bingley who only pretend to have her best interest at heart. Jane is also described as being prone to “conceal” her affection; she divulges to Elizabeth alone her admiration for Mr Bingley, but is “cautious” when discussing him with everyone else. This secret reserve of Jane ultimately causes her to lose Bingley’s love.

            Ms. Elizabeth Bennet: Elizabeth is the thorn among roses; she is the intellectual gems among her sisters. It is reflected in her witty speech and opinionate composure. Elizabeth wows strangers with her unique nature, notwithstanding the fact that she is a woman. She emulates the "Prejudice" in 'Pride and Prejudice'. Throughtout the novel, we learn of the prejudices Elizabeth hold strongly towards Mr, Darcy. This course relationship fostered by Mr. Darcy and prolonged by Elizabeth is outstanding because, as opposed to the average woman, Elizabeth has her views and opinions and makes them known.

            Mr. and Mrs. Bennet: an interesting and contrasting duet. Mr. Bennet is termed in the book as "so odd a mixture of quick parts" A colourful blend of personality characteristics such as humour, sarcasm and intelligence, thus he is of a sound mind. His wife, Mrs. Bennet, on the other hand, is more of a simpleton. She busies herself with the fine; however idle things in life, such as clothes and gossip. Mrs. Bennet represents the average women of the novel; subject to poor education, matters of the home and family and lastly, a vivid example to the place of women being subordinate to men.

            Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy: Mr Darcy is described as “the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world”. However, Darcy’s reserved nature stems as much from his shyness and inability to be comfortable around persons he does not know as it does from his pride. His love for Elizabeth despite her family’s obvious shortcomings proves that there is more to Mr Darcy beneath his proud demeanor.

            Mr Charles Bingley: “Good looking and gentleman-like… [with] a pleasant countenance and easy, unaffected manners”, it is no surprise that the young bachelor is a favourite among all of the inhabitants of Hertfordshire; especially the young ladies. Bingley’s overall appeal is slighted only by his relation to such prideful people as his sisters Caroline and Louisa. 

            Mr. Collins: The character Mr Collins is the nephew of Mr. Bennet and also is a clergyman. He is 25 years of age and is the heir to the property that Mr. Bennet owns due the fact Mr. Bennet has five Daughters. His character can be said of a bit boastful via his manner on speaking of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The author states Mr. Collins as ‘not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society.” From this it is seen that Mr. Collins is a character that goes based on his instinct and not his common sense. The characters around him see him as prideful but he is seen as a person in good standing with Mrs. Bennet when he shows interest in marrying her daughter Elizabeth