OnJaneAusten’sViewsonMarriageinPrideandPrejudice试论《傲慢与偏见》中简•奥斯丁的婚姻观

1、On Jane Austens Views on Marriage in Pride and Prejudice毕 业 论 文 开 题 报 告姓名 性别 班级 学号 毕业论文题目：试论傲慢与偏见中简·奥斯丁的婚姻观On Jane Austens Views on Marriage in Pride and Prejudice任务起止日期:2007 年11月20 日 2008年5 月30 日毕业论文主要内容及参考文献：傲慢与偏见写于1813年，作者简·奥斯丁是19世纪英国最伟大的小说家，对英国小说的发展做出了杰出的贡献。简擅于描写英国乡村中产阶级的生活，她的作品文风平易自然，

2、对人物描写简单而精致。傲慢与偏见是简·奥斯丁的代表作。本文将从傲慢与偏见中四种典型的婚姻入手来分析爱情、人物性格、金钱、社会地位差异等因素是如何作用于婚姻并影响其结果的；通过上述分析，本文将得出结论：幸福美满的婚姻是以男女双方相互了解、相互尊重为基础的，金钱并不能使婚姻幸福，爱情才是幸福婚姻的根源，这也正是简·奥斯丁的婚姻观。Austen, J. 2004. Pride and Prejudice. YiLi: Yili Peoples Press.Liu. B.S. 1992. A Short History of English Literature. ZhengZho

3、u: Henan Peoples Publishing House.张炳隅，翁长浩. 1997. 中外文学欣赏形象与韵律. 上海: 百家出版社.张丹丽. 2004. 西方女性百部名著欣赏她世界. 安徽: 安徽人民出版社.何朝阳. 2001. 简·奥斯丁的女性观点. 四川外语学院学报第5期.指导教师 (签名) 年 月 日试论傲慢与偏见中简·奥斯丁的婚姻观摘要： 简·奥斯丁是19世纪英国最伟大的小说家，对英国小说的发展做出了杰出的贡献。她的作品常以英国乡村中产阶级的生活为主题，文风平易自然，却以睿智犀利的眼光细致地刻画出19世纪初中产阶级的家庭与社交生活的特

4、点。傲慢与偏见被视为简·奥斯丁的代表作，也是她最钟爱的作品。这部作品以婚姻为主题，围绕四对年轻人的爱情婚姻展开叙述，揭示了各人不同的婚姻观，同时也将作者的婚姻观展现的淋漓尽致。本文从四种不同的婚姻入手来分析人物性格、金钱、社会地位差异等因素是如何作用于婚姻并影响其结果的，然后本文阐明特定的时代背景也会对人物的价值观产生影响并作用于婚姻，最终提炼出作者的婚姻观：幸福美满的婚姻是以男女双方相互了解、相互尊重为基础的，金钱并不能使婚姻幸福，爱情才是幸福婚姻的根源。关键词：简·奥斯丁；婚姻观；傲慢与偏见15 On Jane Austens Views on Marriage in

5、Pride and PrejudiceAbstract： Jane Austen, the greatest realistic writer in English literature, writes altogether six complete novels centering on love and marriage. Pride and Prejudice is regarded as her masterpiece. In this novel, Austen describes a narrow range of society: the middle class squires

6、 and fair young ladies in country surrounding from her own experiences. Through her keen description of four different marriages and analysis of the main characters personality in the specific period of time which put great influence on the result of marriage, Austen reveals her own views on marriag

7、e, that is, successful marriages should be based on love and mutual understanding as well as certain economic condition. That is Jane Austens viewpoint on marriage, she believes that love is the most fundamental condition for a happy marriage, which should be base on a large mount of money or a cons

8、iderable fortune. This view which constantly appears in her novels, is not determined by her morality but by the historical background while the authors life experience and living surroundings are also necessary elements.Key Words: Jane Austen；views on marriage；Pride and PrejudiceTable of Contents1.

