Marriage, Love, and Money in Austen & Sittenfeld

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary concern for women in 19th-century Britain regarding marriage?

Ensuring their social status and financial well-being. (correct)

Maintaining an independent career and financial autonomy.

Pursuing intellectual and artistic achievements.

Gaining social power and political influence.

In Pride and Prejudice, what does the text suggest is the main source of worry for Mrs. Bennet?

The potential for her daughters to remain single and impoverished. (correct)

The lack of social gatherings and entertainment.

Her own personal career and financial prospects.

Her relationship with her husband and her own happiness.

Which statement best encapsulates the role of single women's dependence on men in Regency England?

Women were generally trained in a trade that allowed them independence.

Single women had multiple avenues for securing financial prosperity.

Single women's primary financial resources were limited to marriage portions, inheritance, and estates from their husbands. (correct)

Single women were often encouraged to seek employment in publically held roles.

What does the opening line of Pride and Prejudice suggest about the perception of wealthy single men?

They are in a position to marry. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the impact of marriage on men's lives compared to women in 19th-century Britain?

Marriage had a more significant impact on women's social standing and finances than men's. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, as suggested by the text?

To provide comic relief and highlight the importance of marriage. Signup and view all the answers

Why was marriage almost a necessity for women in the context of Austen's novels?

Women were restricted in terms of education, employment, and financial independence. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jane Austen recognize about single women regarding financial stability?

They had a high likelihood of being poor because of limited avenues of income. Signup and view all the answers

Which character is described as a 'villain' in the story?

Mr.Wickham Signup and view all the answers

What initially causes Elizabeth to reject Mr. Darcy's first proposal?

His perceived arrogance, his disinheriting Wickham, and his interference with Jane and Bingley. Signup and view all the answers

What leads to her forgiveness of Mr.Darcy?

A letter explaining his actions and his role in saving her family's reputation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary setting of the story?

Longbourn, in Hertfordshire Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Collins propose to one of the Bennet sisters?

Because he is to inherit the estate and considers it his duty. Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a key characteristic of the romance between Jane and Bingley?

Characterised by goodwill and compatibility. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Darcy initially try to separate Jane and Bingley?

He believes Jane is after Bingley's wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's visit?

To demand Elizabeth to refuse Darcy's love. Signup and view all the answers

What does Elizabeth realize about Mr.Wickham, which prompts a change in her perception?

He is a dishonest and deceitful individual. Signup and view all the answers

What overall theme is explored through Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship?

The importance of overcoming first impressions and personal failings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that diminishes a woman's marriage prospects in the society depicted in Pride and Prejudice?

Lacking physical beauty and prestigious family connections. Signup and view all the answers

What does Charlotte Lucas's marriage to Mr. Collins primarily represent?

A desperate compromise driven by societal and financial needs. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text suggest that some critics and readers find the portrayal of marriage in Pride and Prejudice to be scandalous?

Because it presents marriage as a key to financial security and survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary contrast between Charlotte Lucas and Elizabeth Bennet?

Charlotte prioritizes societal standing, while Elizabeth values emotional fulfillment. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of 19th-century marriages, what role did financial security play?

It was a key factor in determining the desirability of a marriage match. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major risk associated with pre-marital sex for women in Regency England?

The loss of their reputation and social standing. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe Mary Bennet's role in the novel?

As a commentary on the limited prospects of women considered undesirable by societal standards. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mary Bennet considered to be a 'failed woman' in the context of Austen's novel?

Because she does not possess the qualities that society considers essential for marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is one of the main reasons for the increase in the proportion of unmarried people?

The rise of companionate marriage that led to the postponement of marriage to a later age. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the social consequences for the Bennet sisters due to Lydia's actions?

Their marriage prospects are jeopardized as a result of her damaged reputation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best represents the 18th-century views of marriage, according to the text?

Marriages should be practical arrangements, rather than romantic affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text mean when it talks about marriage being a 'market place' for Charlotte Lucas and Mr.Collins?

It is a system where they make calculated decisions to improve or maintain their social standing and financial situation. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe Darcy's initial perception of Elizabeth before he becomes deeply fond of her?

He is repelled by her family’s lack of social status. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a woman who is intelligent, but whose pursuits are often minimized by societal norms, which is then used to describe Mary Bennet?

A bluestocking Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason men in the 19th century sought marriage?

To ensure having an heir to inherit their wealth and property. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marriage/Love/Money in Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Sittenfeld's Eligible (Gomez-Galisteo Analysis)

Austen's Pride and Prejudice emphasizes marriage's importance for women's financial and social survival in 19th-century Britain.
Women's options were limited to marriage portions, inheritance, or a husband's estate.
Men's financial situation wasn't as dependent on marriage.
Mrs. Bennet's primary focus is securing suitable husbands for her daughters, highlighting women's dependence.
The novel portrays women's limited educational and career opportunities.
Charlotte Lucas's marriage to Mr. Collins demonstrates a pragmatic approach driven by the need for financial security and social standing.
Charlotte's choice, though not ideal, reflects the practical realities of women's circumstances.
Austen shows the conflict between romantic ideals and the practical necessity of marriage in 19th-century England.
Family reputation, influenced by one individual's behavior, considerably affects marriage prospects.
Wealth, status, and even beauty played large roles in determining marriage prospects.
Lydia's actions and subsequent social ramifications demonstrate reputation's extreme value.
Darcy's initial rejection of Elizabeth stemmed, in part, from his perception about her family's lower social standing.
Mary Bennet's limited options underscore the societal gender inequities presented in the novel.
Mary's lack of beauty, social accomplishment, or wealth hindered marriage prospects, reflecting limited opportunities for less desirable women.

Detailed Character Analysis:

Elizabeth Bennet: Overcomes societal expectations and personal biases to find love with Darcy.
Darcy: Initially prejudiced and somewhat aloof, demonstrates growth in character, ultimately gaining Elizabeth's affection.
Jane Bennet: An example of a more conventional and compatible love, with Bingley, showcasing a love uncomplicated by societal pressure.
Charlotte Lucas: Illustrates a pragmatic approach to marriage, driven by financial security.
Lydia Bennet: Her actions emphasize the importance of reputation for marriage prospects.
Mr. Collins: A man who embodies the social customs and rigidities of the time.

Comparison to Eligible (Implicit):

The analysis highlights the similar theme of love and marriage in a social context, although the direct comparison with Eligible, is limited because direct comparisons are not made.

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Description

Explore the themes of marriage, love, and financial security in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Curtis Sittenfeld's Eligible. This quiz delves into women's dependence on marriage in the 19th century and how societal expectations shaped their choices. Analyze the complex interplay between romantic ideals and practicalities faced by women in both novels.