It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune,

must be in want of a wife. (Austen 1). This first sentence of Pride and Prejudice, written
by Jane Austen, gives the reader insight on her view on marriage. In this statement, Austen
satirizes societys stance on marriage during the time period in which she lived. Austen
writes about many marriages in her novel and each explicates her position on this topic.
Austen expresses her thoughts on the ideal marriage through the hopeless unions between
the Bennets and the Lucases, and the model marriage of the Gardiners.
Austen uses Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as an example of a poor marriage. She writes of
their incompatible traits when she states, Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts,
sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had
been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to
develope. She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain
temper (7). The Bennets wed for the wrong reasons. Mr. Bennet married his wife merely
for her beauty, however beauty does not last forever. As their marriage progressed, they
grew apart, and Mr. Bennet spent most of his time alone in his study to be away from his
wife and her endless gossip. One may see that if the Bennets had wed based on common
personality, they would have had a more successful marriage. This is just one of many
examples that Austen writes in her novel to illustrate her point to avoid marrying only for
physical traits.
Another marriage that Austen writes about is the union between Charlotte and Mr.
Collins. Charlotte clearly states that she accepts Mr. Collins proposal for material reasons
as she explains to Elizabeth, I am not romantic, you knowI only ask for a comfortable
home (120). Charlotte only wanted financial stability in her marriage, and that is all she
got. When Elizabeth visits Charlotte later in the novel, Charlotte does nothing but look
after to Mr. Collins and do chores around the home. On the other hand, Mr. Collins
possessed absolutely no feelings for Charlotte as he proposes to Charlotte only one day
after proposing to Elizabeth. Austen makes it clear that Charlotte and Mr. Collins share
absolutely no feelings of love. This is due to the fact that their marriage was based on the
financial stability of Charlotte.
Searching beyond Elizabeth and Janes fairytale marriages, one can find Austens
ideal marriage through the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. The Gardiners share
common interests and traits, and wed for more than just beauty or financial stability.
When Elizabeth travels with the Gardiners, she observes that "one enjoyment was
certainthat of suitableness of companions; a suitableness which comprehended health
and temper to bear inconveniencescheerfulness to enhance every pleasureand
affection and intelligence, which might supply it among themselves if there were
disappointments abroad (224). This quote practically sums up Austens ideal marriage.
The fact the Gardiners marry for love rather than material values guaranties happiness and
pleasure in their lives.
Austens ideal marriage is shown as she writes of the ridiculous marriages between
the Bennets and the Lucases, and the perfect union of the Gardiners. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet
make a poor choice to marry based on physical traits, as beauty fades. The Lucases wed
only for financial reasons, therefore they have no love connection. The Gardiners however,
marry for a slue of reasons and as a result, have a great connection and unending
happiness. Jane Austens philosophy on marriage is incredible for the time the she lived,
and is one reason the Pride and Prejudice is so widely beloved.