Pride and Prejudice

The novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a story of misunderstandings and the problem of marriage in 19 th century England. Lizzie Bennet is the second of five sisters. Their mother’s aim in life is to marry them off well, and throw them in the path of suitable gentlemen. At the beginning of the novel, Charles Bingley comes to live in the area; he is a wealthy bachelor and therefore ‘must be in want of a wife’. Lizzie’s elder sister Jane falls in love with him, but a combination of interference from his friend Fitzwilliam Darcy and the behaviour of her family thwart the match.

Mr Collins proposes to Elizabeth Bennet Look at the text of Mr Collins’ proposal. What reasons does Mr Collins give for wanting to marry Elizabeth? What does this tell us about marriage and love at the beginning of the 19 th century?

Mr Darcy proposes to Elizabeth Bennet Look at the text of Mr Darcy’s proposal. Why do you think Lizzie refuses Mr Darcy? What issues do the words of his proposal raise about aristocratic marriages?