Pride and Prejudice

Society placed extreme value on women’s “virtue,” especially in relation to marriage prospects, highlights patriarchal control, as a woman’s worth was often tied to her perceived purity rather than her intelligence, character, or talents.

“Loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable”

During the Regency era, women were faced with ideal of an accomplished woman and the rigid standards in order to find a suitable husband.

“A woman must have… knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages”

Lydia’s scandal risks ruining Elizabeth’s relationship with Darcy and the prospects of marriage for the rest of the Bennet sisters.

“[Elizabeth’s] power was sinking; everything must sink under such a proof of family weakness”

Both characters are driven by superficial attraction and self-interest rather than moral integrity or long-term compatibility

“So imprudent a match on both sides”

Wealth, social connections, and family reputation were seen as essential “temptations” for a man to consider marriage.

“She has no money, no connections, nothing that can tempt him”

Austen cautions the reader of the consequences of immaturity, and the dangers of marrying for desire rather than virtue or prudence

“Passions were stronger than their virtue“

Lady Catherine De Bourgh represents the entrenched belief in the supremacy of birthright and highlights her obsession with lineage

“Shades of Pemberly to be thus polluted”

Lady Catherine insists that Darcy must marry within his own social sphere to preserve his family’s dignity.

“A connection with you must disgrace him”

Austen satirises Lady Catherine’s arrogance, revealing how birthright often fosters entitlement rather than virtue.

“Woman of inferior birth, of no importance”

Establishes the centrality of an advantageous marriage, a fundamental social value of Regency England.

‘Single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”