Pride and Prejudice shows how marriage has changed in society.
Discover the intricate web of relationships and social dynamics in Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice through its exploration of marriage.
This blog post delves deeper into this timeless theme by providing quotes about marriage, with page numbers and who said them.
Pride and Prejudice Quotes With Page Numbers
Pride and Prejudice Marriage Theme Analysis
Pride and Prejudice, a novel by Jane Austen, extensively explores the theme of marriage. From the outset, the narrative acknowledges that “a single man in possession of good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (Austen, page 5).
This statement underscores the societal expectation for men to marry, particularly those in a particular economic class.
The character of Mrs. Bennet epitomizes this obsession with matrimony. For her, “the business of her life was to get her daughters married” (Austen, page 7). Her primary goal is to ensure her daughters’ security and prosperity through marriage, particularly to men of substantial wealth.
Charlotte Lucas, another character, expresses a pragmatic view of love and marriage. According to her, in “nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels” (Austen, page 22) to secure a potential husband.
Subsequently, she advises Jane to “make the most of every half-hour in which she can command his attention” (Austen, page 23), advocating a strategic approach over an emotional one regarding marriage.
However, Charlotte also holds a cynical view of marital happiness, remarking that it is “entirely a matter of chance” (Austen, page 24). Even if the parties involved know each other well or have similar dispositions, it does not necessarily ensure their happiness.
She believes caution and limited knowledge about the potential partner’s flaws is the best approach, painting a somewhat bleak picture of the institution of marriage.
Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, suggests that a lady’s imagination can hasten the course of a relationship, jumping “from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment” (Austen, page 28).
His statement highlights the quick progression of feelings in a relationship, a common narrative course in many romances.
Mr. Collins’s character provides another perspective on marriage. He planned to marry one of the Bennet daughters as a form of “atonement” for inheriting their father’s estate (Austen, page 69).
His economic intentions echo the societal expectations regarding marriage portrayed throughout the novel.
The quick transition of Mr. Collins’ affection from Jane to Elizabeth further underscores the novel’s practical approach to marriage.
Rather than being driven by personal connection or deep affection, Mr. Collins’ choice is primarily guided by societal norms and the expectations of his benefactress, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
In Pride and Prejudice, marriage is presented as a multifaceted construct. For some characters, it represents a means of securing economic stability, while others view it as an end driven by societal expectations rather than personal emotions.
Despite the prevalent sense of matrimonial utilitarianism, Jane Austen also weaves in the possibility of marital happiness founded on love and mutual understanding.
She does this primarily through the eventual union of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their union challenges the mercenary marriages depicted throughout the novel.
It suggests that while societal pressures may dictate certain trends, personal happiness is possible within marriage.
In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice presents a complex exploration of marriage — a theme integral to the novel’s plot and character development, offering incisive commentary on Austen’s era’s societal norms and expectations.
Pride and Prejudice Marriage Quotes
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, The Narrator about marraige, Chapter 1, Page 5
“The business of her life was to get her daughters married.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, The Narrator about Mrs. Bennet, Chapter 1, Page 7
“If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield,” said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, “and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mrs. Bennet, Chapter 3, Page 11
“It is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely – a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten a women had better show more affection than she feels.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Charlotte Lucas, Chapter 6, Page 22
“In nine cases out of ten a woman had better show more affection than she feels.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Charlotte, Chapter 6, Page 22
“Though Bingley and Jane meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together; and, as they always see each other in large mixed parties, it is impossible that every moment should be employed in conversing together. Jane should therefore make the most of every half-hour in which she can command his attention. When she is secure of him, there will be more leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Charlotte, Chapter 6, Page 23
“When she is secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Charlotte, Chapter 6, Page 23
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”
“You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Characters: Charlotte and Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 6, Page 24
“A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Darcy, Chapter 6, Page 28
“Having now a good house and a very sufficient income, he intended to marry…he meant to choose one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by common report. This was his plan of amends – of atonement – for inheriting their father’s estate; and he thought it an excellent one, full of eligibility and suitableness, and excessively generous and disinterested on his own part.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Mr. Collins, Chapter 15, Page 69
“Miss Bennet’s lovely face confirmed his views, and established all his strictest notions of what was due to seniority; and for the first evening she was his settled choice.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Mrs. Bennet, Chapter 15, Pages 69, 70
“Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth – and it was soon done – done while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire. Elizabeth, equally next to Jane in birth and beauty, succeeded her of course.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Mr. Collins, Chapter 15, Page 70
“Mrs. Bennet treasured up the hint, and trusted that she might soon have two daughters married; and the man whom she could not bear to speak of the day before, was now high in her good graces.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Mrs. Bennet, Chapter 15, Page 70
“It now first struck her that she was selected from among her sisters as worthy of being the mistress of Hunsford Parsonage.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 17, Page 86
“As Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. Bingley; and the train of agreeable reflections which her observations gave birth to, made her perhaps almost as happy as Jane. She saw her in idea settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 18, Page 96