9、 Introduction. 12. An Analysis of Four Different Marriages in the Novel22.1 Introduction of Four Marriage.22.2 Influential Factors on Marriage.52.2.1 Womens Social Status.62.2.2 Personal Characters and Value.62.2.3 Pursuit of Wealth.82.2.4 Love.93. Jane Austens Views on Marriage.103.1 Marriage on th

10、e Basis of Love.103.1.1 Mutual Understanding and Respect.113.2 Economic Background as an Essential Factor in Marriage.123.3 Sense and Sensibility.134. Conclusion.14References.151. IntroductionJane Austen is one of the greatest novelists in English literature, and also is one of the most important En

11、glish realistic writers. Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813, is considered as her masterpiece which is also regarded as one of the best novels in English literature. In this novel, Austen describes a narrow range of society, a wealthy and middle class circle in countryside which she knows from h

12、er own experiences. This novel actually tells about trial things, matters of love, marriage and family life between country squires and fair ladies in the 18th century (Kern, 1992).But Pride and Prejudice reveals more than these love stories. The dominant role in the novel is marriage, which is disc

13、ussed in the famous opening line:it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighborhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the

14、surrounding families. (Austen, 2004, p. 3)Jane Austen presents four different marriages in the novel to indicate that a happy marriage with firm foundation takes time to build and must be based on mutual feelings, understanding and respect; instant marriage based on superficial qualities will not la

15、st long and will lead to unhappiness (p. 183). What factors could put great influence on a happy marriage? What are the basic elements in marriage? And what are Jane Austens own views on marriage? This paper intends to analyze these four marriages and explore Jane Austens views on marriage.2. An Ana

16、lysis of Four Different Marriages in the Novel In Pride and Prejudice, there are four different marriages. Elizabeth and Darcys marriage, Jane and Bingleys marriage, Charlotte and Collins marriage and Lydia and Wickhams marriage. An analysis of which might help us understand the influential factors

17、of happy marriages and unhappy marriages and Jane Austens views on marriage as well (Paris, 1999).2.1 Introduction of Four MarriagesThe combination of two main characters in the novel, decent Darcy and sensible Elizabeth, results in a successful marriage. Darcy appears to be a handsome man with arro

18、gant manners while Elizabeth is a witty and sensible lady. She is always ready to change herself once she finds her mistakes. The first impression they leave to each other is not good, Elizabeth takes prejudice on Darcy because she thinks that Darcy is too proud and look down upon the middle-class g

19、irls, while Darcy shows his pride when he expresses his affections and proposes to Elizabeth. Darcy begins to love Elizabeth gradually by constantly getting along with her. He admires her for her intelligence and disposition, so Darcy tries to understand Elizabeth by every possible means. His first

20、proposal to Elizabeth is the culmination of the novel. Darcy who suffers from his own long-suppressed feeling decides to propose to Elizabeth, it is not easy for him to accept her regardless of her humble family and inferior position, but his sincere affection for Elizabeth makes him conquer his own

21、 pride and propose to her. Unfortunately Elizabeth refuses him for his arrogance. Darcy is embarrassed and ruffled but he does not lose control of himself. He acts as a real gentleman and asks Elizabeth to forgive him taking up so much of her time. Undoubtedly, Darcys love to Elizabeth is ardent and

22、 sincere, even Elizabeth herself is quite astonished at his court and sorry for the pain he has suffered. As Austen writes in her novel:that he should have been in love with her for so many months! So much in love as to wish to marry her in spite of all the objection which had prevented his friends

23、marrying her sister, and must appear at lease with equal force in his own case, was almost incredible! (p. 253)Darcy makes his mind to change himself, which proves that his love to Elizabeth is not merely an overnights impulse. After having been accused of arrogance and selfishness, Darcy changes gr

24、eatly and wins Elizabeths love in return. It is the real love that causes all these amazing changes.The marriage between Jane and Bingley is also an example of good marriage. Elizabeths sister, Jane, is the eldest in the Bennet family. She is beautiful, good-tempered, sweet, amiable and modest. She

25、always refuses to judge anyone badly. Bingley, much like Jane, is an amiable and good-mannered person. He is not concerned with class differences and Janes poor family connections which can not stop him from falling in love with Jane. Jane Austen expresses her opinion of this through Elizabeth in th

