Compare And Jane Austen’s Portrayal Of Women Love Essay Example

necessary for maintaining a home. This included needlework, embroidery, socializing, language acquisition, and managing domestic staff. Marriage was often seen as the route to financial support and a plentiful estate. As famously stated, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife". Without marriage, women would have to seek employment which had different prospects compared to later times such as the 1980s.

Back then, the education for men differed greatly as they weren't taught critical thinking but rather how to become skilled entrepreneurs. Their curriculum consisted of subjects like economics, accounts, mathematics and science.

Despite the uniform educational opportunities for both men and women in the 1980s, they were encouraged to think independently and establish themselves in the world. However, this led to relationships being dull as every woman had similar views and ways of thinking, agreeing with their husbands and following a mundane routine daily. Nevertheless, this unique education system enabled many to become self-sufficient and distinctive thinkers, paving the way for altered career prospects for women.

In Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', women who did not marry into wealth had limited career prospects that were largely related to the skills taught during their education, such as needlework, embroidery, dancing, and childcare. These options were insufficient for creating a fulfilling life or successful career.

During the 1980s, career opportunities for women were on par with those available to men, despite facing challenges from chauvinistic males who believed women were not equal in capability. However, women still struggled with financial dependence on men. Marriage held significant importance during this period. Although 'Language' did not prioritize

money as a crucial theme, it was due to the prevalent belief that everyone had equal rights and regulations.

'P and P' depicts a prevalent preoccupation with great wealth and estates among its characters, which was a significant driving force in 19th-century society. The novel effectively illustrates this dynamic by featuring women who either came from affluent families or were looked down upon due to their lack of education or career prospects. Mrs. is a particularly representative character of this theme.

Both mentally and financially, the women portrayed as gossipers in Bennet lack significant skills and intelligence. Their primary source of mental stimulation derives from discussing others' wealth and misfortune. These women depend heavily on financial assistance from either their families or spouses, a result of their inadequate education and lack of other resources without money.

During those times, women lacked the abilities and financial resources required to pursue a career, rendering marriage a crucial aspect of their lives. This dependence on their husbands for financial support was pervasive, thereby making wealth an attractive trait in potential suitors. Additionally, physical attractiveness was considered a desirable bonus in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice".

The perspective on marriage in 'P and P' held by individuals like Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins reflects the notion that love was not always the primary motivation for marriage.

The reason for their marriage was for inheritance and support. Mrs. Bennet's goal is to have all of her daughters marry wealthy men to improve the family's living. However, Lydia Bennet's perspective on marriage differs from her family's as she eloped with a man who was not financially well-off but for love alone.

Mrs. Bennet

is both worried and upset because she fears that the reputation of the Bennet sisters will be tarnished and no fine gentleman would consider marrying them if they hear of Lydia's elopement. While marriage in the 21st century may not be based on financial support and inheritance as it was in the past, some still get married for these reasons. Nonetheless, marriage now mainly relies on the eternal love shared between two individuals who consider their union a manifestation of their affection for each other.

Rita's behavior in 'Language' is a result of her deep obsession and love. She eventually enters a state of denial, leading to her husband leaving her. He finds solace in another woman who reciprocates his love, causing him to lose all love for Rita.

The reason for leaving is not for wealth, but for love. Although she has a job and can provide income for herself, there are no reasons to stay. In the novel 'Pride and Prejudice', Charlotte Lucas expresses her thoughts on love in marriage to Lizzie. She confesses that she is not a romantic and her only desire in marriage is to have a comfortable home and to consider Mr Collins' character and connections. In other words, she hopes to grow to love him and his social status. She concludes by saying that she believes her chance of happiness with him is fair.

Miss Lucas understands that marriage at the outset may not necessarily be based on love, but is optimistic about the prospect of growing to love her future spouse. Conversely, Lizzie and Jane prioritize the importance of loving their future spouse before they are willing

to marry them. However, they also acknowledge that financial stability is a significant consideration, stating that they would be fortunate to have a respectable home. While they believe that love should be the driving force behind their decision to marry, they still value a potential partner's social status and position.

As a result of Lizzie's "gradual change which her estimation had undergone," she eventually falls in love with Darcy and marries him by the end of "P and P". Meanwhile, Rita and Tom's marriage is in an uncomfortable state due to various factors, such as their infrequent and unengaging conversations, solely discussing mundane topics like "an early night for me" or informing each other with phrases such as "He means". Their relationship has fallen into a monotonous routine, leading to a lack of interest in each other's lives and "avoid[ing] the bedroom routine". Furthermore, they lack comfort and affection for one another, and their marriage lacks the typical aspects of emotional love and care.

While they used to be very affectionate, things changed between Rita and Tom. Rita would become magnetic whenever they were near each other and couldn't help but show excessive love and physical affection. However, Tom eventually became uncomfortable with her behavior, which led to him leaving her. It's concerning that in this modern time, people are parting ways due to over-loving and being excessively affectionate towards each other.

Tom discovered another woman who, it seems, has conservative beliefs when it comes to love and sex. Her perspective is similar to what is portrayed in "P and P". Both "P and P" and "Language" feature instances of sexual misconduct. In "P and P", for example,

Lydia elopes with Wickham.

Despite the unorthodox nature of choosing a man like Wickham and the unconventional act of showing love for him, the Bennet family fully support their daughter's decision. In those times, it was uncommon for people of a certain social class to engage in any behavior considered scandalous. Being seen as an orthodox and traditional family was highly valued as it enhanced one's reputation and garnered respect from others.

Although it was not required by law or official rule, it was customary and expected for individuals to behave in a certain manner. Anything considered outside of the norm was deemed inappropriate. While this perspective has evolved over time, the secrecy exhibited by Tom is still perceived as objectionable. Despite this, such behavior continues to occur and is not entirely surprising, albeit still frowned upon.

Rita responds to the situation in a highly unconventional manner by spray painting offensive messages about Tom on her neighbors' walls. She also goes into a state of denial and deliberately ignores him. This reveals that attitudes towards sexually explicit behavior were prevalent enough in the 20th century that Rita's neighbors didn't show concern or support during her time of insecurity, thus driving her to consider acts of vandalism. By contrast, in "P and P," the female protagonist would have likely sought solace with her family, while the male protagonist would have received a tarnished reputation but no other consequences.

The polarity of reactions during the relevant period is illustrated by these two accounts.