“In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her mother’s words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 18, Page 97
“Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Characters: The Narrator about Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 18, Page 97
“Almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying – and, moreover, for coming into Hertfordshire with the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Page 103
“My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish; secondly, that I am convinced that it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly – which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness…she said, “Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way”…But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honoured father (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place – which, however, as I have already said, may not be for several years. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Page 103
“You are too hasty, sir,” she cried. “You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 19, Page 104
“It is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second, or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Page 104
“I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 19, Page 105
“My situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in my favour; and you should take it into further consideration, that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall choose to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Page 106
“In spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made to you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Page 106
“I do assure you, Sir, that I have no pretension whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Page 106
“Pardon me for interrupting you, madam,” cried Mr. Collins; “but if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state. If therefore she actually persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me, because if liable to such defects of temper, she could not contribute much to my felicity.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Pages 108-09
“If she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Mr. Collins, Chapter 19, Page 108
“Oh! Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 20, Page 109
“This was very amiable, but Charlotte’s kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of; its object was nothing else than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins’ addresses, by engaging them towards herself.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Charlotte and marriage, Chapter 22, Page 119
“In as short a time as Mr. Collins’ long speeches would allow, everything was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the house he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though such a solicitation must be waived for the present, the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with which he was favoured by nature must guard his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Mr. Collins, Chapter 22, Page 120
“Charlotte herself was tolerably composed. She had gained her point, and had time to consider of it. Her reflections were in general satisfactory. Mr. Collins, to be sure, was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her must be imaginary. But still he would be her husband. Without thinking highly either of men or matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want. This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Charlotte and marraige, Chapter 22, Page 120
“I see what you are feeling,” replied Charlotte. “You must be surprised, very much surprised—so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’ character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Charlotte, Chapter 22, Page 120
“She had always felt that Charlotte’s opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that, when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth, Chapter 22, Page 123
“Indeed, Mr. Bennet,” said she, “it is very hard to think that Charlotte Lucas should ever be mistress of this house, that I should be forced to make way for her, and live to see her take her place in it!”
“My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Mrs. Bennet, Chapter 23, Pages 127-28
“Mr. Collins is a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man; you know he is, as well as I do; and you must feel, as well as I do, that the woman who married him cannot have a proper way of thinking.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 24, Page 133
“He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth, Chapter 34, Page 185
“Had Elizabeth’s opinion been all drawn from her own family, she could not have formed a very pleasing opinion of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown. […] To his wife he was very little otherwise indebted, than as her ignorance and folly had contributed to his amusement. This is not the sort of happiness which a man would in general wish to owe to his wife; but where other powers of entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will derive benefit from such as are given. Elizabeth, however, had never been blind to the impropriety of her father’s behaviour as a husband. She had always seen it with pain; but respecting his abilities, and grateful for his affectionate treatment of herself, she endeavoured to forget what she could not overlook, and to banish from her thoughts that continual breach of conjugal obligation and decorum which, in exposing his wife to the contempt of her own children, was so highly reprehensible. But she had never felt so strongly as now the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable marriage, nor ever been so fully aware of the evils arising from so ill-judged a direction of talents; talents, which, rightly used, might at least have preserved the respectability of his daughters, even if incapable of enlarging the mind of his wife.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth, Chapter 42, Page 228
“But she had never felt so strongly as now the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable marriage, nor ever been so fully aware of the evils arising from so ill-judged a direction of talents; talents, which, rightly used, might at least have preserved the respectability of his daughters, even if incapable of enlarging the mind of his wife.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Character: The Narrator about Elizabeth, Chapter 42, Page 228
What was the quote about the Bennets marriage?
“…Said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, “and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Bennet, Chapter 3, Page 11
What does Darcy say to Elizabeth when he proposes?
“No,” said Darcy, “I have made no such pretension. I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of other so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”
~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy, Chapter 11, Pages 56, 57
What does Elizabeth say about marriage?
Elizabeth Bennet, a central character in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” profoundly values the importance of love in a marriage.
When she rejects Mr. Darcy’s first proposal, she argues the necessity of marrying for genuine affection rather than social or economic gain. She finally accepts his proposal when convinced of her in-depth feelings for Darcy and is sure that he feels the same way.