傲慢与偏见读书笔记.doc

What makes a successful marriage?719The success of Jane Austens representative work “Pride and Prejudice” lies not only in its vivid characters, the natural development of plot and the use of satire and wit, but also its influential power which provokes people to rethink what are the essential elements of a happy marriage. Is that money or possession, appearance or superficial qualities? Written in the eighteenth century, the book enlightens us on marital choice in the modern society. The novel revolves around the marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth, which proves to be successful and everlasting. The other three couples, including Jane and Mr. Bingley, Carroline and Mr.Collins, Lydia and William, also play a part in the novel. Though Elizabeth is born in the little landlords family, unlike her snobbery mother- Mrs. Bennet, she is clever and sharp-eyed. When she first meets Darcy in a party, who is an aristocrat and appears to be proud, arrogant and somewhat forbidding, she has a negative impression towards him. On Darcys side, he is attracted by Elizabeths beauty and her intelligent manner. At this time, Mr. Bingley, Darcys best friend, falls in love with Elizabeths sister Jane who is a simple, innocent and beautiful girl. In order to put Bingley out of the dangers of an impulsive commitment, Darcy and Bingleys sister contrive to persuade him leave his country and go to London. Then Jane lapses into a deep depression. Elizabeth attributes her sisters misfortune to Darcys persuasion, so the prejudice against Darcy is deepened. At this time, Mr. Collins, a far relative of Bennet family, comes and proposes marriage to Elizabeth which she refuses. Soon Mr. Collins finds another woman, Carroline, to marry .They move to a big house which is near to Darcys house. After the wedding, Elizabeth is invited to their home, and there she is reacquainted with Darcy. Out of strong affection for Elizabeth, Darcy proposes marriage to her presented in such condescending, denigrating fashion that Elizabeth flatly refuses him. Then the meeting with William, a penniless handsome army officer, further increases her distaste for Darcy because William distorts all the facts about Darcy and portrays him as hypercritic. The transition comes when Elizabeths sister, Lydia, a superficial girl who follows exotic things and handsome man, elopes with William. Mr. Bennet pursues the errant Lydia and her suitor, and obliges them to marry at the cost of paying off all of Wickhams outstanding debts, and, in addition, giving the couple the substantial sum of ten thousand pounds. Elizabeth discovers that the amount was actually paid by Darcy. Upon learning of Darcys extraordinary generosity, coupled with the utmost discretion, Elizabeths inclinations towards him change. When the love between Jane and Mr. Bingley blossom, Darcy also approaches Elizabeth, and this time his love is returned in kind.Its obvious that Elizabeth and Darcy are distant from each other because of their prejudice. The series of events which they both experienced give them the opportunity to understand one another and the time to reconcile their feelings for each other. Thus, their mutual understanding is the foundation of their relationship and will lead them to a peaceful and lasting marriage. This relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy reveals the importance of knowing ones partner before marriage. Moreover, despite the difference in social position, wealth, they give priority to their emotions and choose to follow their intrinsic feelings. They put away earthy prejudice and give no thoughts to external conditions. All these ensure a successful marriage. In contrast, the marriage of Carroline and Mr. Collins can never be a happy one because it is based on economics rather than emotion. And Lydia and Wickhams marriage is an example of bad marriage because it based on superficial qualities which are sure to fade away with the passage of time.In present-day society, though we lay less emphasis on economic elements, status and appearance, we are easily induced by them when considering a marriage. Often we neglect the purist feeling and choose to yield to money, rank or public opinions. We may even select our spouse in hasty, knowing little about