26、e novel:Elizabeth really believed all his Bingley expectations of felicity to be rationally founded, because they had for basis the excellent understanding, and super-excellent disposition of Jane, and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and himself. (p. 308)Bingley is far from the

27、 man who is strong and determined which always makes their love story in danger. When their romance goes smoothly, he leaves Jane suddenly because Bingley is gullible to believe anyone, under the influence of Darcy, he begins to doubt Janes affection to himself, so he leaves her without saying goodb

28、ye. Having been informed of Bingleys departure, Jane is in great distress, but she pretends to be all right and says nothing about her sadness. Jane is liable to keep a passive attitude towards anything. Finally when all misunderstanding is clarified, he comes back to Jane through Darcy and Elizabet

29、hs assistance. The first marriage presents in the novel is the marriage between Charlotte and Collins. Collins is a conceited and foolish young man, he would inherit the estate of Longbourn and the property of Mr. Bennet after his death, which would deprive the five daughters of Mr. Bennet of everyt

30、hing.Collins is pompous and narrow-minded who never possess his own conception of love, he intends to get married merely because it is the specific advice and recommendation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. To begin with, he makes up his mind to marry one of the daughters of Mr. Bennet as a way of recon

31、ciliation with the Longbourn family. The beautiful Jane, undoubtedly is his first choice. But when he is informed that Jane is privately engaged, he easily decides that Elizabeth who is equally next to Jane in birth and beauty would be his second goal as an alternative. Collins makes two times of pr

32、oposal to Elizabeth but she refused him in return. Having been refused by Elizabeth, he quickly marries Chalotte. In the novel Austen presents how soon Collins makes this decision: “in as short time as Mr. Collins long speeches would allow, everything was settled between them to the satisfaction of

33、both” (p. 128).We can see here that his love to Charlotte is by no means sincere and ardent. To Collins, a wife is his real concern, it doesnt matter who she is! Charlotte seems to be a mediocre and vain young lady. She accepts Collins solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishmen

34、t. Her plainness and eagerness to get married prevent her from discovering Collins pomposity and foolishness.The combination of dissolute Wickham and empty-minded Lydia results in a sex-orientated marriage.Wickham first appears as a very charming fellow. But his character, on the contrary, was mean

35、and wicked. Jane Austen describes him like this in the novel:a curious degree of sexual attraction often goes with a lively, unreliable disposition, which may either be somewhat superficial but perfectly well-meaning, or driven by circumstance which it has not the strength to withstand, become that

36、of a scoundrel. (p. 251)Lydia is a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen, also is the favorite one to her mother, whose affection has brought her into public at an early age. Lydia is also an empty-minded girl who never ceases seeking her own fun and sexual excitement. The only interest in her life is t

37、o flirt with red-coated officials in a militia regiment in the neighborhood. Therefore, her elopement with Wickham is not very sudden. It really leaves us some rooms to contemplate Wickhams real motivation. Lydia is not rich, it seems that it is not sensible for Wickham to elope with her. Neverthele

38、ss, further reading tells us that Wickhams real motivation. First, he is a dissolute man who never ceases seeking sexual passion. Second, he avails himself of a chance to flee his creditors. His flight is rendered necessary by distress of circumstances rather than by his affection to Lydia.2.2 Influ

39、ential Factors on MarriageHappy or not, the above four marriages are deeply influenced by various factors. Therefore, the following part is an analysis of those factors, and from which, we may find Jane Austens own viewpoint on marriages. 2.2.1 Womens Social StatusThe position of women in the 19th c

40、entury was very low. At that time, feminism was not paid attention to by common people (Zhou, 1997). Practically, everyone believed that men were the dominant sex in the society. Women were considered not only lower than men, but also very indifferent. The purpose of their lives was marriage and the

41、ir only proper sphere was the family, while men had all the rest of the world to show their talents. According to Ilannah More (1987), “to a woman moral excellence is the grand object of education; and of moral excellence, domestic life is to woman the appropriate sphere.”2.2.2 Personal Characters a

42、nd ValuesIn fact, personality is also a main factor affects ones marriage. As we know, the attitude towards marriage could make their marriage happy or not. In most cases, personality decides ones attitude. In the successful marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane Austen is showing one of the best cha

43、racteristics that a woman can have: an unconventional free will. She chooses to remain true love to her best by her heart and her own good sense. In the novel, her refusal of Collins pompous proposal is a mirror which reflects her perception and character. Elizabeth lives in an acquisitive society i

44、n which treats a penniless old maid less as a joke than as an exasperating burden upon her own family. If she is not lucky enough to marry a rich man, she would not have enough money to support her future life, which she is fully aware of. Nevertheless Elizabeth turns down Collins proposal against h

45、er mothers will, because no love ever existed between them. Then comes the proposal of Darcy, yet her prejudice against Darcy ensures the same result. There are three things Elizabeth seriously holds against Darcy: she thinks that Darcy has spoiled Janes chances with Bingley; that he has done this b

46、ecause he despises the social position of her family and that he has ruined Wickhams career without due causes. Obviously, Darcys proposal is more impressing than that of Collins, as it derives from the true affection. But his haughty words insults Elizabeths self esteem. She is by no means to sacri

47、fice her self-esteem to accept Darcys court.Then comes Lady Catherines visit. She is Darcys aunt and come to clarify the rumor that Darcy has engaged with Elizabeth. Hoping Darcy to marry her own daughter, she has charged down with characteristic bad manners to order Elizabeth not to accept Darcys p

48、roposal. The spirited girl is not to be intimidated by the bullying Lady Catherine and coolly refuses to promise not to marry Darcy. We can get better understanding of Darcys character through Lydia and Wickhams case. He certainly has deep aversion to Wickham for he has seduced his sister in vain an

49、d slanders him maliciously. However, his affection for Elizabeth outweighs anything else. He does his utmost to rescue Lydia and Wickham from their trouble. He meets Lydia and Wickham several times, extricates them from their debts and assists them in their marriage. Without consideration of humilia

50、tion and social position, he does all these things secretly and consciously. The only motive he professes is that his conviction of its being owing to himself that Wickhams worthlessness has not been so well-known, as to make it impossible for any young women of character, to love or confide in him.

51、Jane and Bingleys marriage is once at risk. This is because both Jane and Bingley are countenance and easy to be affected by others or the circumstances. Bingleys indecisive character determines that his happiness is controlled by others. We can see this point from Darcys letter to Elizabeth:her loo

52、k and manners were open, cheerful and engaging as ever, but without any symptom of peculiar regard, and I remained convinced from the evening, that though she received his attentions with pleasure, she did not invite them by any participation of sentiment. (p. 275)Under the influence of Darcy, Bingl

53、ey begins to doubt Jane affection to him, he leaves her without saying goodbye.Jane is always passive and tries to conceal her true feeling. They finally get married under the help of Darcy and Elizabeth. 2.2.3 Pursuit of WealthProperty in a marriage is the subject matter of the whole novel, and it

54、plays an important role in marriage at that time. The four marriages in the novel are all involved with money (Liu, 1992), among which the successful marriage such as Elizabeth and Darcys and Jane and Bingleys are partly based on property, while Charlotte and Collins marriage is mainly affected by m

55、oney.In the marriage of Charlotte and Collins, Charlotte accepts Collins solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment. Her mediocre perception and eagerness to get married prevent her from detecting Collins pomposity and foolishness. We can also see her attitude towards love and

56、 marriage from her words to Elizabeth in the novel:happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the disposition of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before hand, it doesnt advance their felicity in the least. They always contrive to grow sufficiently un

57、like afterwards to have their share of vexation and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life. (p. 132)This is her idea of marriage, which accounts for her instant marriage with Collins. Besides, Collins is the only alternative to penury and social isolation.Charlottes letters about her married life to Elizabeth fully reveals her vain character. She writes cheerfully, seems to be surrounded with comforts and m